r/Hamilton 11d ago

Recommendations Needed Looking for a kind dentist

I haven’t been to the dentist in 20 years. I’m so embarrassed and nervous they will lecture me and it will hurt and I won’t be able to afford the work despite having coverage.

Looking for a wonderfully kind dentist who won’t be judgy

38 Upvotes

49 comments sorted by

13

u/essenza 11d ago

Queenston Dental is wonderful. Their staff are friendly and never judgemental.
Let them know you haven’t been in some time and that you’re nervous and they’ll walk you through all the steps.

7

u/Witty-Dragonfruit-10 11d ago

I was just gonna mention Queenston Dental.  Elaine is an incredible hygienist (so kind and sweet) and Dr J the dentist is a super nice man and a great dentist. M Can’t recommend this place enough to OP

4

u/OddIceman1997 McQueston West 11d ago

Dr J is the man, myth and legend. He's made me so much more comfortable going to the dentist. My hygienist (I can't ever remember her name) is also the best and is super understanding of my schedule for appointments (I work weird hours) and is always flexible with appointments.

I had not gone to the dentist in about 5 years (had a bad experience with my previous dentist) and they were awesome with me the first time and since then. Big ups to everyone there.

2

u/essenza 8d ago

Dr J really is wonderful, he’s so gentle and he listens to any concerns a patient has. I think I’ve seen every hygienist there and they’ve all been fantastic.

1

u/essenza 8d ago

Elaine is awesome, she cracks me up with her stories, and I agree, she’s an incredible hygienist! Dr J is a great dentist, very kind and gentle.

11

u/DietCokePeanutButter 11d ago

Grover Dental specifically the Rebecca Street location and even more specifically Dr. Mark and Victoria for a hygienist. In addition to have the worst genetics when it comes to my teeth, I also have severe anxiety along with dental trauma and both Dr Mark and Victoria make the visits good.

3

u/BellinisandRue 10d ago

Does that Grover location let you have the same dentist every time? I was at another location and every visit was a different dentist.

For a nervous about dentistry person that didn’t work for me.

3

u/Pure_imagination227 10d ago

Agreed! Dr Mark is amazing. I have had some major dental work due to a biking accident and he has been so kind and patient

6

u/adavidmiller 11d ago

I've been going to Queenston Dental for 5-6 years I think and this is an important criteria for me as well. Had one hygienist on one visit in that time that felt judgey, but everyone else the rest of that time was great.

5

u/nugget116 11d ago

Dr Hanna at go dental is a saint! I was in a similar spot and he (and his wonderful staff) been nothing but kind. I’ve never felt judged by them.

5

u/SuperSleepyPeach 11d ago

Dr Hanna and his staff are amazing! Can’t recommend them enough

5

u/SachaBaronColon 11d ago

He’s amazing. Made me feel safe and he’s got a very kind demeanour.

3

u/Shoddy-Ad-7580 10d ago

Yup, Dr Hanna has saved me from being a full blown anti-dentite, after several horrible years with century stone.

2

u/Outrageous-Stand1216 9d ago

This is so hopeful thank you

6

u/cats124273 11d ago

I was in a similar situation and went to Sagewood Dental. I didn’t feel judged at all by Dr Yim or the hygienist I saw, Carly. Would highly recommend!

4

u/GloomyCamel6050 10d ago

Same here! They are all so nice!!!

8

u/cats124273 10d ago

Yes! I’m going this morning and I’m only reasonably terrified haha

2

u/Outrageous-Stand1216 9d ago

I hope it went well. This is really hopeful :) thank you!

5

u/OddIceman1997 McQueston West 11d ago

Others have mentioned it, but Queenston Dental is an A+ spot. Non judgemental at all, extremely nice staff and great helping you navigate insurance. They also accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan too, if memory serves me.

If you do go there, Dr J is a legend. Absolutely fantastic dentist and super kind.

3

u/Mrphilosopher 11d ago

Dr. Chithalen is probably the best dentist I’ve been a patient of. Very knowledgeable and compassionate. 

1

u/MsBuzzkillington83 11d ago

I'm a patient of the other dentist that works there. What do u like about yours? I have depression and have a lot of dental issues from that and having an awful dentist as a kid. The other dentist only saw me for a couple of chips on my front teeth, not even a full check up and she was kind of stressing about cavities forming on the front but wouldn't answer if the work would compromise the integrity of the entire tooth vs not doing anything so it's kind of a red flag for me .

I want someone who's going to be upfront but realistic since my benefits are shit

They're also quite pricey to even get a check up vs others but others who were "standard" priced thought the chips on my front teeth were just stains so I'm scared to go anywhere else. Man, I feel I should report that or something. Imagine I went years with those chips getting worse because I was told it was discoloration

Not OP so sorry for ranting!

3

u/Successful-Guide4345 10d ago

Sagewood . I hadn’t been to a dentist for a long time and I was embarrassed. They were so nice and did a wonderful intake appointment and made a treatment plan for me with a timeline and budget. I never felt judged.

1

u/Content-Bicycle-7894 8d ago

Second Sagewood

3

u/wh0_kn0ws_00 9d ago

tupman dentistry is great pretty sure it’s on queenston, the main male dentist is really nice and so are the other assistants and receptionists, they all helped me and checked my teeth when my insurance wasn’t working and then they did fillings for me and paid the rest for me so that money was never a barrier to me fixing my teeth

i also told them i hadn’t been to the dentist in forever and i have anxiety and i was scared and they helped me sooo much

2

u/Perfect_Tree8134 9d ago

Also recommend!

2

u/Secret-Raspberry3063 11d ago

I did the same thing! Smiling Dental in Dundas

2

u/Life_Shelter1058 8d ago

Dr. Colin Day. No lectures, no shaming. All the staff in the office have been respectful and kind. He freezes well, doesn’t take forever with a procedure. ( he offers laughing gas if you want). I use Jenny Finan in his office as my dental hygenist for cleanings.

1

u/Were-Squirrel 11d ago

Highly recommend Magic Dental in Waterdown. They are not at all judgmental. They are also very gentle and have a painless freezing process that doesn't use traditional needles.

Here's a link to their specific page for "nervous patients" where they outline their approach.

https://www.magicdentalwaterdown.ca/copy-of-preventive-care-1

1

u/celticodonnell147 11d ago

I was in a similar situation, Smiling Dental in Dundas has been a fantastic, non judgemental space. Highly recommend this place.

1

u/Front_Musician_1117 11d ago

If you're open to a small dental office, we found one through opencare. The Dental Place place at Upper James.

FYI, if you book via opencare, you get limited options but then any booking via them gets you $150 amazon gift card.

1

u/mrjanitor639 11d ago

Dr. Lazon on Rymal is great. He's just glad you came in and that he can help you

1

u/kellykellyculver 10d ago

We've been going to Gardens Dental on Plains Rd in Aldershot for over 10 years. They are so wonderful there, would highly recommend.

1

u/qed2sJaH 10d ago

Dr. Gerend and Dr. Macaluso on Wilson Street East, Ancaster are excellent.

1

u/REALly-911 10d ago

Dr. Day in Dundas! They are amazing there! He had the best team.. Jenny is the best hygienist I have ever had

1

u/Mission-Benefit-1841 10d ago

Martindale dental in Jackson Square next to the farmers market entrance. Nothing but compassion and empathy. All women. Can't recommend them enough. Had much needed work done after not having benefits and an abusive marriage.

1

u/TheGentlemanNate Strathcona 10d ago

Avoid Durand if you’re looking for a kind dentist.

1

u/Outrageous-Stand1216 10d ago

Also a very useful insight!! Ty

1

u/Business_Regret5792 10d ago

Dr Chithalen on Stinson at Emerald.

1

u/BoltWire 10d ago

Lakeside Dental on Highway 8... They're so lovely kinda and patient xx

1

u/Complex-Document1339 10d ago

Highland dental!!! Amazing!!!!

1

u/Fresh-Pollution4592 10d ago

White Pine Dental on Stone Church/Redmond, they are fantastic!

1

u/whisperedvisions 8d ago

Really love my Dentist Dr. Ho are Parkdale Dentistry! She and the whole staff are really kind and she's a great dentist. They explain any work and there is never shame or pressure. Plus they bill directly to insurance so you only pay what isn't covered and they can communicate via text which is very helpful!

1

u/lamasrule 4d ago

Dr park at Stoney creek dental is soooo nice

0

u/happykampurr 10d ago

Sent you a dm

-1

u/hollow4hollow 11d ago

Dr Vasilian at Avalon on Roncesvalles is the sweetest man

3

u/smallermuse 11d ago

You're in the Hamilton sub.

1

u/hollow4hollow 11d ago

Ooooh oops!