Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin – Dentist | Gatineau, QC

Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin is a Dentiste. Practicing at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL in Gatineau, QC, Dr Poulin is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr Poulin is licensed by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in QC. Dr Poulin provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr Poulin serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL.

Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin earned a Dental Degree. Dr Poulin brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr Poulin is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr Poulin remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available. Dr Poulin's ongoing professional development reflects their dedication to providing exceptional care and achieving optimal patient outcomes.

Key aspects of Dr Poulin's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr Poulin strives to foster a comfortable and reassuring environment where patients feel understood and respected. Dr Poulin provides consultations in English.

Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr Poulin. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Repairing cavities and minor tooth defects with durable, natural-looking composite resin fillings that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Poulin. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin adhere to scope of practice for Dentistes in QC and standards of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

At CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr Poulin frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing experiencing a persistently dry mouth (xerostomia) feeling, making it uncomfortable to speak or swallow is a common journey for patients under Dr Poulin's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling receiving clear dental clearance before a major medical procedure, ensuring their overall health is prioritized, so that daily routines and pleasures like being able to eat in public restaurants without anxiety about their teeth or dentures become straightforward again.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr Poulin to see patients who were troubled by a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems successfully achieve their smile looking noticeably brighter and whiter after professional whitening treatment. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like feeling comfortable and pain-free throughout their day, no longer bothered by a nagging dental problem.
• Understanding the frustration a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them can cause, Dr Poulin tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their old, failing crown being replaced with a new, perfectly fitting, and aesthetic restoration, allowing for renewed participation in activities like knowing their teeth are well-protected from decay and damage.
• If experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite is preventing you from fully enjoying simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly or causing discomfort, Dr Poulin offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr Poulin, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr Poulin is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL, where Dr Poulin practices, is situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near La Cité Collégiale and is accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) (includes Rapibus BRT). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist like Dr Poulin. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr Poulin identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. If unsure, check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance provider.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL's regular office hours?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency (e.g., severe uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing due to facial swelling, significant facial trauma), please go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911 immediately. For urgent dental issues that are not life-threatening but require prompt attention outside of CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL’s hours (such as severe toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a dental abscess with moderate swelling, or a broken tooth causing sharp pain), please call our main office number at (819) 770-4944. Our voicemail message may provide instructions for emergency contact with Dr Poulin or another on-call dentist, or direct you to an emergency dental service available in the Gatineau area.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr Poulin for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr Poulin will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk), while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr Poulin's specific recommendation.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentiste) like Dr Poulin typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr Poulin is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

In QC, provincial health plans (like RAMQ) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). Verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr Poulin will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr Poulin at CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL?

Your first visit will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr Poulin will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr Poulin?

Typically, no referral is needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Contact CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL directly.

CLINIQUE DENTAIRE DE HULL
600 Boul. Saint-Joseph
Gatineau, QC, J8Y 4A7

Phone: (819) 770-4944

Dr. Marie-Christine Poulin is a licensed Dentiste in QC, regulated by The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ) under the Code des professions & Loi sur les dentistes (Québec).

License Number: 21209

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr Poulin and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.