Dr. Walter Myles Honce – Dentist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Walter Myles Honce is a Dentist. Practicing at Honce Dentistry in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Honce is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Honce 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. Honce 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. Honce 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 Honce Dentistry.

Dr. Walter Myles Honce earned a Dental Degree. With over 50 years of practice since 1975, Dr. Honce has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Honce is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care, ensuring patients receive the most current and effective treatments. This commitment to professional development reflects Dr. Honce's unwavering dedication to their patients' oral health and well-being.

Key aspects of Dr. Honce's dental practice philosophy include: 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. Honce provides consultations in English.

Dr. Walter Myles Honce provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Gum Disease Initial

• 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.
• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.

Dental Pain Emergency

• 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.
• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Addressing the common issue of sensitive teeth to improve daily comfort and enjoyment of food and beverages.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Honce. 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: Ensuring you fully understand your dental care plan and have all your questions answered before proceeding with any treatment, fostering informed consent.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: Intraoral camera technology to allow you to see what your dentist sees, facilitating better understanding of your oral health.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: Thorough oral health evaluations, including a detailed check of teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw alignment, and screening for oral cancer.
• Digital X-rays & Radiography (Intraoral & Extraoral): Utilizing advanced digital X-ray technology (e.g., bitewings, periapicals, panoramic X-rays) for safe and precise diagnosis of dental conditions.
• Fluoride Treatments: Professional fluoride therapy to help protect your teeth against decay and enhance remineralization.

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

At Honce 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. Honce frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Honce when they first notice their smile not looking as bright, white, or vibrant as it used to, prompting interest in whitening. Through personalized dental care, the goal is to achieve transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option, enabling them to once again enjoy enjoying a cold ice cream or a hot cup of coffee without wincing from tooth sensitivity without hesitation.
• For those affected by needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury, Dr. Honce provides solutions that lead to their jaw feeling less stiff and more mobile after TMJ therapy or a custom oral appliance. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to their smile being ready for any impromptu photo opportunity or social media post.
• Through Dr. Honce's skilled guidance and modern dental techniques, patients suffering from their existing dentures not fitting as comfortably or securely as they used to often find they can readily achieve their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.
• The journey from their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities to wellness often involves Dr. Honce's dedicated care. The milestone is their breath feeling consistently fresh and clean due to improved oral health, which opens the door back to activities such as showing off their beautifully whitened teeth at a special occasion like a wedding or reunion.

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

Honce Dentistry is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near Kelowna General Hospital (nearby) and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). 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 (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Honce 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).

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

Your first visit with Dr. Honce 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. Honce 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.

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

In BC, provincial health plans (like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC) 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, social assistance recipients). Verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

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

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. Dr. Honce will recommend a personalized schedule based on individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months). Follow Dr. Honce's specific recommendation.

Honce Dentistry
#1700-1700 Dickson Ave
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 0L5

Phone: (250) 765-4454

Dr. Walter Myles Honce 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. Honce 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.