Question 1

How do I book an appointment at Dentistry on Duncan Mill?

Accepted Answer

You can book online using the contact form on our website, call us at 416-445-1320 during office hours, or email us at duncan.mill.dentistry@gmail.com. New patients are always welcome. We will confirm your appointment within one business day.

Question 2

How early should I arrive for my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early for your first visit. This gives you time to complete your new patient health history form and have any paperwork processed before your appointment time.

Question 3

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer that time to another patient. For emergencies, please call us as early as possible.

Question 4

Do you offer Saturday appointments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Saturday appointments are popular and fill quickly — we recommend booking at least a week in advance for Saturday slots.

Question 5

Do you direct bill my dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We direct bill most major dental insurance plans in Canada, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Desjardins, Green Shield, and many others. Bring your insurance card to your appointment and we will handle the rest. You pay only your co-pay portion at the time of service.

Question 6

Are you a registered CDCP provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dentistry on Duncan Mill is a registered Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provider. Eligible patients can receive covered dental care at our office with no upfront cost beyond their co-payment. Visit our CDCP page for full eligibility and coverage details.

Question 7

Do you accept patients with NIHB or IFHP coverage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept both Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit patients, and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for eligible refugees and protected persons.

Question 8

What if I do not have dental insurance?

Accepted Answer

No problem. We provide transparent, itemized estimates before all treatment so you know exactly what to expect. We can also discuss phased treatment plans, in-house payment arrangements, and whether you may qualify for a government dental program like CDCP.

Question 9

How often should I come in for a check-up and cleaning?

Accepted Answer

For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning and exam every 6 months. Patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, or other risk factors may benefit from more frequent visits — we will make a specific recommendation based on your oral health.

Question 10

Are dental X-rays safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use digital X-ray technology, which uses significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays — about 70-80% less. X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allows us to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. We follow recommended guidelines for how often X-rays are taken.

Question 11

Is a root canal painful?

Accepted Answer

Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful. Modern root canal techniques are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. Most patients report that a root canal appointment is no more uncomfortable than a filling. We use effective local anesthesia and will ensure you are fully comfortable before we begin.

Question 12

What is the difference between a cleaning and scaling and root planing?

Accepted Answer

A regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and is a routine preventive procedure. Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning procedure for patients with gum disease — it removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach.

Question 13

When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?

Accepted Answer

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, or by age one — whichever comes first. Early visits help establish healthy habits and allow us to monitor jaw and tooth development from the start.

Question 14

Do you treat anxious children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team is experienced with anxious and nervous young patients. We use a "tell, show, do" approach — explaining what we are about to do in child-friendly language, showing the tools, and then proceeding gently. We move at the child's pace and take breaks as needed. Many children who arrive nervous leave with a smile.

Question 15

At what age should children start getting dental sealants?

Accepted Answer

Sealants are typically applied to the permanent molars as soon as they erupt — usually between ages 6 and 12. They are most effective when applied before decay can develop. We will recommend sealants based on your child's individual tooth eruption pattern.

Patient FAQs — Dentistry on Duncan Mill

Appointments & Scheduling

Insurance & Payment

Dental Procedures

Children & Family Dentistry

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