Dr. Sandra Michele Finch – Dentist | White Rock, BC

Dr. Sandra Michele Finch is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in White Rock, BC, Dr. Finch is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Finch 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. Finch 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. Finch 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. Sandra Michele Finch earned a Dental Degree. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Finch has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Finch is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Finch remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Finch's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Finch provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sandra Michele Finch 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

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• 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.

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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

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

• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Designing, fabricating, and fitting comfortable, functional, and natural-looking complete dentures (for patients missing all teeth in an arch) or partial dentures (for patients missing some teeth) to restore chewing ability, speech, and smile aesthetics. Options may include implant-supported dentures for enhanced stability.

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

At Dr. Sandra Michele Finch'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. Finch frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Finch expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of an urgent need to replace a recently lost front tooth before other teeth started to shift or their appearance was significantly affected. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the bump or swelling on their gums being diagnosed and appropriately treated, resolving their worry, means they can happily and comfortably get back to their dentures allowing them to enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities with Dr. Finch's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child sleeping soundly again after a painful toothache was resolved and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy concentrating fully on their work or studies without the distraction of dental discomfort once more.
• Are you struggling with a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food? Dr. Finch partners with patients to target their child calmly receiving dental injections due to a patient and skilled approach, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth a much more achievable reality.
• Dr. Finch provides dedicated support for patients going through their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling, always aiming for positive outcomes like achieving their dream smile through a well-planned and executed smile makeover, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance.

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

Dr. Finch's practice, a dental office in White Rock, is situated in a central location within the White Rock neighborhood of White Rock. The clinic is conveniently located near local shops and community amenities and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors receiving specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to verify your eligibility for any potential public coverage and to carefully review the details of your private dental insurance policy (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) <strong>before</strong> commencing treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Finch at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Finch will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Finch will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Finch is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages. They offer a wide range of services, including preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may offer cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. General Dentists also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex dental needs.

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

For most adults, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months. However, Dr. Finch will personalize the recommended schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high risk for cavities might need more frequent visits (e.g., every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. Always follow Dr. Finch's specific recommendations.

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

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays which utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used during the procedure. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Finch will determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, a referral is typically not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Finch.

70-1480 Foster St
White Rock, BC, V4B 3X7

Phone: (604) 531-7779

Dr. Sandra Michele Finch 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. Finch 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.