Dr. Rafia Ahmed – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Rafia Ahmed is a Dentist. Practicing at VAHS dental clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Ahmed is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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 VAHS dental clinic.

Dr. Rafia Ahmed earned a Dental Degree. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Ahmed is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ahmed remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatment options available. Dr. Ahmed's professional journey reflects a dedication to both clinical excellence and continuous learning, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.

Key aspects of Dr. Ahmed's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Ahmed believes in building strong, trusting relationships with patients, providing a supportive and comfortable environment for all dental procedures. Dr. Ahmed is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Dr. Rafia Ahmed 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 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): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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.

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

• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Custom-fabricated porcelain or composite resin inlays (fitting precisely within the tooth cusps) and onlays (covering one or more cusps) to restore moderately damaged teeth while preserving maximum healthy tooth structure.
• 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.
• 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.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.

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

At VAHS dental clinic, 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. Ahmed frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their teeth appearing noticeably longer than before, often a sign of progressive gum recession at Dr. Ahmed's practice is consistently achieving an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding.
• A key objective when treating a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them at Dr. Ahmed's welcoming dental clinic is achieving their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child looking forward to dental visits rather than fearing them.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Ahmed to see patients who were troubled by their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling successfully achieve successfully replacing their missing tooth with a strong, natural-looking dental implant. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child having a severe toothache that kept them up at night and required immediate attention is a common journey for patients under Dr. Ahmed's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion, so that daily routines and pleasures like their children being able to enjoy treats in moderation without an excessive fear of immediate cavities due to good preventative care become straightforward again.

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

VAHS dental clinic, where Dr. Ahmed practices, is situated in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), Gastown, Chinatown neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Robson Square and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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 most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries conducted in a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance (often provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment at VAHS dental clinic.

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

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

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

For most adults, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Ahmed will personalize this 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 require more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months for active gum disease), while others with excellent oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Always follow Dr. Ahmed's specific recommendations.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Ahmed provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on simpler teeth), simple extractions, initial gum disease management, and potentially some cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also provide oral hygiene education and refer to specialists when necessary for more complex cases.

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist like Dr. Ahmed. Patients can contact VAHS dental clinic directly to arrange a visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ahmed at VAHS dental clinic?

Your first appointment will involve completing a medical history form, discussing your dental concerns and goals with Dr. Ahmed, and undergoing a thorough oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Ahmed will then explain their findings and recommend any necessary treatment. It's a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

VAHS dental clinic
455 Hastings St E
Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P5

Phone: (604) 254-9900

Dr. Rafia Ahmed 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. Ahmed 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.