Dr. Kathleen Dulac, DMD is a General Dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults at her clinic in Lake Mary, FL. As a trusted partner in their health journey, she's committed to managing the unique dental needs of individuals 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Dulac understands the importance of oral health in maintaining overall well-being. General dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, providing comprehensive oral care, managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being.
Dr. Dulac's care philosophy is deeply rooted in respect and understanding for each patient. She strives to create a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere in her practice, motivating her team to provide exceptional care. Dr. Dulac is currently welcoming new patients. She's passionate about forensic sciences, volunteering with the Volusia County Medical Examiner's Office in identification cases and charting cold case files. Outside of the practice, she finds joy in outdoor activities like paddleboarding, hiking, and camping, and is a dedicated runner, actively pursuing marathon and half marathon goals. Dr. Kathleen Dulac provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (407) 328-6411 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Kathleen Dulac is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Dulac is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care tailored to the unique needs of older adults. She expertly manages age-related dental issues, including dry mouth and gum disease, and proactively collaborates with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible oral and overall well-being for each patient. Her approach prioritizes a personalized plan that considers each senior's individual circumstances and goals, fostering a supportive and reassuring environment throughout their care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Kathleen Dulac can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
DenteMax
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- MetLife
- PDP Plus (Preferred Dentist Program) DPPO
- Principal Financial Group
- Total Dental Administrators PPO
- Total Dental Administrators PPO PPO
- Total Dental DPPO
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Kathleen Dulac provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- Dental Injury: Falls or accidents can cause dental injuries in older adults, but prompt treatment from your dentist can minimize pain and prevent infection, helping you maintain your independence and overall well-being.
- Tooth Abscess: An abscess in your tooth is a serious infection that causes a pocket of pus to form, and it needs attention from your dentist to avoid spreading and causing more discomfort.
- Chipped Tooth: Experiencing a chipped tooth can be concerning, but your dentist can assess the damage and recommend the best treatment to protect the tooth from further harm and restore its function.
- Clicking of Temporomandibular Joint: That clicking sound when you open or close your mouth might indicate a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), a condition easily addressed by your dentist through personalized treatment plans to minimize discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Tooth Damage: Whether it's a small chip or a significant fracture, your dentist can assess the damage and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your teeth's function and appearance.
- Gum Disease: Experiencing bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, or persistent bad breath could be signs of gum disease; seeking prompt professional care from your dentist allows for early intervention and preservation of your teeth.
- Cavity: A cavity is a small hole in a tooth due to decay; quick treatment with a filling or other restoration by your dentist will safeguard your oral health and help you maintain a comfortable, confident smile.
- Canker Sore: Canker sores, those annoying little mouth ulcers, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies to soothe the pain and promote faster healing, and your dentist can provide guidance on appropriate treatment.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: A persistent bad taste in your mouth can be bothersome, but your dentist can help identify the cause, whether it's poor oral hygiene, a medical condition, or even certain medications, and recommend ways to improve it.
- Plaque: Maintaining good oral hygiene by removing plaque daily is crucial for preventing gum disease and tooth decay, which can impact your ability to eat comfortably and enjoy your favorite foods.
- Gingivitis: Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease where your gums become inflamed and may bleed easily, often manageable with improved brushing and flossing techniques.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Kathleen Dulac offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Amalgam Dental Fillings: As part of your comprehensive dental care, amalgam fillings can help manage tooth decay and prevent further damage, contributing to a healthier smile.
- Dental Cleaning: Through a thorough cleaning, your dentist can assess the health of your mouth, identifying potential problems early for effective management and treatment.
- Dental Crown: As part of your ongoing dental care, a crown can effectively restore a tooth's function and prevent the need for more extensive procedures later on.
- Dental Hygiene Services: Regular dental hygiene appointments help detect oral health problems early, allowing for timely intervention and improving the overall success of your senior care plan.
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, acting as a strong foundation for crowns or dentures, and improving your overall oral health and function in the long term.
- Root Canal: As part of your ongoing dental health, a root canal can address severe toothaches and restore a tooth's function, helping you eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
- Teeth Extraction: As a preventative measure, removing a tooth that's beyond repair can prevent the spread of infection to neighboring teeth or other areas of the body.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps remove stains and discoloration, revealing a healthier-looking smile and contributing to improved oral hygiene.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Kathleen Dulac is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- A senior citizen, plagued by a persistent toothache, found significant relief after a dental consultation, allowing them to enjoy a comforting cup of tea without the agonizing pain that had become a daily struggle.
- Following a fall, a senior experienced significant dental injury, but with expert dental care, the discomfort was minimized, and the patient regained the ability to eat their favorite foods, improving their overall well-being and confidence.
- A senior was able to enjoy a hearty meal of crunchy vegetables again, free from the agonizing pain of a tooth abscess, thanks to the dentist's expert care. The family felt a sense of relief and peace of mind, knowing the infection was properly addressed.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Kathleen Dulac:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Dulac's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also overall health and wellness.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Dulac can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for seniors with sufficient jawbone health. They offer a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring crowns, bridges, or even full dentures and preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- What is the difference between a bridge and a partial denture?
- A dental bridge is a fixed, permanent replacement for missing teeth, cemented to your existing teeth. A partial denture is a removable appliance that clips onto your teeth to fill in the gaps.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- Healthy gums do not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation, which can progress to more serious gum disease. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Dulac can help create a gentle home care routine.
- How should I be cleaning my dentures properly?
- To properly clean your dentures, remove and rinse them after eating. Use a soft denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner to clean all surfaces daily. Gently brush your gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth, and soak your dentures overnight in a denture solution or water.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, yet vital part of every routine dental exam. Dr. Dulac will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Dulac can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other issues that could be causing the sensitivity.
2500 W Lake Mary Blvd
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 328-6411
Dr. Kathleen Dulac, DMD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1598724296
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Kathleen Dulac are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.