Dr. Thompson

Born in 1951 in England, Dr. Thompson was educated in England, Scotland and Canada. He practiced general dentistry for 5 years in Halifax, has taught at Dalhousie University and practiced orthodontics (with an interest in TMJ and obstructive sleep apnea) on a specialty level for over 30 years.

Dr. Thompson is committed to the functional and esthetic aspects of a healthy bite and a beautiful smile. In particular, Dr. Thompson stresses the use of the most modern, time-reducing and cosmetic appliances and retainers available today including the Damon System (passive self ligating brackets) and invisible wire free orthodontics (Invisalign) and Dr. Thompson is a premier provider of Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Dr. Thompson believes in professional standards in a “fun” environment – you can be serious and have an enjoyable time too.

Dr. Thompson considers the Damon System to be the standard of care for orthodontic patients and wants his patients to understand the benefits this system provides and he is busy trying to educate the public and dental profession at large regarding the benefits of this orthodontic system.

Dr. Thompson is very familiar with modern jaw surgical techniques, however, he always attempts to avoid or minimize the use of jaw surgery (where appropriate). The use of “functional” (growth directing) appliances can often achieve this! He strongly feels that the use of “headgear” is unnecessary and can be dangerous (due to possible eye injuries).

Other interests include a TMJ clinic unsurpassed in on-site expertise and equipment and the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea using dental appliances and other techniques, although Dr. Thompson’s orthodontic practice incorporates the “normal” children, adolescent and adult (especially difficult multidisciplinary cases), 25% of his practice related to Sleep Apnea and TMJD. 

Dental appliance therapy has been a common use for Sleep Apnea for 20 years or so.  Dr. Thompson has pioneered its use in Atlantic Canada in spite of attitudinal and entrenched “interest” obstacles.  This therapy is tried, true and tested – please see our obstructive sleep apnea section for more information.

Dr. Thompson is a caring individual who listens carefully to your problems and is results oriented and efficient.  He probably has encountered problems just like yours, many times and has treated them successfully.  He provides you with detailed information (usually in writing also) and will answer all of your questions carefully and completely.  He knows how to produce efficient results for the referrals he receives from throughout Atlantic Canada.  He accesses the semi-socialized health care system when possible but feels that, generally, as a single stand alone option surgery and other “covered” therapies often worsen or mask the real problems and produce a poor long term prognosis.

Dr. Thompson is a university trained dental specialist and delivers and attends (with his staff) over 80 hours of continuing education per year. He has devoted over 25 years to being involved with lectures and teaching both at the university level and nationally/internationally to private associations and organizations involved with orthodontics, TMJ and/or OSA.

Every 7-10 years, Dr. Thompson undergoes a peer-reviewed examination/update by exam to ensure a higher level of delivery of orthodontic health care. (This can take various forms and is not mandated by the NSDB/NSDA - unfortunately in Dr. Thompson’s view). 

As an example of this ongoing commitment to education, Dr T is now undergoing continuing education in Orofacial Pain at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and is busy incorporating the use of soft tissue lasers and temporary anchorage placements into his busy practice.

Although he does still give the occasional lecture/presentation, Dr. Thompson now prefers to spend his time with his family and dedicate additional time to his patients

Dr. Thompson-Abbreviated C.V. (PDF format)