Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Murray – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Murray is a Dentist. Practicing at Hillside Dental in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Murray is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Murray is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Murray 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. Murray 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 Hillside Dental.

Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Murray earned a Dental Degree. With over 31 years of practice since 1994, Dr. Murray has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Murray is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Murray's unwavering dedication to excellence in patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Murray's dental practice philosophy include fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Murray provides consultations in English.

Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Murray 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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

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

• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Saving natural teeth from extraction by treating the inner pulp tissue, commonly for straightforward root canal procedures on teeth with predictable anatomy.
• 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.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Murray. 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. Maureen Elizabeth Murray adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Hillside Dental, 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. Murray frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Murray with concerns about a dental problem or discomfort that they had been avoiding or putting off addressing for far too long. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak, making a positive and lasting return to being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought not just possible, but highly feasible.
• With Dr. Murray's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity is focused on achieving feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums without dental concerns.
• Patients experiencing their child being overdue for their regular dental visit and preventative care often express a desire to improve their oral health and function. At Dr. Murray's practice, a key objective is successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• The journey from a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation to wellness often involves Dr. Murray's dedicated care. The milestone is their smile looking its absolute best for an important upcoming wedding, graduation, or other special event, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.

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

Hillside Dental, where Dr. Murray practices, is situated in the Sahali North, Upper Sahali neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near major access routes and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often employer-sponsored), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-pays, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment at Hillside Dental.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Murray at Hillside Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Murray and the Hillside Dental team will focus on understanding your oral health. You'll complete a medical history form, discuss any dental concerns or goals, and undergo a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken for a comprehensive assessment. Dr. Murray will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatments. This is an ideal time to ask questions.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays using minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Murray will determine the frequency based on your individual needs, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No referral is typically needed to see a general dentist. You can contact Hillside Dental directly to schedule an appointment with Dr. Murray.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Murray will personalize your schedule based on your oral health needs, risk factors (cavities, gum disease), and existing conditions (e.g., those managing gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits). Always follow Dr. Murray's specific recommendations.

Hillside Dental
303-1150 Hillside Dr
Kamloops, BC, V2E 2N1

Phone: (250) 374-4818

Dr. Maureen Elizabeth Murray is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Murray 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.