Description
About Dr. Hatfield
Dr. Steven David Hatfield is a Dentist. Practicing at Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry in Barrie, ON, Dr. Hatfield is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hatfield 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. Hatfield 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. Hatfield 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. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry.
Dr. Steven David Hatfield earned a Dental Degree from University Of Western Ontario, graduating in 1988. With over 37 years of practice since 1988, Dr. Hatfield's clinical experience is extensive. Dr. Hatfield is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hatfield remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technology, benefiting patients with the most current and effective treatments.
Key aspects of Dr. Hatfield's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Hatfield provides consultations in English.
Oral Health Conditions Addressed by Dr. Steven David Hatfield
Dr. Steven David Hatfield 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
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
- Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
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): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
Tooth Decay Cavities
- Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.
- Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hatfield. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
Dr. Steven David Hatfield's Dental Services
- 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.
- 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.
- Professional Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Professional hygiene treatments to keep your oral health in optimal condition and prevent future dental problems.
- Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Treatment involving the removal of infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal system, and sealing it to prevent reinfection, often for less complex endodontic cases.
- Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hatfield. 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. Steven David Hatfield adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
Achieving Your Oral Health & Smile Goals with Dr. Hatfield
At Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family 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. Hatfield frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Many people seek Dr. Hatfield's professional help and expertise when dealing with their partner mentioning that they snored very loudly or seemed to stop breathing momentarily during sleep (a possible sign of sleep apnea requiring a dental appliance referral). The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling confident that their oral health is positively contributing to their systemic health.
- The journey from feeling like their teeth were gradually shifting position or their bite was changing noticeably over time to wellness often involves Dr. Hatfield's dedicated care. The milestone is their previously loose tooth feeling stable and secure after treatment, which opens the door back to activities such as feeling the smooth, clean surfaces of their teeth after a professional cleaning and polishing.
- The primary focus for patients seeking help for recognizing the need for a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) because it had been a significant time since their last professional hygiene visit at Dr. Hatfield's practice is consistently achieving their persistent bad breath being eliminated after addressing the underlying dental cause. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care.
- The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a persistent sore spot, ulcer, or unusual lesion in their mouth that hadn't healed on its own, involves working systematically towards a significant reduction in jaw muscle soreness and tension headaches related to bruxism. Dr. Hatfield expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hatfield, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Hatfield is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry is situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Georgian Mall and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentist with Dr. Hatfield in Barrie
- 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 provided by employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Check your eligibility for public coverage and always review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before treatment at Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry.
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Hatfield?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Hatfield.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Hatfield for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Hatfield will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months) while others might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Hatfield's specific recommendations.
- 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. X-rays are taken only when necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Hatfield will determine the frequency based on your individual needs and dental history, adhering to ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Hatfield typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Hatfield provides primary dental care for all ages. Services include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, 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). Dr. Hatfield also provides oral hygiene education and refers to specialists when needed.
- What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Hatfield at Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry?
- At your first appointment, expect to complete a medical history form, discuss dental issues or goals, and undergo a detailed oral examination. Digital X-rays may be taken. Dr. Hatfield will then explain their assessment and recommend any necessary treatments. It's a good time to ask questions.
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. Steven David Hatfield
Dr. Steven Hatfield - Family Dentistry
151 Essa Rd #103
Barrie, ON, L4N 3L2
Phone: (705) 739-6208
Dr. Steven David Hatfield 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: 11198
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11198
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Hatfield 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.