Dr. Shih Jia Pauline Lee – Dentist | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Shih Jia Pauline Lee is a Pediatric Dentist. Practicing at a pediatric dentist practice in Abbotsford, BC, Dr. Lee is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lee 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. As a certified specialist in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lee provides comprehensive and specialized preventative and therapeutic oral health care exclusively for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs. This includes behavior guidance, sedation, and treatment of early childhood caries and developmental dental issues. Dr. Lee 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. Shih Jia Pauline Lee earned a Dental Degree. This was followed by specialized training in advanced training to become a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Lee brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. Dr. Lee is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Lee remains at the forefront of advancements in pediatric dentistry, consistently employing the latest techniques and technologies to deliver exceptional care to their young patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Lee's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Lee is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese and Mandarin.

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Shih Jia Pauline Lee 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.

Early Childhood Caries

• Aggressive Tooth Decay (Cavities) in Infants & Toddlers (ECC): Presence of one or more decayed, missing (due to decay), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child 71 months of age or younger, often rapidly progressing and affecting multiple teeth, particularly the upper front teeth.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Seeking advice on how to improve brushing, flossing, or overall oral hygiene techniques.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Customized dental approaches to accommodate children with diverse health backgrounds, sensory sensitivities, and varying levels of cooperation, ensuring they receive optimal oral healthcare in a supportive and appropriately adapted setting.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Specialized considerations for dental treatment in pediatric patients with underlying illnesses.

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

• Comprehensive Oral Health Care for Infants, Children & Adolescents: Tailored dental services to meet the unique needs of growing smiles, from first tooth to teenage years.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• 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.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.

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

As a specialist in Specialty Practice in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Lee is dedicated to helping patients achieve significant improvements related to their specific and often complex oral health needs. At Dr. Shih Jia Pauline Lee's practice, the focus is on partnering with you towards outcomes such as:

• When a desire for a more permanent, comfortable, and functional solution than their current removable partial denture starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health, Dr. Lee and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by gaining a clear understanding of their child's orthodontic needs and the available treatment options and a return to comfort and confidence.
• Through Dr. Lee's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their child experiencing a dental emergency, such as a badly broken tooth or facial swelling often find they can readily achieve a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like no longer needing to cut food into tiny pieces or avoid certain textures due to dental problems.
• Overcoming or effectively managing wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances is a common journey for patients under Dr. Lee's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, so that daily routines and pleasures like simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly become straightforward again.
• If persistent bad breath (halitosis) that didn't seem to improve despite good hygiene is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Lee develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.

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

Dr. Lee's practice is a dental office located in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood of Abbotsford. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Costco and is easily accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). 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 only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Lee 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).

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

Your first visit with Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Lee will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some 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). Following Dr. Lee's specific recommendation is essential.

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. Lee 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.

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Lee for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

303-1945 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3N2

Phone: (236) 258-8844

Dr. Shih Jia Pauline Lee is a licensed Pediatric 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. Lee 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.