Dr. Michael Patrick Hansford – Dentist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Michael Patrick Hansford is a Dentist. Practicing at Smile Dentistry - Valleyview in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Hansford is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hansford 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. Hansford 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. Hansford 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 Smile Dentistry - Valleyview.

Dr. Michael Patrick Hansford earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Hansford has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hansford is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most current and effective treatments, reflecting Dr. Hansford's dedication to professional excellence and staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry.

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

Dr. Michael Patrick Hansford provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Seeking regular preventative care to maintain oral health, even in the absence of specific problems.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• 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.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.

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

• Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Routine scaling and polishing to prevent cavities, gum disease, and maintain a fresh, bright smile.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Guidance on the best tools and methods for cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly to prevent dental problems.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Custom-crafted bridges providing a stable, functional, and natural-looking replacement for lost teeth, preventing shifting of remaining teeth.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Using specialized dental cameras to provide clear, magnified images of your teeth and gums, enhancing diagnosis and patient education.

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

At Smile Dentistry - Valleyview, 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. Hansford frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Hansford provides dedicated support for patients going through experiencing significant gum bleeding every time they flossed, indicating possible gingivitis or early gum disease, always aiming for positive outcomes like their gums no longer bleeding during brushing, indicating healthier gum tissue, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped.
• Understanding the frustration concerns about potential hereditary dental problems or conditions present in their family history can cause, Dr. Hansford tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again, allowing for renewed participation in activities like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Hansford to see patients who were troubled by an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear successfully achieve feeling a renewed sense of confidence in their smile and overall appearance. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort.
• When a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Hansford helps patients strive for feeling confident that their gum health is being actively maintained, preventing future problems. This makes participating in activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Smile Dentistry - Valleyview, where Dr. Hansford practices, is situated in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near Sahali Centre Mall and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hansford will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Hansford's specific recommendation for optimal oral health.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Hansford for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with Smile Dentistry - Valleyview.

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 always used. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hansford 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).

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

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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). It is strongly recommended that you verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment at Smile Dentistry - Valleyview.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hansford at Smile Dentistry - Valleyview?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hansford and the team at Smile Dentistry - Valleyview 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. Hansford will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Hansford 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 provide education on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

Smile Dentistry - Valleyview
65-1967 Trans Canada Hwy E
Kamloops, BC, V2C 4A4

Phone: (250) 374-2615

Dr. Michael Patrick Hansford 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. Hansford 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.