Dr. Meghan Marie Mary Dunphy – Dentist | Vernon, BC

Dr. Meghan Marie Mary Dunphy is a Dentist. Practicing at Downtown Dental and Orthodontics in Vernon, BC, Dr. Dunphy is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Dunphy 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. Dunphy 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. Dunphy 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 Downtown Dental and Orthodontics.

Dr. Meghan Marie Mary Dunphy earned a Dental Degree. With over 3 years of practice since 2022, Dr. Dunphy's clinical experience has provided a solid foundation for their current practice. Dr. Dunphy 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. Dunphy's dedication to providing exceptional care.

Key aspects of Dr. Dunphy's dental practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible. Dr. Dunphy provides consultations in English.

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

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Emergency management of traumatic dental injuries to maximize the chances of successful reimplantation or repair.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

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

• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

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

At Downtown Dental and Orthodontics, 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. Dunphy frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Dunphy's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them is focused on achieving their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet without dental concerns.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Dunphy about a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is to attain the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity. This success not only improves oral health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about at Dr. Dunphy's practice is consistently achieving their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.
• Patients presenting with their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of clarity on their child's dental eruption sequence and any potential developmental concerns under Dr. Dunphy's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Downtown Dental and Orthodontics, where Dr. Dunphy practices, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Okanagan Lake Access and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Dunphy at Downtown Dental and Orthodontics?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Dunphy and the team at Downtown Dental and Orthodontics will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Dunphy will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What cosmetic dentistry options might Dr. Dunphy offer to improve the appearance of my smile?

Dr. Dunphy focuses on comprehensive general dentistry for overall oral health. While many restorative procedures also have excellent aesthetic outcomes, if you have specific advanced cosmetic concerns, they can discuss basic aesthetic improvements available or provide a referral to a dentist specializing in cosmetic procedures or a prosthodontist if more advanced treatment is desired.

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

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

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Dunphy typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Dunphy 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 treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer some cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Dunphy. You can contact Downtown Dental and Orthodontics directly to book your visit.

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

Modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using minimal radiation, and protective lead aprons are used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Dunphy will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Downtown Dental and Orthodontics
4a 3500 30 street
Vernon, BC, V1T 5E8

Phone: (250) 542-1315

Dr. Meghan Marie Mary Dunphy 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. Dunphy 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.