Dr. Samuel James Hickman – Dentist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Samuel James Hickman is a Prosthodontist. Practicing at Hickman Specialist Group Dental in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Hickman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hickman is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. As a certified specialist in Prosthodontics, Dr. Hickman focuses on the advanced restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth to restore oral function and aesthetics. Services include complex crowns, bridges, veneers, complete and partial dentures, implant-supported prostheses (crowns, bridges, dentures), full mouth reconstructions, and management of TMJ/occlusal disorders related to bite problems. Dr. Hickman 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 Hickman Specialist Group Dental.

Dr. Samuel James Hickman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Sydney, graduating in 2011. This was followed by specialized training in advanced specialty training in Prosthodontist at the University of Minnesota in 2018. Dr. Hickman brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Hickman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hickman remains at the forefront of advancements in prosthodontics, consistently delivering the highest quality of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Hickman's dental practice philosophy include a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health. Dr. Hickman provides consultations in English.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Prosthodontics, Dr. Samuel James Hickman addresses specific and often complex oral health conditions such as:

Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs

• Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Requiring advanced three-dimensional imaging to precisely visualize teeth, bone structures, nerve pathways, sinuses, and TMJ in intricate detail.

Advanced Cosmetic Dental Needs

• Desire for Highly Aesthetic or Complex Cosmetic Smile Makeover (Specialist Prosthodontic Level): Seeking a complete and sophisticated smile transformation involving multiple teeth, addressing complex aesthetic challenges (e.g., severe discoloration, major shape/size discrepancies, uneven gum lines, canted smile lines), or requiring the use of advanced materials (e.g., custom-shaded porcelain veneers/crowns) and artistic techniques often best handled by a prosthodontist with specialized training in dental aesthetics.

Complex Tooth Restoration Needs

• Extensively Damaged, Worn, or Multiple Missing Teeth Requiring Advanced Prosthetic Restoration: Significant loss of tooth structure due to severe decay, advanced wear (attrition, erosion, abrasion), fractures from trauma, or multiple missing teeth, necessitating complex and comprehensive restorative solutions often best managed by a prosthodontist. This can include full mouth rehabilitation, advanced crown and bridge work, precision attachment partial dentures, or implant-supported full-arch prostheses.

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

• Full Mouth Reconstruction & Rehabilitation: A multidisciplinary approach (often coordinating with other specialists) to rehabilitate oral function, comfort, and appearance in patients with extensive dental problems.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Comprehensive dental imaging services, including panoramic and intraoral X-rays, to aid in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
• Management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) & Occlusal Problems (Prosthodontic Approach): Diagnosis and management of complex TMJ disorders and bite (occlusal) problems, often involving occlusal appliance therapy, bite adjustments, or restorative treatments to establish a harmonious and functional occlusion.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hickman. 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. Samuel James Hickman adhere to scope of practice for Prosthodontists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Prosthodontics, Dr. Hickman is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Hickman Specialist Group Dental, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning at Dr. Hickman's practice is consistently achieving experiencing a significant reduction or complete resolution of a dull, aching pain in their jaw joint area. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
• Dr. Hickman often consults with patients whose a noticeable gap between their front teeth that they had always wished to close significantly limits their enjoyment of their child being able_to focus on learning and playing without the interruption of dental pain or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve gaining peace of mind about their family's hereditary dental risks through informed discussion and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Are you struggling with a specific tooth that had become very sensitive to sweet foods or drinks, which was a new symptom for them? Dr. Hickman partners with patients to target the inflammation around their dental implant being successfully treated, ensuring its longevity, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as their child actively participating in preventative dental care and understanding its importance a much more achievable reality.
• When a desire for professional advice on how to effectively stop their child's cavities from getting worse or prevent new ones from forming begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Hickman helps patients strive for the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This makes participating in activities such as experiencing the relief of a resolved dental infection and the return to normal comfort a pleasant and possible experience again.

Your specialized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hickman, will be meticulously designed to address your unique concerns and help you reach your specific objectives within their area of expertise. Dr. Hickman is committed to providing the highest standard of specialized care, tailored to your individual needs.

Hickman Specialist Group Dental is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 taken only when diagnostically necessary, for example, for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hickman 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).

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hickman will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and 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 is important to follow Dr. Hickman's specific recommendation.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hickman at Hickman Specialist Group Dental?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hickman and the team at Hickman Specialist Group Dental 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. Hickman will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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). Always verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and check your private dental insurance details before starting treatment.

Does Hickman Specialist Group Dental offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

Yes, for your convenience, Hickman Specialist Group Dental offers direct billing (also known as assignment of benefits) to most major dental insurance companies. This means we can submit your claim electronically directly to your insurer at the time of your appointment. You would then typically be responsible for paying any co-payment, deductible, or the portion of the fee not covered by your specific plan at the time of service. Please bring all your current insurance information (policy number, group number, ID number) to your appointment so we can assist you.

Do I need a referral from my general dentist to see a dental specialist (e.g., Orthodontist, Periodontist)?

While some dental specialists may accept patients directly, it is often recommended and sometimes required by the specialist or insurance plans to have a referral from a general dentist. A referral ensures the specialist has relevant background information and that the visit is appropriate. If Dr. Hickman identifies a need for specialist care, they will provide a referral to ensure coordinated care. Check with the specific specialist's office or your insurance if unsure.

My dentures are loose and uncomfortable. Can a Prosthodontist like Dr. Hickman help improve their fit and function?

Yes, a Prosthodontist like Dr. Hickman specializes in creating and fitting dentures. They can assess existing dentures for relines or adjustments, or design new, better-fitting conventional dentures or explore options like implant-supported dentures for significantly improved stability and comfort.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Hickman Specialist Group Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Hickman.

Hickman Specialist Group Dental
1379 Bank St
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8N3

Phone: (613) 731-1961

Dr. Samuel James Hickman is a licensed Prosthodontist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 118408

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=118408

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