Dr. Shao Tong Huo – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Shao Tong Huo is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Huo is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Huo 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. Huo 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. Huo 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. Shao Tong Huo earned a Dental Degree. With over 16 years of practice since 2009, Dr. Huo has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Huo 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. Huo's dedication to professional excellence and a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry.

Key aspects of Dr. Huo's dental practice philosophy include: a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Huo is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

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

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.

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.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Gum Disease Initial

• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Fostering informed decision-making through comprehensive patient education about their dental health status and available treatment pathways.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Dedicated time to review diagnostic findings, explain recommended procedures, and collaboratively create a dental care strategy that meets your needs and goals.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Standard tooth removal procedures for non-impacted teeth that do not require complex surgical intervention.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): More involved tooth extractions that are beyond simple forceps removal, potentially including careful elevation of soft tissues for better visibility and access (for less complex surgical cases appropriate for a GP setting).
• 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. Huo. 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. Shao Tong Huo adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Shao Tong Huo'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. Huo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is preventing you from fully enjoying feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations or causing discomfort, Dr. Huo offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their slightly crooked front teeth being straightened effectively with a conservative cosmetic option through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Through Dr. Huo's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their child's prolonged thumb-sucking habit and concerns about its impact on their teeth and jaw development often find they can readily achieve understanding the cause of their tooth wear and having a plan to prevent further damage and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like delivering important presentations or public speeches with clarity and self-assurance.
• The journey from their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed to wellness often involves Dr. Huo's dedicated care. The milestone is their sensitive teeth becoming much less reactive to hot and cold, making eating enjoyable again, which opens the door back to activities such as no longer experiencing the embarrassment or discomfort of ill-fitting or noticeable dental work.
• If an interest in straightening their teeth but a strong preference for avoiding traditional metal braces, exploring clear aligner options has unfortunately put showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Huo works closely with patients towards attaining feeling refreshed and clean after a thorough professional dental cleaning and check-up, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.

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

Dr. Huo's practice is a dental office conveniently located in the Renfrew-Collingwood West, Killarney East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic enjoys easy access to public transportation, being situated near Canada Line Stations and 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. Huo?

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Huo.

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

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

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Huo 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. Huo 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 more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals between appointments. It is important to follow Dr. Huo's specific recommendations.

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

In British Columbia, the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan, or MSP) typically does <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting <em>might</em> be covered by MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients, or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It is important to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance plan regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Huo provides primary dental care for patients of all ages. This includes a wide range of services such as preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, 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). General dentists also educate patients on proper oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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 to further minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, to assess bone health, or to plan more complex treatments. Dr. Huo 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).

Does our clinic offer direct billing to dental insurance companies (assignment of benefits)?

While we do not offer direct billing to insurance companies at this time (meaning payment in full is due at the time of service), we will provide you with all the necessary standardized dental claim forms and detailed official receipts. You can then easily submit these to your dental insurance provider for prompt reimbursement according to your policy terms and coverage. Our administrative team is happy to assist you with understanding the forms if needed.

2559 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC, V5R 5H3

Phone: (604) 433-8228

Dr. Shao Tong Huo 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. Huo 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.