Moving to a new city means building a whole new network of people you trust — your doctor, your mechanic, your kids' school, and yes, your dentist. Barrie is a wonderful city to settle in, and finding the right dental home early on will pay dividends for your family's health for years to come. Here's what to look for.
Welcome to Barrie
Barrie is one of Ontario's fastest-growing cities, with a population now exceeding 170,000 and a thriving downtown core right on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay. The city offers excellent schools, a strong sense of community, year-round outdoor activities from skiing at Blue Mountain to sailing on Georgian Bay, and a growing professional services sector.
As the city grows, so does its healthcare infrastructure — and dental care is no exception. Newcomers to Barrie have more options than ever, which is great, but it also means knowing what to look for to find the right fit.
What to Look for in a Family Dentist in Barrie
1. They See the Whole Family
If you have children, you want a dentist who is genuinely comfortable and skilled with kids — not just tolerating them. Look for a practice that specifically mentions pediatric or family dentistry and has experience making children feel comfortable. The last thing you want is to shuttle different family members to different offices across town.
At Lakeside Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Pabla sees patients of all ages and is particularly known for her gentle approach with children. Learn more on our Children's Dentist Barrie page.
2. The Location Works for Your Life
A beautiful dental practice on the other side of the city won't do you much good if you're always rushing to get there. Think about where you work, where your kids go to school, and what routes you travel regularly. A conveniently located dentist means you'll actually keep your appointments.
Lakeside Smiles Dentistry is located at 66 Dunlop St W in Downtown Barrie — central, accessible, and close to Barrie's waterfront. Convenient parking is available nearby.
3. They Accept Your Insurance
Before committing to a new dentist, confirm they accept your insurance plan. Most practices in Barrie accept the major carriers. If you don't have private dental insurance, check whether the practice is a CDCP Friendly Practice — Lakeside Smiles is, and we're happy to help you understand and use your benefits.
4. The Dentist's Philosophy Matches Yours
Different dentists have different approaches. Some are very aggressive about treatment — recommending fillings for the smallest spots, pushing cosmetic upgrades, upselling at every turn. Others are more conservative — monitoring small issues, focusing on prevention, and only recommending treatment when it's truly necessary.
Dr. Pabla's philosophy is prevention-first and patient-led. She will always explain what she sees, give you options, and respect your decision. No pressure, no upselling — just honest, caring advice.
5. They Handle Dental Anxiety Well
If you or anyone in your family has dental anxiety — which is extremely common — finding a dentist who specializes in anxiety-friendly care is essential. Look for practices that mention extra appointment time, a calm environment, and a patient-paced approach.
At Lakeside Smiles, anxiety-friendly care is a core part of who we are. See our Family Dentist Barrie page for more details.
6. Modern Technology and Clean Facilities
Modern dental technology — digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, updated sterilization equipment — isn't just impressive, it means better, more precise care with less discomfort and radiation exposure. When you visit a new practice for the first time, pay attention to how modern and clean the facilities feel.
Lakeside Smiles is being built from scratch with modern equipment and thoughtful design throughout.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dentist in Barrie
- Are you accepting new patients? (And families?)
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- Are you a CDCP provider?
- What is your approach with anxious patients or children?
- What happens if I have a dental emergency after hours?
- How far in advance do I need to book a cleaning?
- What are your hours?
How to Transfer Your Dental Records
When you move to a new dentist, you can request your records from your previous provider. Most clinics will send X-rays and treatment history directly to your new dentist either electronically or by mail, usually at no charge. This isn't strictly necessary — your new dentist can start fresh — but it can be helpful context, especially if you have ongoing treatment or complex dental history.
Why Lakeside Smiles is the Right Choice for Barrie Newcomers
Lakeside Smiles Dentistry is opening August 2026 at 66 Dunlop St W — right as Barrie continues to grow and welcome new residents. Dr. Romy Pabla designed this practice specifically around the kind of dental experience she'd want for her own family: calm, modern, honest, and genuinely warm.
For families new to Barrie, joining our Founding Patient List now means you'll have a dental home ready and waiting before you've even finished unpacking. We'll send you updates as we get closer to opening, and you'll have priority access to appointments from day one.
New to Barrie? Make Lakeside Smiles Your Dental Home.
Join our Founding Patient List today — priority access to appointments when we open August 2026.
Join Our Priority List →Frequently Asked Questions
As soon as possible! Don't wait until you have a toothache. Registering with a new dentist right away means you'll have someone to call if an emergency comes up, and you can schedule your first cleaning before your 6-month window lapses.
Not necessarily. A good family dentist like Dr. Pabla is trained and experienced in treating children of all ages. A separate pediatric specialist is typically only needed for children with complex special needs. Learn more on our Children's Dentist Barrie page.
Absolutely — we welcome patients from all areas of Barrie and surrounding communities including Innisfil, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, and beyond.