Dr. Shirley Shu Ning Ho – Dentist | Markham, ON

Dr. Shirley Shu Ning Ho is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry in Markham, ON, Dr. Ho is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Ho 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. Dr. Ho 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. Ho 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 Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry.

Dr. Shirley Shu Ning Ho earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2000. With over 24 years of practice since 2001, Dr. Ho has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Ho is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Ho remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Ho's dental practice philosophy include a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Ho provides consultations in English.

Dr. Shirley Shu Ning Ho provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

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: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Lost Filling or Crown: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.
• 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.

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

• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Complete dental check-ups to assess your current oral health status, identify any existing issues, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Providing custom-made night guards (occlusal splints) to protect teeth from the effects of nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• 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.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ho. 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. Shirley Shu Ning Ho adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry, 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. Ho frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Ho to see patients who were troubled by an old dental filling falling out or a crown feeling loose, unstable, or detaching successfully achieve feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• When a single tooth that had become noticeably darker in color than the adjacent teeth, possibly after trauma starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion, Dr. Ho and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations and a return to comfort and confidence.
• When patients discuss a specific need to find a dental clinic that is particularly good and patient with nervous or phobic patients, Dr. Ho outlines a path to their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause, aiming to restore not just oral health but also the ability to comfortably replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing experiencing significant fear or deep-seated anxiety about upcoming dental visits, involves working systematically towards transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. Dr. Ho expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including experiencing the simple joy of a pain-free mouth every day.

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

Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry is situated in the Markham Village, Old Markham Village neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Milliken Mills Community Centre & Library and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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. Ho 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).

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

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

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Ho at Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry?

Your first visit with Dr. Ho 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. Ho 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.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Ho will recommend a personalized schedule based on 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. Ho's specific recommendation.

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 and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

Dr. Shirley Ho Dentistry
381 Main St N #4
Markham, ON, L3P 1Z3

Phone: (905) 471-9800

Dr. Shirley Shu Ning Ho is a licensed Dentist 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: 53626

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=53626

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