Dr. Virginia Chiu – Dentist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Virginia Chiu is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Chiu is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu 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. Chiu 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. Virginia Chiu earned a Dental Degree. With over 30 years of practice since 1995, Dr. Chiu has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Chiu is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Chiu remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Chiu's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a dedication to creating beautiful, healthy smiles that enhance both confidence and overall well-being. Dr. Chiu is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Virginia Chiu 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 Abscess (Localized Infection): Managing acute dental infections to relieve pain, control the spread of infection, and address the source.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Managing cavities in baby teeth to prevent pain, infection, and ensure proper development of permanent teeth.

Common Dental Issues

• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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

• Understanding Your Dental Treatment Plan: Clear explanations of your diagnosed dental conditions, proposed treatment options, procedures involved, expected outcomes, alternatives, and associated costs.
• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Addressing common issues with loose, uncomfortable, or damaged dentures to restore proper fit and patient satisfaction.
• Fluoride Treatments: Application of topical fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, prevent demineralization, and reduce the risk of cavities, especially for children and at-risk adults.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Vigilant screening for oral cancer, a critical component of maintaining your overall health.
• Dentures (Complete & Partial, Conventional & Implant-Supported): Removable prosthetic solutions, including conventional and implant-retained options, to effectively replace missing teeth, thereby improving oral function, facial support, and overall appearance.

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

At Dr. Virginia Chiu'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. Chiu frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The path to improved oral wellness, especially when facing a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection, involves working systematically towards their bite feeling more comfortable and balanced after necessary adjustments or restorations. Dr. Chiu expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Chiu to see patients who were troubled by an old dental bridge that felt loose, uncomfortable, or was showing signs of wear and tear successfully achieve their broken amalgam filling being safely removed and replaced with a modern restoration. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like resuming hobbies that require concentration, now free from dental pain.
• A key objective when treating experiencing diffuse facial pain or muscle tenderness that they suspected might be related to their jaw joint or bite at Dr. Chiu's welcoming dental clinic is achieving a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.
• Dr. Chiu often consults with patients whose wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age significantly limits their enjoyment of enjoying a wide variety of their favorite foods, including crunchy apples or a juicy steak, without pain or difficulty or impacts their self-confidence. The clear goal of care is to achieve experiencing relief from the discomfort of persistent dry mouth with effective management strategies and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.

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

Dr. Chiu's practice, a dental office in Vancouver, is situated in the Riley Park-Little Mountain East neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near BC Place (nearby) and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

In British Columbia, provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do <strong>not</strong> cover most routine or major dental procedures provided in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed within a hospital setting <em>may</em> be covered. The majority of dental care costs are usually paid out-of-pocket by patients, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or via government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., low-income families with children, seniors on specific benefits, or social assistance recipients). It is crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and to carefully review your private dental insurance plan's details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums) before commencing treatment.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Chiu 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. Chiu 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.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, particularly modern digital X-rays that utilize minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are always used. X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to detect decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Chiu will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, following guidelines such as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, a referral is typically not needed to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. You can contact the clinic directly to arrange your visit with Dr. Chiu.

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

For most adults, check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every six months for preventative care. However, Dr. Chiu will personalize this schedule based on your (or your child's) individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions (e.g., those with active gum disease or high caries risk may need more frequent visits, while others with excellent long-term oral health may have slightly longer intervals). Always follow Dr. Chiu's specific recommendations.

4050 Main Street
Vancouver, BC, V5V 0C4

Phone: (778) 379-3822

Dr. Virginia Chiu 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. Chiu 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.