Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Dental Hygiene Services

What is a Registered Dental Hygienist?

Dental hygienists are primary health care providers who focus on preventive treatment and education surrounding oral health care.

They must be in good standing with the College of Dental Hygienists’ of Ontario in order to practice in the province. To verify if your dental hygienist is registered, visit the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario Register and search for your hygienist by name. If you do not find the name, contact the College directly at 1-800-268-2346 for assistance.

What is a dental hygiene exam?

This examination is designed to give both you and your dental hygienist a complete picture of your current oral health, and to create a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes and is booked in conjunction with your first cleaning.

During this appointment, a Dental Hygiene Group hygienist will:

  • review your medical and dental history
  • examine tongue, gums, teeth and all other areas of your mouth
  • measure the attachment of the gums to your teeth (probing)
  • perform a visual & tactile oral cancer screening
  • assess current hygiene habits
  • use an intra-oral camera
  • record all findings on your chart
  • make appropriate recommendations and referrals

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

A schedule for dental health maintenance should be established after a complete dental hygiene exam, which is included in your first visit to the Dental Hygiene Group. Some clients can have their oral health needs met with twice-yearly visits, while other clients may need more treatment in order create a state of optimum health.

Our ultimate goal is to create a schedule that keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a chemical reaction between a peroxide-based gel and the stain molecules embedded within the tooth. There are plenty of whitening options available on the market today, and we recommend seeking the advice of a dental professional for best results. 

For both in-office and take-home products we use Wicked White, a light activated system that whitens with minimal to no sensitivity. Wicked white is a Canadian product that is vegan, and gluten and preservative free.

Our in-office procedure allows us to customize the amount of whitening agent each tooth receives, creating a more even outcome. Results vary as many factors will influence the outcome, and fillings, crowns and veneers do not whiten beyond their original color.

If you are looking for complete control, our take home LED kits are easy and effective.

Our regular dental hygiene clients can enjoy their whitening boost at a reduced rate. Let’s discuss your whitening options at your next appointment.

Whitening is suitable for almost anyone, however it is not recommended for pregnant or nursing moms.

Are dental hygienists allowed to work without a dentist?

Yes, we can!

In 2007, Ontario’s lawmakers recognized the important of increasing access to oral health care and changed the law to allow Registered Dental Hygienists to practice independently, without the supervision of a dentist.

With this change, Registered Dental Hygienists can provide services to their clients in settings other than a dental office. They may choose to have their own office or to travel to their client’s home.

Regardless of what setting Dental Hygienists choose they must practice according to the:

  • CDHO Code of Ethics
  • College Standards of Practice
  • Dental Hygiene Act, 1991
  • Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991

What is a professional teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning by a Registered Dental Hygienist is an essential part of your health care regime, by helping ensure optimum oral health by meticulously removing all hard and soft deposits (plaque and tarter) both above and below the gumline. These deposits harbour bacteria that contribute to many diseases including gingivitis and periodontal disease, which are linked to other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and preterm labour.

The Dental Hygiene Group utilizes the most modern techniques for pain-free and effective treatment, and we are proud to offer a relaxing alternative to traditional care in a spa-like environment. At your appointment you can look forward to warm towels and aromatherapy – no dental smell here!

If you experience any sensitivity during your cleaning please let your your dental hygienist know, as there are products we can apply to help alleviate any discomfort.

The standard length of time for this appointment is 1 hour, however this may vary based on the findings during your initial examination.

In our quest to be more eco-friendly, all clients will receive a complimentary biodegradable bamboo toothbrush at the end of their appointment.

Do I still need to see a dentist?

At the Dental Hygiene Group our main focus is prevention, not repair.

We will assess your oral health at each appointment and discuss any concerns we may observe. If the concern requires intervention from another oral health provider, you will be given the appropriate referral. Working together is an important aspect of meeting all your oral health needs.

If you have a dentist that you trust, we encourage you to continue to see them for dental exams and x-rays on the schedule they have suggested for your ongoing oral health.

If you are looking for a dentist, we will happily recommend one.

Where can I find good information about oral health?

The Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association has prepared a number of fact sheets to help you understand your oral care. Visit their Oral Health Sheet directory here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fees & Insurance

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept direct payment. However, we can submit claims on your behalf to ensure your repayment is as speedy as possible.

Any coverage you have for care at a traditional office you will have at an Independent Dental Hygiene Office.

If you are uncertain what dental services are covered by your insurance, we would be happy to help you understand your plan. Due to privacy regulations in Canada, many insurance companies will only release policy information to the insured (that’s you!); however, we will try to assist you as much as possible in navigating your insurance plan.

If you do not have insurance coverage, your dental hygiene services may be tax deductible.

How do you handle insurance claims?

The Dental Hygiene Group submits most claims to your insurance company electronically, however, you will need to pay for your service in full at the time of your visit.

How much will my cleaning cost?

The Dental Hygiene Group provides personalized dental hygiene care to our clients. Every treatment plan is tailored to the client, which means that costs may vary significantly person to person.

We are happy to offer complimentary consultations to give you a more specific estimate of treatment.

We follow the suggested fee schedule outlined in the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association (ODHA) Fee Guide. Click here to view the ODHA fee guide.

While our cleaning fees are comparable to the dental fee guide, we offer our clients financial relief by performing all of our dental hygiene exams at a reduced rate as well as billing for stain removal only once in a 12 month period. The journey from disease to health is different for everyone, our ultimate goal is for you to be in a state of maintenance where cost is predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we love new patients! We are currently welcoming new patients to our office. To book your first appointment, call us at 416-799-8344 or click here to book online.

How do I book an appointment?

The easiest way to book an appointment is to use our online booking system. Click here to get started.

Remember, if this is your first visit you need to book a new client exam, so we can develop a plan that is suited to you!

If you prefer you can always give us a call at 416-799-8344.

Where is the Dental Hygiene Group located?

We are located at the corner of Bloor Street and Islington Avenue at 3391 Bloor St. W, Unit 5. Our office is on the south side of the street and is accessible from street level.

Is there parking?

Yes, and it’s free! The Dental Hygiene Group shares its secure underground parking with the other business tenants and the condominium building above us. You can access our parking from Islington Avenue (southbound only). Turn right into the laneway behind the building and continue until you see the ramp on the right-hand ride. At the buzzer at the top of the ramp use the code listed and we will let you into the garage. To access our office, take stairwell “C” to street level and walk around to our office.

How do I become a patient?

It’s easy! To book your first appointment call us at 416-799-8344 or click here to book online and select the “New Client Exam & Cleaning” option that fits you. (Please note: all new clients must book a new client exam.)

Is the clinic barrier-free and accessible to persons with mobility devices and wheelchairs?

Yes. The Dental Hygiene Group is pleased to provide a barrier free office experience (including our washroom). Our operatory can be utilized by those in wheelchairs without the need for transfer to our chair.

If you have accessibility requirements or questions, please call us in advance of your appointment at 416-799-8344, such that we can make arrangements to meet your needs.

What is the closest subway station to the Dental Hygiene Group?

The closest subway station to us is Islington Station – it’s right across the street. To reach us by bus on the TTC or Mississauga transit, take any bus that goes to Islington Station. Alternately, take any bus that goes to Kipling Station and take the subway to Islington.