April is National Oral Health Month. In order to encourage good oral health, the Herald will be profiling dental clinics for April’s Business Features. This week we take a look at Dagasso Orthodontics. 

Dr. Daniel Dagasso Orthodontics is a specialty dental practice that has been operating in Kamloops since 2012, and as a satellite office on Quilchena Ave. in Merritt since 2017. 

Orthodontic treatment plays an important role in oral health, and is sometimes overlooked as people focus on conventional dentistry such as cleanings or extractions. 

“We provide orthodontic care utilizing traditional metal or ceramic braces, or Invisalign for teens and adults,” said Dr. Dagasso.  

“It is recommended that children are seen by an orthodontist by age nine to plan treatment when transitioning to adult teeth. At Dagasso Orthodontics, a referral from your dentist is not required to get a complimentary orthodontic consultation.” 

Orthodontics are one of nine recognized dental specialties in Canada, which include Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine and Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics. 

Becoming an orthodontist requires years of study and specialized education.

“People are often curious as to what training is required to become a certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics,” said Dr. Dagasso. 

“All dentists must attend four years of dental school after completing three to four years of undergraduate level education. I completed a Bachelor of Science degree at UBC followed by a dental degree at UBC. My specialty training in Orthodontics required a further three years of education culminating in a Master’s degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics.

“After graduating from dental school, I practiced all aspects of General Dentistry for ten years in my hometown of Dawson Creek. In 2009, with my family accompanying me, I made the trek across Canada and entered the graduate orthodontic program at the University of Western Ontario.”

Dr. Dagasso uses his many years of experience to ensure a positive experience for his patients, and provide quality results that help to maintain oral health.

A straight, beautiful smile is important to make a first impression, this is how you greet the world,” said Dr. Dagasso. 

“I look forward to the day that each patient gets their braces off because I know the boost in self confidence that people achieve when their formerly crooked smile is now dazzling. Straighter teeth can also lead to better overall health. We regularly see news reports about the association between heart disease and the overall health of the teeth and gums. Also, better tooth alignment makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums healthy.” 

Part of the work that takes place in the office is performed by assistants, who also help to create a welcoming and fun environment for the staff and patients alike. 

“A vital part of any dental team are the Certified Dental Assistants,” said Dagasso. 

“To provide Orthodontic care the CDAs must complete further training to qualify as a CDA-Ortho.  The dental assistants that work here take a personal interest in their patients and love to laugh and have fun during the day, you may have heard the volume on the radio turned up when an ABBA song comes on,” Dagasso joked. 

While receiving orthodontic treatment, it is of the utmost importance to keep your teeth and mouth clean and pay attention to your oral health. 

“When someone has braces in place it is very important to maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing,” stressed Dr. Dagasso.  

“Using a Waterpik or water flosser can make it easier to remove plaque from under the braces, but normal brushing and flossing is still vital. Patients and their parents often ask if they should still be seeing their dentist for cleanings and checkups during orthodontics, and the answer is a resounding YES. Your family dentist and dental specialists work as a team.”

If you require braces or other orthodontic treatment, Dr. Dagasso’s office can be reached at 250-828-6208 or online at dagassoorthodontics.ca.

“In closing, I would like to say thank you to the people of Merritt for the overwhelming support and welcome we have received,” said Dr. Dagasso.