To demystify the dental hygiene process and help prospective patients and their families understand elements of the oral healthcare process, we have attempted to clearly answer a few of those questions we are most often asked.
For sure. We will refer a patient to another health care practitioner (dentist, denturist or other specialist) if we find an area of concern that requires attention. We also associate with a mobile dentist and denturist who make retirement residence house calls. For in-clinic patients, we refer patients to a select group of trusted storefront practitioners. In all cases, we collaborate closely with these dental professionals throughout the process to help restore your oral health.
Yes. Payment for all services is required at the time services are delivered. That said, we support your claim by completing the claim form at the end of each appointment and submitting the form to the insurer, electronically where possible, on your behalf. Payments are made directly to the patient by the insurer.
Insurance companies accepting claims from independent dental hygienists include Sun Life Financial, Co-operators, Desjardins, Sun Life Pensioners’ Plan, Empire Life, Equitable Life, Industrial Alliance, Manulife, Great-West Life / Canada Life Assurance, Public Service Dental Care Plan, Standard Life, and Veterans Affairs Canada, to name a few.
In Canada, dentist and dental hygiene services are not covered by provincial healthcare plans and depending on the setting in which you choose to receive dental hygiene treatment, the fees and method of payment can vary. The Perfect Smile™ follows the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) Fee Guide to set prices, with a small fee for personal protective equipment (PPE). In most cases, this results in a significant savings to the consumer and aligns directly with the re-imbursement policy of most major insurers. The Guide is available at the ODHA website.
Surprisingly, this is not an unusual question that, on one hand we are sad to hear, and on the other hand, we know we can easily remedy, forever. So what makes us different? Let me start by saying we have the best, most experienced team at The Perfect Smile™. We allow the time to treat every patient, as we would if we were treating our loved ones. We specialize in thorough dental service delivery, with a very gentle touch – easy to say – hard for many to accomplish, as confirmed by the question in the first place. The proof of all of this, is hundreds of heartfelt testimonials from patients and adult children. Try The Perfect Smile™ and see for yourself!
A new patient dental assessment is critical prior to establishing an effective, thorough, and safe, treatment plan. The medical history is documented to include medications, dental history, recent surgeries, medical conditions, and vitals. A cancer screening (known as an intra/extra oral examination) is conducted by the dental hygienist as early cancer detection is proven to saves lives and Registered Dental Hygienists are the primary provider of this test in Ontario. Orientation and structure of teeth (hard tissue) is captured. Plaque and calculus deposits are noted, as well as the overall health of the soft tissue. Only once all elements of the assessment have been gathered, can the dental hygienist establish a diagnosis, work with the client to establish needs and priorities, then begin treatment.
Not really. Several things can cause gums to bleed, including plaque buildup along the gumline and in between the teeth. Plaque is a layer of sticky bacteria that forms every 48 hours, and if not removed, mineralizes and turns into calculus. It’s hard to remove calculus without a dental hygienist’s help through scaling the teeth. So, your first line of defense against bleeding gums should always be a visit to your dental hygienist, supported by regular and proper brushing and flossing.
Rechargeable electric toothbrushes, properly used, provide superior plaque removal to regular manual toothbrushing. Because they provide the brushing action for you, many people find using electric toothbrushes easier to use than manual brushes. According to a 2005 study, “Brushes that worked with a rotation oscillation action removed more plaque and reduced gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes in the short and long term…” Whereas you have to move a regular manual toothbrush back and forth along your teeth, electric toothbrushes provide the cleaning action for you – you only need to guide it along the surfaces of your teeth and gumline. Most people find this method of brushing easier and more effective. Likewise, people with arthritis or other similar conditions may find using an electric toothbrush less painful. Electric toothbrushes may also help kids brush their teeth more effectively but be sure to check with us before letting your child use it.