Dr. Victoria Yan Zhao – Dentist | London, ON

Dr. Victoria Yan Zhao is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at UCC Building Western University in London, ON, Dr. Zhao is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Zhao 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. Zhao 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. Zhao also provides comprehensive general dental care with various certified levels of sedation (such as nitrous oxide/'laughing gas', oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, depending on specific qualifications) to help anxious patients, those with a low pain threshold, or individuals undergoing extensive procedures feel significantly more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Dr. Zhao 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 UCC Building Western University.

Dr. Victoria Yan Zhao earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2019. With over 6 years of practice since 2019, Dr. Zhao offers a broad range of dental services and may have particular interests or developed skills in areas such as General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options. This dentist holds specific qualifications or certifications, including: N/A. Dr. Zhao is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care.

Key aspects of Dr. Zhao's dental practice philosophy include: believing in conservative dentistry, aiming to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans. Dr. Zhao provides consultations in English.

Dr. Victoria Yan Zhao 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Extensive Dental Treatment Needs

• Requiring Multiple or Lengthy Dental Procedures: Needing several dental treatments, complex procedures, or a particularly long single procedure, for which sedation might be beneficial for patient comfort, cooperation, and treatment efficiency.

Special Needs Dental Care Peds

• Dental Care for Children & Adolescents with Special Healthcare Needs (Physical, Cognitive, Behavioral, Medical): Seeking a pediatric dental specialist or a general dentist with significant experience and resources in providing safe, effective, and compassionate dental care for children with unique and complex needs, potentially including the use of advanced behavior guidance techniques or sedation/anesthesia.
• Dental Care for Medically Compromised Children: Seeking a dental provider experienced in managing the oral health of children with complex medical histories.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

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

• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Customized full and partial dentures, carefully crafted to help patients regain confidence in their smile, ability to eat a varied diet, and speak clearly.
• Fluoride Treatments: Strengthening tooth surfaces with fluoride to make them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria.
• Root Canal Treatment (Non-Surgical Endodontics - Uncomplicated Cases): Performing root canal therapy on infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth pulp (nerve), typically for anterior (front) teeth and premolars in uncomplicated cases, to save the natural tooth from extraction and relieve pain or infection.
• Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers: Transforming smiles with highly durable and exceptionally aesthetic porcelain veneers for a beautiful, flawless, and natural-looking result.
• Dietary Counseling for Oral Health: Educating patients on the link between diet and oral health for long-term prevention.

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

At UCC Building Western University, 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. Zhao frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to, Dr. Zhao provides solutions that lead to feeling well-equipped with advice on how to care for their toddler's developing teeth. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to no longer avoiding certain social situations because of how they feel about their teeth.
• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a wish to correct slightly crooked or misaligned front teeth without undergoing full comprehensive orthodontic braces, involves working systematically towards having a comfortable, stable, and functional full-mouth tooth replacement solution, like implant-supported dentures. Dr. Zhao expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly.
• Dr. Zhao provides dedicated support for patients going through a specific desire to ensure their gums remained healthy and stable as they got older, preventing future problems, always aiming for positive outcomes like their dentures no longer causing sore spots, allowing them to eat and speak with ease, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as their child eating a healthy, varied diet without complaining of tooth pain.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about with Dr. Zhao's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to their toothache being completely resolved, allowing them to eat and sleep comfortably again and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy attending social events and family dinners without worrying about denture stability or food getting trapped once more.

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

Dr. Zhao's practice, UCC Building Western University, is situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Parkwood Institute and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Zhao at UCC Building Western University?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Zhao and the team at UCC Building Western University will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Zhao will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Zhao offer any sedation options?

Yes, Dr. Zhao understands that dental visits can be a source of anxiety for many patients. To help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, UCC Building Western University may offer various sedation options. Please discuss your anxiety openly with Dr. Zhao during your consultation so they can determine the most appropriate and safest sedation approach for your needs and the planned procedure.

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

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

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every 6 months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Zhao will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions. Some patients may need visits every 3-4 months, while others might have slightly longer intervals. It is important to follow Dr. Zhao'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 your eligibility for any potential public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

A General Dentist like Dr. Zhao is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services including: 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 cosmetic procedures (like whitening or bonding). They also educate on oral hygiene and refer to specialists for more complex needs.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Zhao help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Zhao can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

UCC Building Western University
1151 Richmond St #35 UCC Building
London, ON, N6A 3K7

Phone: (519) 850-2455

Dr. Victoria Yan Zhao 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: 120461

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=120461

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