Description
About Dr. Hickman
Dr. William David Hickman is a Dentist (Sedation Dentistry Options). Practicing at Caledon Dental in Caledon, ON, Dr. Hickman is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Hickman 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. Hickman 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. Hickman 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. Utilizing advanced dental imaging technologies, such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Dr. Hickman offers superior diagnostic capabilities and precise treatment planning for complex cases including dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, impacted teeth, or assessment of oral pathology. Dr. Hickman 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 Caledon Dental.
Dr. William David Hickman earned a Dental Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1991. With over 34 years of practice since 1991, Dr. Hickman 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 and General Dentistry Utilizing Advanced Dental Imaging (CBCT/CT Scans). Dr. Hickman is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Hickman remains at the forefront of advancements in dental technology and techniques, allowing them to provide patients with the most effective and comfortable treatment options available.
Key aspects of Dr. Hickman's dental practice philosophy include: fostering open communication and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients are fully informed and involved in their treatment plans; a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Hickman provides consultations in English.
Oral Health Conditions Addressed by Dr. William David Hickman
Dr. William David Hickman provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:
Impacted Teeth Assessment
- Concerns about Impacted or Unerupted Teeth (e.g., Wisdom Teeth, Canines): Needing professional assessment, often including X-rays or CBCT imaging, of impacted or unerupted teeth to determine if extraction, surgical exposure, or other management is necessary to prevent complications.
Gum Disease Initial
- Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Treating the initial stage of gum disease to prevent progression to more serious periodontitis.
- Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Early to moderate stages of gum disease involving some bone loss around teeth, managed by GPs with deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing maintenance.
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.
Complex Dental Diagnosis Needs
- Need for Detailed 3D Imaging for Diagnosis or Treatment Planning (CBCT): Complex dental cases that significantly benefit from the superior diagnostic information and precise measurements provided by CBCT scans for optimal treatment outcomes.
This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Hickman. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.
Dr. William David Hickman's Dental Services
- Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
- Basic Orthodontic Assessment & Referral to Specialist: Helping patients understand their orthodontic needs and connecting them with qualified orthodontic specialists.
- Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Providing necessary adjustments, repairs (e.g., for cracks or broken teeth), and relines (to improve fit due to gum shrinkage) for existing dentures to enhance comfort, stability, and functionality.
- Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
- Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Utilizing carefully selected oral medications to help patients achieve a comfortable, calm, and stress-free dental experience, facilitating necessary treatment for apprehensive individuals.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Hickman. 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. William David Hickman adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).
Achieving Your Oral Health & Smile Goals with Dr. Hickman
At Caledon Dental, 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. Hickman frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- With Dr. Hickman's compassionate and skilled dental care, managing a persistent and unexplained bad taste in their mouth, even after brushing is focused on achieving their dentures fitting much more comfortably and securely, improving their ability to eat and speak. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings without dental concerns.
- If waking up frequently with a sore jaw, facial muscle tenderness, or tension headaches, possibly from teeth grinding has unfortunately put their child being free of dental infections that could affect their overall health and school attendance on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Hickman works closely with patients towards attaining their chipped or broken tooth being beautifully restored to its natural shape and function, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
- For patients where simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning is a primary concern, Dr. Hickman focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully feeling comfortable with close-up interactions and conversations.
- Dr. Hickman understands that dealing with a tooth that suddenly felt rough, had a sharp or jagged edge, or was causing irritation can be challenging. That's why their treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, helping patients comfortably get back to easily flossing and brushing without encountering pain or bleeding from their gums and feeling their best.
Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Hickman, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall oral wellness objectives. Dr. Hickman is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Caledon Dental, where Dr. Hickman practices, is situated in the Alton, Inglewood, Belfountain (Rural North/West) neighborhood of Caledon. The clinic is conveniently located near Cheltenham Badlands (nearby) and is accessible via None (Peel TransHelp for eligible residents). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dentist with Dr. Hickman in Caledon
- Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Hickman?
- Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact Caledon Dental directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Hickman.
- How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Hickman for a check-up and cleaning?
- For most adults and children, check-ups and cleanings every six months are generally recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Hickman will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term oral health might have slightly longer intervals. It is crucial to follow Dr. Hickman's specific recommendations for optimal oral health.
- What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Hickman typically provide?
- A General Dentist like Dr. Hickman 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, and dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also include cosmetic procedures such as whitening or bonding. Dr. Hickman also provides patient education on oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists for more complex needs. Dr. Hickman may offer specialized services in areas like General Dentistry with Certified Sedation Options based on additional training.
- 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 further minimize 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. Hickman 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. Hickman at Caledon Dental?
- At your initial appointment, Dr. Hickman and the team at Caledon Dental will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. You can 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. Hickman will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.
- 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. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered by OHIP. 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, or social assistance recipients). You should verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Caledon Dental.
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. William David Hickman
Caledon Dental
18473 Hurontario St
Caledon, ON, L7K 0X8
Phone: (519) 927-3169
Dr. William David Hickman 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: 11887
Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=11887
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Hickman 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.