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Dental Assistant Shortage in Canada: What Major Step Has Just Been Taken?
23Jan
Dental assistants have been added to Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker program, which will enable dental assistants from around the world to immigrate to Canada. This should have an excellent impact on Canada’s healthcare service, as it will improve both the quality and quantity of dental assistants – who are a key part of dental clinics.

In exciting news for the dental industry and wider healthcare system, dental assistants can now immigrate to Canada through Express Entry [1].

This news comes following the announcement that the job was added to those that qualify for immigration to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program [2].

With dental services in high demand, this news will come as a boost for the Canadian healthcare system, which will hopefully become better equipped thanks to this news.

New Occupations

The FSW program has been in operation for many years, and aims to attract highly-skilled professionals to Canada. Only certain jobs, such as Chemists and Doctors, qualify under the program.

In November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada added 16 new jobs to its list of eligible occupations. Among these jobs was the role of Dental assistant – with the National Occupational Classification code of 33100 [1].

The important role of dental assistants

Dental assistants are a crucial element of the Canadian healthcare system. They help in many different ways, often without the patient realizing.

Dental assistants help dentists, hygienists and dental therapists perform their routine jobs. They help with regular check-ups, while also assisting during treatments.

Their day-to-day lives include doing tasks such as sterilizing and maintaining instruments and equipment, helping with fillings, taking X-rays, polishing teeth and assisting with fluoride applications among other tasks [1].

Moreover, many dental assistants are trained to do tasks like administering anaesthesia, removing temporary crowns and removing dental sutures. Therefore, they can help in many ways.

Moreover, they are also trained to perform administrative duties in dental clinics. Therefore, they are in high demand, such are their importance and versatility.

The positive impact on Canada

The recent addition of the Canadian dental benefit is expected to result in more people visiting dental services in Canada – something which already has a strong demand.

Dr. Brian Barrett of the Dental Association of Prince Edward Island commented on this news. He says that a shortage of dental assistants exists in Canada, and that without an influx of new assistants, “the problem will be here for several years” [1].

Therefore, by having more dental assistants, hopefully dental clinics around the nation will be able to increase their output, leading to more patients being seen.

This will hopefully result in improved treatment outcomes for patients. Consequently, there are many benefits to having more dental assistants in Canada.

Anyone interested in following this pathway can use the Express Entry system to apply for immigration to Canada. This offers a faster approach towards immigration.

An expression of interest is necessary, while it is also worth familiarizing yourself with the Canadian points-based system that is used to rank candidates against one another [3].

Thinking points…

1) Have you ever considered becoming a dental assistant? Or do you have a friend abroad that works as a dental assistant and would be interested in immigrating to Canada? Why not share this article with them, or look further into the profession yourself? It can be a rewarding career that is well worth considering!

2) A shortage of dental assistants suggests that more and more people are going to the dentist on a regular basis. Therefore, take this as an opportunity to think about your oral health, and consider if it is time to make an appointment for a dental check-up. Dental check-ups are crucial, and can ensure that your oral health is strong. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of dental treatment options and services.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Singer, C. R. (2023). Dental Assistants Can Now Immigrate To Canada Through Express Entry. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/dental-assistants-can-now-immigrate-to-canada-through-express-entry/. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

[2] Singer, C. R. (2021). Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration?. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/who-qualifies-for-canadian-permanent-residence-skilled-worker-immigration. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

[3] Singer, C. R. (2021). Canada Express Entry Immigration. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/canada-express-entry-immigration. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

Why Are Alberta Dentists Concerned About the New Federal Dental Benefit?
15Jan
Dentists in Alberta have voiced their concern over the number of applications that have been received for the new federal dental benefit in the province. After an initial strong uptake, applications have slowed recently. Therefore, many dentists across Alberta have questioned what is causing this, and have made some suggestions for the future.

The new Canadian Dental Benefit program was launched a few weeks ago following months of planning and anticipation.

Whilst there was a strong uptake to begin with, dentists in Alberta have become concerned at how applications for the benefit have somewhat stalled recently [1].

It is making dentists across Alberta question what is behind this recent lessening of interest, and how this can be turned around.

The Dental Benefit

The Canadian Dental Benefit was launched on 1st December 2022 [2]. It is open to middle and low-income families with a child under the age of 12.

Eligible families can claim up to $650 per qualifying child each year towards dental costs [2]. This is dependent on income.

Those who wish to apply can do so online, accessing: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Completing an application is a requirement of the process.

Concern among Alberta’s dentists

As mentioned, the uptake has been lower than expected. But as Dr. Jeffrey Ma of the Friends and Family Dental Health in Calgary dental clinic note, “the response has been a little bit lacklustre” [1].

Ma has suggested that the lacklustre response could be due to a mixture of confusion and lack of awareness [1]. Ma says that it is “a fantastic program”, but that the “awareness just isn’t there yet” [1].

Moreover, Ma believes “people are a little bit confused” [1]. The eligibility requirements have proven to be confusing for some, with many unsure on if they qualify or not.

Ma has suggested that the Government should step in, with the advice that they should “simplify the program and have it extended to cover all children” [1]. This would certainly clear up any confusion.

The Future

Dr. Ma has also said that the program will help to save money in the long run – which is a benefit to not only the public but also the government. However, he has argued that the government should do more.

He cites the example of how he sees families “that really care about their children’s dental health, but their finances don’t necessarily allow it”, meaning that they are unable to afford dental care [1].

At the moment, due to the benefit being related to income, those just over the threshold, and potentially even bigger earners, may be struggling to pay for private dental insurance for their children, in the absence of the benefit.

This adds more weight to the suggestion that the government should make the program available to more people. In fact, Ma has said that this is a group that “sure would benefit from having what this program can offer” [1].

Recommendations

Bruce Yaholinitsky is spokesperson for the Alberta Dental Association. He has recommended that parents set up an account with the Canadian Revenue Agency. Then, after paying up front for the services, they will eventually have money transferred to their account [1].

But Yaholinitsky has warned that “the government will be checking randomly on these patients to make sure they’ve been using it for dental care” [1].

There have been other suggestions too. Calgary dentist Dr. Brad Krusky has called on the government to make changes to the approach of the benefit [1]. For example, Krusky has said that funds should be injected into the existing system, which could benefit a larger number of people, including “kids from families who have a little bit more income than the current level, but are still not able to afford the care” [1].

Krusky has said that while the program is a step in the right direction, preventative care is still important [1]. He says that “I would invest in prevention much more than I would invest billions of dollars that are going into this program” [1].

The National Plan

Eventually, the Canadian National Dental Healthcare plan will be implemented. This is due to take place over a three-year period, with a full rollout in 2025.

This will benefit more people than the current program does, although a strong start has been made. Hopefully, the oral health of Canadian citizens will greatly improve in the next few years as the full benefit of the plan is felt.

Thinking points…

1) The article above notes that the full rollout of the Canadian National Dental Plan will not happen until 2025. It can be tempting to try and wait until then to tackle any outstanding dental issues. But unfortunately, dental problems don’t get better on their own. Therefore, ensure that you make regular visits to your dentist, who can carry out check-ups to review the state of your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As we mentioned earlier, many eligible people are unsure if the dental benefit is relevant to them. We would recommend either speaking to us at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental – as we can offer advice, or visiting the Canadian Revenue Agency’s website. While visiting us, we will also be happy to make you aware of the wide range of services we can provide! We would love to see you soon, visit our homepage for more https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Kury de Castillo, C. (2022). Alberta dentists raise concerns about new federal dental benefit. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9370178/calgary-dentists-concerns-federal-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.

Why Is It Important To Ignore TikTok’s Dangerous Dental Braces Hack?
8Jan
A new “dental hack” on social media app TikTok is causing significant concern to dentists, amid fears that it could cause severe damage to the oral health of impressionable youngsters. The popular video shows a user using a spoon to remove their braces. This is a very dangerous activity that shouldn’t be undertaken by anyone but a trained professional.

While supposed dental “do it yourself (DIY) hacks” on TikTok are sadly nothing new, every now and then, a very damaging trend that can cause significant harm can become popular.

Recently, one particular trend has developed which has, unbelievably, promoted the idea and supposed benefits of prying off braces with a spoon.

This is just one example of many worrying TikTok trends which have led to substantial concern for dentists. Teenagers and younger people are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of developing long-term oral problems due to these hacks.

TikTok’s Dental Hacks

TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps currently. It has videos on just about any topic, with oral health no different. But not all videos are useful, with some downright damaging.

This includes videos that use the hashtag “DIY dentistry”. This hashtag brings up thousands of videos, many of which promote damaging “hacks” that viewers can do themselves to apparently improve their appearance.

These DIY hacks are targeted at young adults, teenagers and even children. Many people in this age range are highly-impressionable and very conscious of their looks – a concerning duo for oral health.

Infamous hacks put forward including filling in the spaces between teeth with dental filler, and creating a “healthy coke”, which involved using vinegar as a substitute for cola – though the acidic nature of vinegar meant it was far from “healthy”.

Moreover, other hacks have proven popular, including using bleach to whiten teeth and trying to straighten teeth using a nail file. There is so much harm that can be caused by these hacks.

A common reason behind engaging with these hacks is a concern over dental costs. But what so many don’t realise is that by engaging in these hacks, the chances are that they will end up having to go to the dentist to fix the pain that they develop.

The Dangerous Braces Hack

One hack which is currently attracting a lot of interest focuses on braces. The video shows a person prying their braces off with a spoon. Others in the comments suggested a fork could do the same.

However, this is an incredibly dangerous thing to do. By using a foreign instrument in the mouth, bacteria will be introduced into the mouth.

Moreover, the teeth can be damaged by using such vigorous actions. After all, braces are not easily pried off, so the force needed would inevitably damage the teeth.

It is important to remember that when braces are eventually removed, a trained orthodontist will use a special device to loosen the brackets. This really isn’t something that anyone other than a trained professional should do.

As much as people don’t tend to like braces, they are there for a reason! So if a person does pry off the braces, the intended benefits won’t be realized. This creates a negative cycle where they will inevitably need to use braces again, with their teeth unable to naturally correct themselves without the addition of braces.

Therefore, the action brings no benefits, and will actually cause long-term damage. Seeing such videos on TikTok can be very damaging.

Reactions

Many dentists, hygienists and doctors have made comments on these videos on TikTok, urging viewers to not copy what they see. Hopefully, this will have a positive impact.

Then there are also many comments on these videos by those who regret partaking in “DIY dentistry”, often sharing the pain they are in. This will also hopefully act as a deterrent.

Some users have defended the videos, mentioning the cost element. However, others have pointed out that there are many dental schools that offer discounted dental services.

Ben Winters is a dentist on TikTok that goes by the name of “thebentist” [1]. He has over 13million followers, and uses his platform to provide dental advice. He has said that any DIY dentistry effort “is a permanent decision”, as the “teeth are not coming back” [2].

While “lip filler can be dissolved” and “Botox goes away”, Winters has pointed out that “once you alter the shape of your teeth, that is gone forever” [2]. This shows a professional’s viewpoint on the dangers, which hopefully resonates with viewers.

The dental effects of these hacks are terrible. Trauma to the teeth and tooth decay are two very common side effects of any hack, and can lead to irreversible damage. Hopefully, impressionable youngsters will avoid engaging in such activities.

Thinking points…

1) If you have a child or teenager, it is highly likely that they use TikTok. Therefore, they will be exposed to content like this. It is important to have regular conversations with them about their dental health. Furthermore, you can set a good example to your children by looking after your own oral health, which involves visiting a dental clinic for a regular check-up. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) It is very natural for people to not be entirely happy with the appearance of their mouth and teeth. However, it is important to not turn to the “DIY hacks” outlined in this article for assistance. Instead, it is important to leave it to professionals! For example, here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including teeth whitening, Invisalign and implants. We would love to have a conversation with you about treatment options, you can see more about us on our homepage https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental services.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™a! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] TikTok. (2023). thebentist. Available: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebentist. Last accessed: 6th January 2023.

[2] Cutler, A. (2023). No, you shouldn’t pry your braces off with a spoon: TikTok hacks making dentists cringe. Available:

The Link Between Red Wine and Stained Teeth: How Can It Be Prevented?
2Jan
Red wine is a very common drink that is enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is also known for having the undesirable effect of staining teeth. This is something we all try to avoid. Now, a dentist has discussed the link between red wine and stained teeth – and listed some methods to help prevent problems. This useful information can help many people to manage their teeth effectively.

Over the Christmas season, it is very common for us to over-indulge on food and drink. While doing this just once a year may not do much harm, it is important to exert caution during the festive season.

One of the most common things that people treat themselves to over the holiday season is red wine. But this has the undesirable, yet common effect, of staining teeth over time.

But what can be done about this? Now, a dentist has looked into this question, and has helped to explain some of the key factors that result in stained teeth [1]. This information will be very relevant to anyone who is concerned about the possibility of their teeth becoming stained.

Analysis by a professional

Uchenna Akosa is a dentist who works in tandem with Rutgers Health University Dental Associates [1]. As a dentist, Akosa has seen stained teeth first-hand, and has developed knowledge on it.

Akosa explained the link between red wine and stained teeth. She says that upon drinking red wine, “you’re encountering a triple threat to your teeth’s whiteness” [1]. This triple threat that Akosa speaks of consists of anthocynanins, tannins and acidity [1].

Akosa explains that anthocyanins are the pigments in grapes that give red wine its rich color. Meanwhile, tannins help bind the pigment our teeth. Finally, acidity refers to the acid found in wine, which etches our enamel, making it more porous and easier for the stain to stick [1].

When combined, these various threats can result in our teeth becoming discolored. While occasional consumption of wine may not cause this, consistent consumption is highly likely to cause it.

Moreover, Akosa mentions that “the strength of your enamel and how prone you are to plaque build-up is key to how much your teeth might stain” [1]. Some people are naturally more prone to plaque. This quote shows that some people will naturally be more at risk than others.

Looking at the wider picture, Akosa has acknowledged that many other foods and drinks have a similar effect [1]. She says that “anything that can stain a shirt can stain your teeth” [1]. For example, she mentions “black coffee, black tea, berries, balsamic vinegar, chocolate, sweets and smoking” as examples [1].

Moreover, she continues by saying “drinks like soda and juices harm the enamel and make teeth more susceptible to stains” [1]. Clearly, there are a range of threats to our teeth.

Interestingly, in a comparison based on the impact that red wine and coffee have on staining teeth, a team of researchers in 2010 found that red wine had the more severe effect on tooth discoloration and enamel erosion [2].

Preventing stained teeth

There are things that we can all do to try and prevent stained teeth. These suggestions are from Akosa, who believes taking the following steps can limit the damage done to our teeth when drinking wine [1]:

• Akosa suggests that we should brush our teeth before, but not immediately after, drinking [1]. This is because brushing your teeth before drinking will tackle any build-up of plaque prior to consumption of wine. If you do it afterwards, the wine may contribute to a build-up of plaque in the meantime.

• Akosa also states that we shouldn’t drink white wine prior to red wine [1]. While it can be tempting to drink both, the extra acid in white wine will exacerbate the staining.

• Another useful tip Akosa provides is to drink water while drinking wine [1]. Regularly swishing your mouth with water whilst drinking wine can help to reduce the wine’s acidity and keep our mouth’s saliva levels strong. This can help to regulate our mouth’s acid levels.

• Akosa has also pointed out the usefulness of pairing cheese with wine while drinking. This is because cheese can help to stimulate saliva and reduces acidity from wine.

• Finally, Akosa has pointed out how important it is to brush your teeth correctly and attend regular dental appointments [1]. This can help to remove plaque and keep teeth healthy.

Akosa has suggested that a good brushing technique involves placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and lightly brush back and forth in short strokes [1]. Furthermore, it is important to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of teeth.

Overall, it is important to remember to enjoy yourself over the festive season – after all, it only comes around once a year. However, you can do so responsibly, and act in a way that protects and limits any damage to teeth.

There certainly seems to be a strong relationship between red wine and teeth discoloration, but as outlined above, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent problems.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, it is very important to look after our teeth. There are many simple steps we can take to protect and strengthen our oral health. One of the most important aspects of this is to attend regular dental appointments. At these appointments, any problems can be detected, and necessary treatments planned and proposed. We strongly recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Once teeth are stained, it can be rather unsettling for many people, and affect their self-esteem. However, cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, is available! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. We also offer consultations for those considering teeth whitening, giving you a chance to ask any questions you may have. We would love to have a discussion with you about teeth whitening, and help you on your journey to great-looking teeth!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Zielinski, P. (2022). How to prevent ‘wine teeth’ this holiday. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-12-wine-teeth-holiday.html/. Last accessed: 30th December 2022.

[2] Liporini, P. C. S., Souto, C. M. C., Pazinatto, R. B., Cesar, I. C. R., Augusto de Rego, M., Mathias, P., & Cavalli, V. (2010). Enamel Susceptibility to Coffee and Red Wine Staining at Different Intervals Elapsed from Bleaching: A Photoreflectance Spectrophotometry Analysis. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 28 (2): p105-109. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2627.

The Oral Health of Refugees: The Impact on Dental Services in Canada
26Dec
Dentists in Canada are facing a large demand for oral health services from refugees. Refugees are often arriving in Canada with poor oral health, having never received routine dental care before. This is causing many issues, but is also a shining example of how dentists are doing their best to help this vulnerable population.

The recent influx of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan has presented many problems, with many refugees arriving in Canada with severe oral health problems [1].

Therefore, dental professionals are facing an increase in demand, with many of the refugees arriving having unfortunately not received any preventative dental care in many years.

This is presenting a difficult challenge. Not only do dental professionals have a high demand, but the refugees themselves are forced to live with poor oral health, which requires treatment.

Refugees and Oral Health

Canada has a long history of providing sanctuary for refugees. Recently, the majority of refugees are coming from either Ukraine or Afghanistan, owing to the troubles in those nations.

But a problem that many refugees have is poor health, including physically, mentally and oral. Oral health is a particular concern for dental professionals, with the recent influx of refugees requiring urgent oral care set to strain the Canadian healthcare service.

For example, a study in 2019 looked at the differences between the oral health of refugees in Canada and Canadian children [2]. They found that many refugee children had never seen a dentist prior to arriving in Canada, and that they had “significantly” worse oral health than Canadian children [2].

Not all refugees are children though. A similar study – albeit based in Nova Scotia – looked at adult refugees [3]. Of the 86 recent refugee arrivals, 85% had untreated tooth decay. 98% had moderate to severe gingivitis [3].

In a sign that many people there don’t understand the seriousness of oral health, 49% of refugees considered their oral health to be good, very good or excellent [3]. Therefore, many were unaware of the need for oral health treatment.

Another study found that an added issue facing refugees is their language, cultural and financial difficulties [4]. These limit their access to and use of Canadian dental services [4].

The impact on dental services

Dr. Brad Krusky is a Pediatric Dentist operating in northeast Calgary. Krusky has had many patients coming to Canada as refugees [1]. He has been commenting on the situation, and his concerns.

“A lot of the kids come with active infections, they will come with cavities that we would normally see in kids that simply do not have access to dental care” [1]. This lays bare the issues, with many of these children having never received dental care.

Many of these children require immediate treatment, often without realizing. Krusky says that many children “end up on antibiotics over and over again”, and that “a lot of them will end up in the hospital, in the emergency room with worse pain” [1].

History is repeating itself, with very similar events happening in the mid-2010s, when scores of Iraqi and Syrian refugees came to Canada.

Improvements are needed

Krusky has acknowledged the difficulties of the current situation, stating that “unfortunately there are better ways that we could deal with it clinically than is being done right now” [1].

The current situation involves dentists providing fixes to emergency situations. But this isn’t sustainable in the long-term, given the sheer demand not only from refugees, but also from Canadian citizens.

There is also the issue of funding. Refugees are often covered by Federal Government funding, but this is typically limited to emergency dental care, rather than ongoing care [1].

Krusky says that “in my opinion, if the funds were not directed at the individual families themselves but rather injected into the system that already exists, especially provincially, I think we’d be able to do a lot better” [1].

Dental professionals often struggle to communicate with refugee children due to the language barrier. Therefore, Krusky says that the children “don’t understand what we are doing or why we are doing” it [1].

Unfortunately, this often results in these children having a negative experience, which has the impact of them becoming afraid of the dentist in the future” [1].

Krusky has mentioned how many dentists are working for free, in a selfless effort to assist this vulnerable population [1]. This is an admirable example of the kind-hearted actions of dental professionals in Canada.

The current situation

Therefore, the overall situation is causing many problems. It is a situation that is negatively affecting multiple groups. Dental clinics are finding they are having to spend more, dentists have a high demand and Canadian citizens face longer waiting times.

While the refugees get much-needed dental care, it can also cause problems, such as resulting in the fear of the dentist, and problems needing multiple treatments.

Educational programs in schools could help the refugees to understand the importance of oral health, with newcomers especially targeted given their heightened risk of poor oral health. The aim is to improve the oral health status of everyone in Canada.

Thinking points…

1) Are you, or someone you know, a refugee? You may not have had adequate oral health treatment in your home country. But do not worry, as help is available, and can relieve pain! For example, here at Savanna Dental, our Calgary-based dental clinic has helpful staff that are used to these situations, and will be happy to assist you! Feel free to get in touch with us now!

2) Waiting times in Canada for dental services can be long, but this shouldn’t put you off of booking a check-up for your oral health. Check-ups are crucial, and provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health, and provide advice and treatment options if necessary. If treatment is required, then a plan can be discussed, with the aim of improving your oral health and ensuring your problems don’t worsen. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Kury de Castillo, C. (2022). Alberta dentists struggle to help refugee kids with dental problems. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9357566/alberta-dentists-battle-refugee-dental-issues/. Last accessed: 22nd December 2022.

[2] Moreau, A-M., Hennous, F., Dabbagh, B., & Ferraz dos Santos, B. (2019). Oral Health Status of Refugee Children in Montreal. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 21: p693-698. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0835-1.

[3] Ghiabi, E., Matthews, D. C., & Brilant, M. S. (2014). The Oral Health Status of Recent Immigrants and Refugees in Nova Scotia, Canada. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 16: p95-101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9785-9.

[4] Reza, M., Amin, M., Sgro, A., Abdelaziz, A., Ito, D., Main, P., & Azarpazhooh. (2015). Oral Health Status of Immigrant and Refugee Children in North America: A Scoping Review. Journal of Canadian Dental Association. 82: g3. PMID: 27548669.

The Canadian Dental Benefit: How Many Families Have Applied?
19Dec
Applications for the Canadian Dental Benefit are in full swing, with thousands of applications already being made. While there have been some concerns about the timing of the benefit becoming available, the early uptake should assuage any concerns. The hope is that the oral health of Canadians will improve over the coming years.

The Canadian Dental Benefit recently opened, and there has already been a strong uptake in applications, in positive news for oral health.

Within the first week of opening, 35,000 people had already applied for the benefit [1]. Considering these are the figures after just one week, there is the expectation that numbers will rise further.

The hope is that oral health among younger people in China will improve significantly in the years to come, as the full positives of this benefit are felt.

What is the Canadian Dental Benefit?

The dental benefit was officially launched on 1st December 2022. This was a key part of the Canadian government’s commitment to assisting citizens through the current cost of living crisis.

The benefit is for families with a child or children under the age of 12 – that are either low or middle-income families that do not have private insurance [2]. Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child each year to assist with the cost of dental care.

This arrangement is a short-term compromise that forms part of the Canadian National Dental Plan. This is a plan between the New Democratic Party and the ruling Liberal Party – as part of their supply and confidence agreement.

The long-term aim is to provide assistance to all Canadian citizens, rather than just children. This should result in a vast improvement in the oral health of Canadians.

Early Uptake in Applications

There has been a very positive response to the benefit. Within just a week of applications opening, there have been 35,000 applications [1]! This represents a very strong start to the plan.

The figure came in a meeting at the House of Commons. A question from an opposition member asked how many people had applied, following concerns over the timing of the plan, and the cost to the government and taxpayer.

Social Development Minister Karina Gould said that 35,000 people had applied for the benefit [1]. This helped to ease concerns over the plan from the opposition.

This is a very strong figure. The numbers are expected to rise further in the coming weeks. Moreover, as the benefit opens up to more people, more applications are expected to come in.

The government has said that they expect to receive approximately 500,000 applications for the benefit program [1].

Claiming the Benefit

If you wish to join the 35,000 existing applications, you can apply through the Canadian Revenue Agency [3].

Families need to provide the name of the child’s dentist or dental hygienist, the date or month of the appointment and employer information. As mentioned, there are other eligibility requirements, mainly around family income.

These are certainly positive times for Canadian oral health. We will hopefully see an improvement over the next few years, especially in children.

Thinking points…

1) The Dental Benefit has certainly proven popular so far. One reason behind this is the cost of dental care in Canada. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are fully transparent and trustworthy. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) In the forthcoming years, the National Dental Plan will be launched. While this is exciting, anyone who is planning on waiting for the plan to be created before going to the dentist is running a very high risk. Remember, dental problems don’t get better on their own, and will actually worsen over time. Therefore, it is important to continue to attend dental appointments in the interim. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic soon for a check-up, why not book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at [clinic], we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Osman, L. (2022). Federal child dental benefit has seen 35,000 applications in first week: minister. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9333855/canada-federal-child-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.

[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canadian Dental Benefit How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 16th December 2022.