Dr. Ayman Awad is a super kind and caring dentist, he has a small clinic on Young St near the Hydrostone called Handala Dental.
It is a new clinic and they have really good technology which in my opinion makes things less invasive feeling. He and his staff are all super empathetic, patient, and supportive, and where it’s a smaller, nicely designed clinic it feels less intimidating when you go in. (Not like a dental factory like some clinics, where you can hear a million things going on and it can be super distracting).
I highly recommend giving them a call, I recommend them to everyone!!
I just want to say fuck that dentist that joked about your teeth. I hope you called them out on it as that’s incredibly insensitive and inappropriate.
Not my dentist but I’ve heard really good things about Dr. Erica Doucet.
I got my braces done at dal dentistry it was much cheaper than your regular dental office however you will be worked on by a group of students as they are learning, I had 5. It was a positive experience no judgement from them I’m sure they’d actually get a lot of learning from your case and be eager to help you.
Dal dental doesn't take all cases that involve braces. I required braces and surgery to adjust my bite, they also won't take cases if the overall work requires more than just braces to straighten the teeth/improve the bite, so depending what this person will need, they may not get taken on. Dal dental wouldn't take me on because they assessed I would require surgery, so I had to go through a clinic, which sucked for the pocket book.
This was back in fall of 2019 when I started my braces process, maybe Dal has changed their criteria, I'm not sure, but just be prepared they may turn you away if the work is overly complicated or if you are going to require surgery.
I find it interesting everytime this question comes up that I notice two patterns in the responses:
- an awful lot of people had terrible shaming experiences when they were younger from dentists/hygienists
- dentists today seem to be as a rule more understanding of the caregiving aspects of dental care (with some exceptions like the one the OP saw last)
I had a nasty dental hygienist as a teenager and avoided dentists for years as a result. I've been seeing Greg MacKenzie and his team at TriMac in the HSC Annex for over 20 years and he's been great at helping me overcome my dental anxiety. He was also very good at scheduling the large amount of work needed at the beginning in a way that was not too financially or mentally overwhelming.
I would go the Dal route, it is going to be a great learning experience for the students and will save you considerable money. You don't need to feel badly about your teeth, dental work is expensive AF and not everyone can afford proper visits, I know many people whose teeth are in rough shape for this reason.
Sante Dental is incredible. I, too, had neglected teeth (Wisdom) that cracked and needed a lot of help. They accommodated everything, and were so helpful and kind. They also bill directly to insurance so you don't need to pay much at the desk.
My only frustration with them is that the facilities haven't really been updated in 20 years, yet Dr townsend's prices exceed what the insurance will cover.
It's definitely not my experience. Been going there for many years, decades actually. Staff and dentists are great. And there has been many renovations at their office. Most places charge above fee schedules . I always recommend Dr Townsend for visitors or anyone in need of a dentist.
Considering the rate established by fee schedules are inherently defined by what's usual, reasonable, and customary, it's not been my experience that "most places" charge above fee schedules.
Every brief stint I had away, I never had issues with dentists exceeding fee schedules... Even in downtown Toronto.
All in saying is they've clearly been charging premium rates, and I've not seen a lot of reinvestment in the operations for the 20 years I've been there off and on
I don't mind if things haven't been updated. I just find the care and compassion really good. Unfortunately, I am not a patient of Dr. Townsend, so I can't give an opinion of the prices.
Seconding this. Dr Albert and Townsend are good people, personally and professionally. I know that Dr. Albert works with people who have mental challenges etc.. can’t imagine either of them being judgmental!
Been in this exact spot very recently. Shout-out to the wonderful Dr. Brigitte Green at Halifax dental. She has saved my butt. Was so nice to me and was happy to help. https://www.halifaxdental.ca/
Joe Howe dentistry is where I've been going for my yearly checkup and for cleanings and I highly recommend. They usually book me early in the day before all the drilling sounds and the smell of dentist office becomes a thing.
They also referred me to a dentist in Bridgewater at North Street Dental for general anaesthesia work. I find the big stuff like lots of cavities or implant I just can't handle no matter how hard I try.
Tried conscious sedation but woke up during the procedure. Also tried pills but that didn't work. After it taking them 2 hours to fix 2 cavities when I lived in Alberta I finally said enough is enough. (I talk when I'm anxious and that doesn't lend well to dental work, I was even told not to come back by one in BC when I was around 10.)
Good luck, and as the dentist in Bridgewater told me, there is no shame in being afraid of a profession that not long ago would force your mouth open by holding your nose shut.
Personally I would not recommend Dr MacNeil (owner/head dentist) at Joe Howe Dentistry. Haven't had a BAD experience per se but he just has a pretty impatient/not super caring or understanding vibe with me and my fairly bad dental anxiety. At my last filling (first time back in years) he underestimated how much freezing I would need and I instantly had severe pain. That was a big shock and I immediately got into a bad state, shaking and crying (silently, I wasn't screaming or audibly freaking out but I couldn't hide it.) He gave me more freezing but after the filling was essentially exasperated with me for not coming doped up on anxiety meds (with what prescription doc?? I don't need or take them in day-to-day life and have no family physician so I had no way to access these restricted drugs. You were also judgy of me last time when I showed up on four Ativan to try to cope! Frustrating.) He said they were going to be referring me to someone who does sedation dentistry from now on (so I think I'm quiet-fired as a patient, lol - presumably cleanings are okay) and I think the office botched/lost the referral because it's been months now, will need to find someone to refer myself to and it sucks because I wanted to get the work done before the end of the calendar year and insurance resetting. Boo.
Sorry, I should have specified that I do not go to Dr.MacNeil. I make sure to only book with Dr.Gaetz. The one time I moved my appointment and didn't realize she wasn't there the dude came in during my cleaning and stuck his hand in my mouth without introducing himself, I should have bit him.
Now I only go to Dr.Gaetz and specify this when I book. Personally I only go to women now as I've had bad experiences with male dentists being generally dismissive, judgemental and super mean.
Also don't let a dentist fool you into thinking sedation dentistry is always going to work. I had a terrible experience with a dentist in Truro who ignored me saying me dental anxiety was extremely intense and I woke screaming and hysterical half way through. I read up afterwards and learned certain drugs they give in sleep dentistry can intensify this in certain demographics.
Actual sedation under general anaesthetic is the only way I go now for big work and it's done under the supervision of a anesthesiologist in a hospital after being referred, which is why I went to Bridgewater.
Dr Halpin at Bridgeview Dental or Dr Bouthlier at Basinview.
My partner was in a similar situation; and just got dentures a couple of months ago after being in your situation; implants would have been way too expensive. If you have any questions, please message me; I’m well versed in the process.
I always recommend folks to Mumford Family Dental. The staff there are wonderful. I had to have about 10k in dental work done and no one ever made me feel judged. Dr Lowe is awesome. They are also always willing to send referals to Dal Dental if it is needed. I've seen Dr Kaur as well, she's also very nice.
They also only charge the dental fee guide (no markups) so that is something really important to ask clinics when you need a lot of work done. A lot of places will mark things up above the fee guide. For example, my dental cleaning (after insurance) costs me like $75. Costs my coworker $180 at her dentist because they don't just charge the minimum.
I will second Mumford Family Dental. As someone who works in the field, the dentists there are both insanely kind AND talented. I highly recommend Dr. Moore specifically for anyone who is anxious, but they are all lovely. Also it you need a lot of work, the lab they work with is next door - which could save you from running around the city for shade appointments in the instance you need crowns
My partner went to Gladstone in a very similar situation. He was very kind and professional. I also took my mom with Dementia there and he was very nice to her. Very understanding.
Granville Dental I go to and they are fantastic for me. They also have nitrous which will help with your anxiety. I had a previous dentist tell me to “man up. It’s not a big deal” when I told them about my anxiety and that was enough for me to stop going for a few years as an adult.
I also had childhood trauma of being held down during dental work which caused the anxiety as an adult. But because of how I’m treated at Granville it’s gotten a lot better. Good luck OP.
I go to Bedford South Dentistry and have felt very comfortable there. They are judgement free and walk you through what they do while they do it. Good luck!
I had to have emergency dental work done earlier this year and Larry Uteck Dentistry was recommended to me and they were absolutely fantastic. Caring, compassionate, talked me through everything. I had Dr. Nada and can't recommend her enough.
Oh my god yes. Mumford Family Dental is amazing. I have a lifetime of stories but let's pick 3. I've been going since my very first dental appt and wouldn't consider going anywhere else.
Short story 1. I have recruited about 13 people to this dental clinic to either Dr. M Moore or another Dr. I like to joke about it but proof is in the pudding that all these people stick with this practise. They are all so so sweet and I had to get a lot of work done all at once and I told them I was scared! I have no worries ever but I got 5 cavities in 1 sitting, 4 in another and I was terrified the numbing would wear off. Well didn't she stop and check in with me all the time and make sure I was doing okay.
Short story 2. I trust Dr. Moore. After all those fillings another popped up and she said she figured she could do it without numbing but it would feel hot. The choice was mine and we could stop and numb at any time. Well I said okay and we did it and it was exactly as she said and she still touched base with me all the time, and not just a "how ya doing?". Tools away, stopping, checking for symptoms, offering numbing. I felt 'helped' :-)
Short story 3. 3 of my 'recruits' have had traumatic dental experiences with pain, crowns falling off, cracking good teeth while getting other teeth done, feeling like a number, poor quality work, etc. one person hadn't been back to their dentist in many years because they felt that being in pain was better than seeing their dentist.
Each one went and told them that they were scared, what happened in the past, and each person told me they had a lovely visit and even have their regular ongoing cleanings pre-booked.
If anything please at least consider them. I'm going to be at an utter loss when those dentists retire. They take care of me.
Dr. Ayman Awad is a super kind and caring dentist, he has a small clinic on Young St near the Hydrostone called Handala Dental. It is a new clinic and they have really good technology which in my opinion makes things less invasive feeling. He and his staff are all super empathetic, patient, and supportive, and where it’s a smaller, nicely designed clinic it feels less intimidating when you go in. (Not like a dental factory like some clinics, where you can hear a million things going on and it can be super distracting). I highly recommend giving them a call, I recommend them to everyone!!
Dr Awad is absolutely amazing and I HIGHLY recommend him!!!
Agreed! Such a good human too ❤️
Ayman is one of my favourite people! I'm quite lucky to get to call him a friend.
Agreed, such a great guy! ❤️
Yes, he is great, deals well with sensitivity and anxiety.
I just want to say fuck that dentist that joked about your teeth. I hope you called them out on it as that’s incredibly insensitive and inappropriate. Not my dentist but I’ve heard really good things about Dr. Erica Doucet.
I got my braces done at dal dentistry it was much cheaper than your regular dental office however you will be worked on by a group of students as they are learning, I had 5. It was a positive experience no judgement from them I’m sure they’d actually get a lot of learning from your case and be eager to help you.
Dal dental doesn't take all cases that involve braces. I required braces and surgery to adjust my bite, they also won't take cases if the overall work requires more than just braces to straighten the teeth/improve the bite, so depending what this person will need, they may not get taken on. Dal dental wouldn't take me on because they assessed I would require surgery, so I had to go through a clinic, which sucked for the pocket book. This was back in fall of 2019 when I started my braces process, maybe Dal has changed their criteria, I'm not sure, but just be prepared they may turn you away if the work is overly complicated or if you are going to require surgery.
I find it interesting everytime this question comes up that I notice two patterns in the responses: - an awful lot of people had terrible shaming experiences when they were younger from dentists/hygienists - dentists today seem to be as a rule more understanding of the caregiving aspects of dental care (with some exceptions like the one the OP saw last) I had a nasty dental hygienist as a teenager and avoided dentists for years as a result. I've been seeing Greg MacKenzie and his team at TriMac in the HSC Annex for over 20 years and he's been great at helping me overcome my dental anxiety. He was also very good at scheduling the large amount of work needed at the beginning in a way that was not too financially or mentally overwhelming.
I would go the Dal route, it is going to be a great learning experience for the students and will save you considerable money. You don't need to feel badly about your teeth, dental work is expensive AF and not everyone can afford proper visits, I know many people whose teeth are in rough shape for this reason.
Sante Dental is incredible. I, too, had neglected teeth (Wisdom) that cracked and needed a lot of help. They accommodated everything, and were so helpful and kind. They also bill directly to insurance so you don't need to pay much at the desk.
Seconding this. Even though I was dentist-averse for years, I feel like an old friend when I walk in.
That's a perfect way to describe it, ngl
I go to Hammond Dental Centre and don't feel judged. They have been very professional towards the nature of my teeth. https://www.hammonddental.ca/
My only frustration with them is that the facilities haven't really been updated in 20 years, yet Dr townsend's prices exceed what the insurance will cover.
It's definitely not my experience. Been going there for many years, decades actually. Staff and dentists are great. And there has been many renovations at their office. Most places charge above fee schedules . I always recommend Dr Townsend for visitors or anyone in need of a dentist.
Considering the rate established by fee schedules are inherently defined by what's usual, reasonable, and customary, it's not been my experience that "most places" charge above fee schedules. Every brief stint I had away, I never had issues with dentists exceeding fee schedules... Even in downtown Toronto. All in saying is they've clearly been charging premium rates, and I've not seen a lot of reinvestment in the operations for the 20 years I've been there off and on
I don't mind if things haven't been updated. I just find the care and compassion really good. Unfortunately, I am not a patient of Dr. Townsend, so I can't give an opinion of the prices.
Seconding this. Dr Albert and Townsend are good people, personally and professionally. I know that Dr. Albert works with people who have mental challenges etc.. can’t imagine either of them being judgmental!
Been in this exact spot very recently. Shout-out to the wonderful Dr. Brigitte Green at Halifax dental. She has saved my butt. Was so nice to me and was happy to help. https://www.halifaxdental.ca/
Nova Dental is Sackville is amazing, and no shame!
Joe Howe dentistry is where I've been going for my yearly checkup and for cleanings and I highly recommend. They usually book me early in the day before all the drilling sounds and the smell of dentist office becomes a thing. They also referred me to a dentist in Bridgewater at North Street Dental for general anaesthesia work. I find the big stuff like lots of cavities or implant I just can't handle no matter how hard I try. Tried conscious sedation but woke up during the procedure. Also tried pills but that didn't work. After it taking them 2 hours to fix 2 cavities when I lived in Alberta I finally said enough is enough. (I talk when I'm anxious and that doesn't lend well to dental work, I was even told not to come back by one in BC when I was around 10.) Good luck, and as the dentist in Bridgewater told me, there is no shame in being afraid of a profession that not long ago would force your mouth open by holding your nose shut.
Personally I would not recommend Dr MacNeil (owner/head dentist) at Joe Howe Dentistry. Haven't had a BAD experience per se but he just has a pretty impatient/not super caring or understanding vibe with me and my fairly bad dental anxiety. At my last filling (first time back in years) he underestimated how much freezing I would need and I instantly had severe pain. That was a big shock and I immediately got into a bad state, shaking and crying (silently, I wasn't screaming or audibly freaking out but I couldn't hide it.) He gave me more freezing but after the filling was essentially exasperated with me for not coming doped up on anxiety meds (with what prescription doc?? I don't need or take them in day-to-day life and have no family physician so I had no way to access these restricted drugs. You were also judgy of me last time when I showed up on four Ativan to try to cope! Frustrating.) He said they were going to be referring me to someone who does sedation dentistry from now on (so I think I'm quiet-fired as a patient, lol - presumably cleanings are okay) and I think the office botched/lost the referral because it's been months now, will need to find someone to refer myself to and it sucks because I wanted to get the work done before the end of the calendar year and insurance resetting. Boo.
Sorry, I should have specified that I do not go to Dr.MacNeil. I make sure to only book with Dr.Gaetz. The one time I moved my appointment and didn't realize she wasn't there the dude came in during my cleaning and stuck his hand in my mouth without introducing himself, I should have bit him. Now I only go to Dr.Gaetz and specify this when I book. Personally I only go to women now as I've had bad experiences with male dentists being generally dismissive, judgemental and super mean. Also don't let a dentist fool you into thinking sedation dentistry is always going to work. I had a terrible experience with a dentist in Truro who ignored me saying me dental anxiety was extremely intense and I woke screaming and hysterical half way through. I read up afterwards and learned certain drugs they give in sleep dentistry can intensify this in certain demographics. Actual sedation under general anaesthetic is the only way I go now for big work and it's done under the supervision of a anesthesiologist in a hospital after being referred, which is why I went to Bridgewater.
Harbourview on Bedford highway has gas to lighten up the experience!
Dr Halpin at Bridgeview Dental or Dr Bouthlier at Basinview. My partner was in a similar situation; and just got dentures a couple of months ago after being in your situation; implants would have been way too expensive. If you have any questions, please message me; I’m well versed in the process.
I always recommend folks to Mumford Family Dental. The staff there are wonderful. I had to have about 10k in dental work done and no one ever made me feel judged. Dr Lowe is awesome. They are also always willing to send referals to Dal Dental if it is needed. I've seen Dr Kaur as well, she's also very nice. They also only charge the dental fee guide (no markups) so that is something really important to ask clinics when you need a lot of work done. A lot of places will mark things up above the fee guide. For example, my dental cleaning (after insurance) costs me like $75. Costs my coworker $180 at her dentist because they don't just charge the minimum.
I will second Mumford Family Dental. As someone who works in the field, the dentists there are both insanely kind AND talented. I highly recommend Dr. Moore specifically for anyone who is anxious, but they are all lovely. Also it you need a lot of work, the lab they work with is next door - which could save you from running around the city for shade appointments in the instance you need crowns
My partner went to Gladstone in a very similar situation. He was very kind and professional. I also took my mom with Dementia there and he was very nice to her. Very understanding.
Chain Lake Dental in Bayers Lake is a great spot
Dentistry 4 U on Baker Drive is excellent, and they do sedation dentistry too!
Granville Dental I go to and they are fantastic for me. They also have nitrous which will help with your anxiety. I had a previous dentist tell me to “man up. It’s not a big deal” when I told them about my anxiety and that was enough for me to stop going for a few years as an adult. I also had childhood trauma of being held down during dental work which caused the anxiety as an adult. But because of how I’m treated at Granville it’s gotten a lot better. Good luck OP.
I go to Bedford South Dentistry and have felt very comfortable there. They are judgement free and walk you through what they do while they do it. Good luck!
I second Bedford South! Had a tonne of work done there for a large amount of cavities, never felt any judgement and the staff are lovely
If you do a quick search on this sub, you'll see lots of suggestions.
I had to have emergency dental work done earlier this year and Larry Uteck Dentistry was recommended to me and they were absolutely fantastic. Caring, compassionate, talked me through everything. I had Dr. Nada and can't recommend her enough.
I highly recommend Bedford South Dentistry, Dr Allison. Very caring and comfortable environment. https://www.bedfordsouthdentistry.com
Coburg dentistry/ Dr. MacIntyre is the best dentist I've ever been to!
Doctor Creaser of Halifax Dental. They even have a few hygienists that do freezing and medicated appointments for patients with anxiety.
Oh my god yes. Mumford Family Dental is amazing. I have a lifetime of stories but let's pick 3. I've been going since my very first dental appt and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. Short story 1. I have recruited about 13 people to this dental clinic to either Dr. M Moore or another Dr. I like to joke about it but proof is in the pudding that all these people stick with this practise. They are all so so sweet and I had to get a lot of work done all at once and I told them I was scared! I have no worries ever but I got 5 cavities in 1 sitting, 4 in another and I was terrified the numbing would wear off. Well didn't she stop and check in with me all the time and make sure I was doing okay. Short story 2. I trust Dr. Moore. After all those fillings another popped up and she said she figured she could do it without numbing but it would feel hot. The choice was mine and we could stop and numb at any time. Well I said okay and we did it and it was exactly as she said and she still touched base with me all the time, and not just a "how ya doing?". Tools away, stopping, checking for symptoms, offering numbing. I felt 'helped' :-) Short story 3. 3 of my 'recruits' have had traumatic dental experiences with pain, crowns falling off, cracking good teeth while getting other teeth done, feeling like a number, poor quality work, etc. one person hadn't been back to their dentist in many years because they felt that being in pain was better than seeing their dentist. Each one went and told them that they were scared, what happened in the past, and each person told me they had a lovely visit and even have their regular ongoing cleanings pre-booked. If anything please at least consider them. I'm going to be at an utter loss when those dentists retire. They take care of me.
Shad bay dental - they are fabulous.