Dr. Tara Rosalie Kim – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Tara Rosalie Kim is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Kim is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Kim 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. Kim 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. Kim 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. Tara Rosalie Kim earned a Dental Degree. With over 24 years of practice since 2001, Dr. Kim has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Kim is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Kim remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and treatment techniques, consistently benefiting patients with the most current and effective approaches available.

Key aspects of Dr. Kim's dental practice philosophy include: providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Kim provides consultations in English.

Dr. Tara Rosalie Kim 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

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Managing tooth sensitivity, identifying underlying causes like gum recession or enamel wear, and providing desensitizing treatments or advice.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Seeking recommendations for suitable toothpaste, mouth Rinses, toothbrushes, or other oral hygiene aids.
• 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: Proactive engagement in preventative dentistry to avoid future dental issues.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.

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

• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Comprehensive advice on preventing gum inflammation and infection for lifelong oral health and overall well-being.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Aesthetic and functional restoration of decayed, chipped, or fractured teeth using modern tooth-coloured filling materials.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Regular visual and tactile screening of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to detect any early signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions.
• 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.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Full-coverage restorations crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold to encase and reinforce a compromised tooth for long-term durability.

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

At Dr. Tara Rosalie Kim'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. Kim frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Kim understands that dealing with their child feeling particularly anxious or fearful about an upcoming dental filling or procedure can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving a tooth that had become painfully sensitive to sweet foods now feeling completely normal and comfortable, helping patients comfortably get back to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues and feeling their best.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence with Dr. Kim's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their child stopping their thumb-sucking habit with supportive guidance, protecting their dental development and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain once more.
• For those affected by their child frequently complaining of a sore tooth or dental discomfort, Dr. Kim provides solutions that lead to their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to feeling that their dental health fully supports their active and engaged lifestyle.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Kim with concerns about wondering if their child would likely need orthodontic treatment in the future based on their current dental development. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care, making a positive and lasting return to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Kim's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Champlain Heights, South Vancouver East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Riley Park (Nat Bailey Stadium) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Kim is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Kim also educates patients on proper oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Kim 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. Kim will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if 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. Kim for a check-up and cleaning?

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Kim 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 visits every 3-4 months (e.g., those 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. Kim's specific recommendation.

What is the process for becoming a new patient at our clinic with Dr. Kim?

We welcome new patients! To become a new patient with Dr. Kim, please call our office at (604) 374-1511. Our team will gather some basic information and schedule your first appointment, which is typically a comprehensive examination and consultation. Please be prepared to provide your medical history and any dental insurance information you may have. We look forward to meeting you!

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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Kim 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. Kim?

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

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

In BC, 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 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). Always verify any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

6690 Toderick St
Vancouver, BC, V5S 3N1

Phone: (604) 374-1511

Dr. Tara Rosalie Kim 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. Kim 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.