Dr. Walter Scott Hastings – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Walter Scott Hastings is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Hastings is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hastings 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. Hastings 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. Hastings 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. Walter Scott Hastings earned a Dental Degree. With over 29 years of practice since 1996, Dr. Hastings has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Hastings is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatments available, reflecting Dr. Hastings's dedication to their profession and the well-being of their patients.

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

Dr. Walter Scott Hastings 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.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Localized destruction of tooth structure caused by acid-producing bacteria, requiring removal of decay and restorative filling.
• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.

Common Dental Issues

• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Addressing various types of dental pain to provide relief and identify necessary treatment.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.

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

• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• 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.
• 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.
• Dental Sealants: Protective sealants for children and adolescents to safeguard vulnerable back teeth from decay.
• Education on Gum Disease Prevention & Management: Providing information about the causes, signs, and stages of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), and how to prevent or manage it effectively.

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

At Dr. Walter Scott Hastings'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. Hastings frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing the area around one of their existing dental implants feeling persistently sore, inflamed, or showing signs of bleeding with Dr. Hastings's comprehensive dental approach often leads to the desired outcome of experiencing complete relief from pain when biting down on a previously problematic tooth, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in no longer needing to frequently visit the dentist for recurring problems due to better preventative care and social interactions.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their child needing preventative dental sealants applied to their newly erupted permanent molars to protect against cavities is a common journey for patients under Dr. Hastings's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment, so that daily routines and pleasures like replacing missing teeth and feeling whole again, with a complete and functional smile become straightforward again.
• Many people seek Dr. Hastings's professional help and expertise when dealing with needing a custom-fitted mouthguard for playing sports to properly protect their teeth and jaw from injury. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to feeling good about their overall appearance and the positive first impression their smile makes.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of looking for a new family dentist who could provide comprehensive care for all members of their family, from children to adults, Dr. Hastings offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach a specific tooth no longer being sensitive to biting pressure, indicating successful treatment. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of laughing openly and heartily without worrying about the appearance of their teeth.

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

Dr. Hastings's practice, a dental office in Burnaby, is situated in the Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Highway 1 Access and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Street parking and nearby lots offer accessible options for your visit.

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

At your initial appointment, Dr. Hastings and the team at the clinic 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. Hastings will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

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

For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hastings will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, those managing active gum disease or at high caries risk may need more frequent visits (every 3-4 months), while patients with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. Follow Dr. Hastings' specific recommendation for optimal care.

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 only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Hastings 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. Hastings?

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

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

In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically does not cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's crucial to check your eligibility for any public coverage and review your private dental insurance details (coverage, co-payments, deductibles, annual maximums) before treatment.

402-4621 Canada Way
Burnaby, BC, V5G 4X8

Phone: (604) 437-8608

Dr. Walter Scott Hastings 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. Hastings 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.