Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chang is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chang 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. Chang 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. Chang 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 the clinic.

Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang earned a Dental Degree. With over 27 years of practice since 1998, Dr. Chang has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chang is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chang remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Chang's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Chang provides consultations in English.

Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): A pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection, often at the root of a tooth or in the gums, causing pain, swelling, and requiring drainage and/or antibiotic treatment.

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.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chang. 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): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Durable and precisely fitting partial crowns designed to preserve more natural tooth structure while effectively repairing significant decay or fractures on the chewing surfaces.

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

At Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang's practice, 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. Chang frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chang to see patients who were troubled by a strong desire to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their smile successfully achieve their old, unsightly silver filling being replaced with a natural-looking tooth-coloured restoration. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.
• Understanding the frustration an impacted tooth (often a wisdom tooth) that their previous dentist had mentioned might require monitoring or future attention can cause, Dr. Chang tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development, allowing for renewed participation in activities like their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.
• If a wish to improve the aesthetics of their smile for an upcoming special life event, such as a wedding or graduation is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing or causing discomfort, Dr. Chang offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• The journey from a tooth getting accidentally knocked out or avulsed during a sports game or accident to wellness often involves Dr. Chang's dedicated care. The milestone is achieving their desired level of teeth whiteness safely and effectively under professional supervision, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.

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

Dr. Chang's dental office is located in the Downtown Vancouver (West End North, Stanley Park) neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Granville Island and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

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

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Chang 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. Following Dr. Chang's specific recommendation is key.

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, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting 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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Chang 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. Chang at the clinic?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Chang and the team will get to know you and your oral health history. You'll fill out a medical history form, discuss any dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Chang will then explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Chang 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 may include cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). Dr. Chang also provides education on oral hygiene and refers to specialists for more complex needs.

107-1030 Denman St
Vancouver, BC, V6G 2M6

Phone: (604) 688-3335

Dr. Michelle Ding-Lun Chang 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. Chang 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.