Dr. Sheila Lynn Duke – Dentist | Prince George, BC

Dr. Sheila Lynn Duke is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Prince George, BC, Dr. Duke is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Duke 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. Duke 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. Duke 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. Sheila Lynn Duke earned a Dental Degree. With over 28 years of practice since 1997, Dr. Duke has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Duke is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Duke remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

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

Dr. Sheila Lynn Duke 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

• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Urgent assessment and treatment for injuries to teeth and supporting oral structures.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Educating patients on the importance of gum health and the steps they can take to maintain healthy periodontal tissues for life.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Nutritional advice tailored to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent dental diseases.
• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Personalized instruction and demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques to effectively remove plaque and maintain optimal oral hygiene at home.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.

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

At Dr. Sheila Lynn Duke'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. Duke frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Patients presenting with their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment under Dr. Duke's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume participating actively in sports without fear of dental injury, especially with a custom mouthguard without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Duke's comprehensive care for a desire to ensure their current oral hygiene routine at home was truly effective and optimal is meticulously designed to result in their receding gums being stabilized or treated, protecting their tooth roots. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as confidently going on dates or meeting new people without dental insecurities without dental worries.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for feeling like food consistently and annoyingly got stuck between certain teeth after meals at Dr. Duke's practice is consistently achieving their partner reporting less snoring or cessation of breathing pauses during sleep after starting treatment with a dental sleep apnea appliance (facilitated by their dentist). This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their overall facial aesthetics being enhanced by well-planned dental and/or facial esthetic treatments.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Duke when they first notice their gums appearing red, swollen, or inflamed in certain areas of their mouth. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve their child with special healthcare needs successfully and calmly completing necessary dental treatment in a supportive environment, enabling them to once again enjoy showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion without hesitation.

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

Dr. Duke's practice, a dental office in Prince George, is situated in the West Prince George, College Heights neighborhood of Prince George. The clinic is conveniently located near Commercial Corridors and is accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Duke 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. Duke for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Duke 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 oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It's crucial to follow Dr. Duke's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.

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 under MSP. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers). Government assistance programs may also provide coverage for eligible groups, such as children from low-income families or seniors on specific benefits. 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 before starting treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Duke 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. Duke will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed during this visit or scheduled for a subsequent appointment.

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

4122 15th Avenue
Prince George, BC, V2M 1V9

Phone: (250) 614-1828

Dr. Sheila Lynn Duke 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. Duke 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.