Author: savannadental

Dentists across Canada have been left frustrated about the Canadian Federal Dental Plan. There are a few reasons behind the frustration. However, the main concern is how politicians are giving the wrong impression about the plan, with many senior citizens believing all care is free. The frustrations have led to some dentists to threaten to turn away from the program.

Dentists across Canada are voicing their frustrations over some elements of the Canadian Federal Dental Plan, with some suggesting they will turn away from the program [1].

There are several sources of this frustration. The federal government have sought to clarify their position on some factors in an effort to ease concerns.

Background

After a significant period of waiting, the Canadian Dental Plan finally launched towards the end of 2023 [2]. It will be rolled out gradually, with eligible older citizens being the first group to be the recipients of the plan. This will be in May.

Dental costs in Canada have acted as a barrier for many people in the past. For example, in 2022, approximately 25% of Canadians reported that they avoided seeing a dentist due to cost [2]. Moreover, around a third of Canadians do not have dental insurance.

Therefore, the idea of having a dental plan to help those in need of oral care was received positively by the public. The plan will help those with an annual family income of less than $90,000 [2]. The federal government has put aside $13 billion to fund the plan.

However, while the federal government have consulted dentists regarding the plan, there are many concerns among oral health professionals and organizations.

Why are oral health professionals frustrated?

There are many sources of frustration for oral health professionals. Some of the most vocal signs of discontent has come from the Dental Association of Prince Edward Island (PEI) [1].

The association’s main concern is the belief that federal politicians are giving seniors the impression that the program means free dental care – although this isn’t the case [1].

Executive director Brian Barrett summed up the feeling of the association. He said that “when the Prime Minister or the minister of health or [Jagmeet] Singh (NDP leader) stands up and tells seniors that you are now eligible to apply for this plan and your treatment will be free, that causes a major problem for all dental offices” [1].

The belief is that the federal government are making it sound like everyone is entitled to free dental care. But as discussed above, those with household incomes over $90,000 are not eligible for the plan [1].

But even those that are eligible do not receive “free” dental care. When the government pays for a dental procedure under the plan, this acts as a fee-for-service rate that is set by the government [1].

However, Barrett points out that these rates do not match the fees charged by dental offices, making it difficult for dentists to successfully implement the plan in their clinic [1].

Barrett said that they have “no idea” where the government got the numbers. Furthermore, he has said that the numbers “have no relationship at all to the annual fee guides that we publish” [1].

In a normal case, insurance companies would pay a percentage of a procedure’s provincial fee guide. However, this is not the same with the federal program. In fact, Barrett pointed out that many of the fees are close to 90% of what dentists are charging [1].

What impact is this having on dental clinics?

The impact of the unwittingly erroneous information being handed out is being felt significantly by dental clinics.

Many seniors are contacting dental clinics to arrange appointments, but are being told that they will need to pay. This is at odds with the impression they have received from the government.

Barrett has said that administrative staff are struggling with increased workloads, and that there is a shortage of staff across dental clinics [1]. These problems are likely to impact the welfare of staff members.

Moreover, these problems have come at a time where the plan’s rollout is still a few weeks away. Therefore, the problems are likely to worsen as we get closer to May.

Aside from administrative staff, dentists too are being impacted. For example, the association carried out a survey on its members, with 32 of the 36 respondents saying that they would not sign up for the plan [1]. Therefore, this underlines the disappointment that dentists are feeling.

Additionally, Mary Boyd, who also works at the association, has argued that the dental plan should have been changed to suit the wider Canadian population [1].

Boyd says that by spending an extra $1 billion dollars would result in a universal dental plan that could provide support for all Canadians [1]. The current plan has been labelled as “a partial program” by Boyd.

How have the government responded?

The government clearly have many concerns to tackle. A spokesperson for the federal Department of Health said that Health Minister Mark Holland has never said the program is free [1].

Moreover, the spokesperson said that information published online clearly shows who is eligible for the plan and other relevant information [1].

The spokesperson also responded to the concerns over the fee rates not yet being confirmed. The spokesperson said that consultations on the fees are continuing [1].

As well as this concern, there is also a lack of information on how the federal program and existing provincial programs will co-exist. This is another source of frustration.

There are certainly still many challenges in place, with the rollout just weeks away. Hopefully these concerns will be fixed so that patients can receive excellent oral healthcare.

Thinking points…

1) With the impending rollout of the plan, some people are trying to wait until they become eligible for the plan before next going to the dentist. But this is unwise, as problems will worsen over time and become more damaging. Therefore, we recommend that you attend a dental clinic soon for a check-up. This will help to keep your oral health strong. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) As discussed earlier, some people find that dental fees are a barrier to receiving dental care. However, here at Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures that our fees are transparent, reliable, and trustworthy! To find out more about us and to book an appointment, you can visit our website: https://savannadentalclinic.ca/.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Yarr, K. (2024). ‘It’s not free’: P.E.I. dentists frustrated with federal dental plan. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-canada-dental-care-plan-frustration-1.7156721. Last accessed: 30th March 2024.

[2] Health Canada. (2024). Government of Canada announces the services covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-the-services-covered-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 30th March 2024.

Many people use braces as a way of straightening their teeth and to improve their oral health. However, braces do not always fit, and can become loose easily – which inhibits their impact. But new research has shown that artificial intelligence can assist with straightening teeth, and provide much more accurate fittings for aligners. This research can help many people.

Anyone that has had braces in the past will know about the difficulties of them being placed correctly and comfortably. Moreover, they are often either too loose or too tight.

However, this could soon be a thing of the past. Researchers have developed a new tool which – with assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI) – can predict how teeth will move to ensure that braces fit well and are comfortable [1].

This is very positive news, and could result in far more comfort for many with braces. It is also an example of AI’s growing influence on dental research.

Background

This research looked at braces. Braces are tools that help to straighten teeth. They are extremely effective, helping to enhance a person’s appearance, prevent tooth decay and dental injuries, and protect teeth from misaligning.

Braces are very common. For example, in the United States, around 4.5 million people wear braces at any one time [2]. It isn’t just children either that wear them, over 1 million adults wear them in the United States too.

Even though braces are incredibly common, it can be very challenging for orthodontists to fit them in a way that will result in comfort for their patients. Even when they do fit initially, teeth continue to shift slightly throughout a person’s life.

For those whose braces do not fit correctly, it can inhibit the aligning process and cause discomfort in eating and general mouth movement. Therefore, any way of improving the fitting process of aligners can be helpful.

The Research

The research was conducted by a team from the University of Copenhagen and technology company 3Shape. Their research has been published in the IEEE Access journal [1].

The team aimed to create a tool that could simulate how braces should fit on a patient to predict the exact shape that can best-straighten a patient’s teeth [1].

The research took place in Denmark, where around 30% of Danish youth up to the age of 15 wear braces [1].

A crucial part of the research process was to use scanned imagery of teeth and bone structures from human jaws. Then, AI used these to predict how braces should be designed.

The research also involved a process where the researchers mapped sets of human teeth using detailed CT scans of teeth and the periodontal ligaments – which are a connective tissues that holds teeth in the jaw [1].

This creates a precise digital imitation of the human jaw. This type of imitation is known as a “digital twin”, with the researchers building up a large database of “digital dental patients” [1]. The idea of the “digital patient” is relatively new in healthcare, but can certainly help with oral health.

So how will this work in practice? The computer model is capable of creating accurate 3D simulations of a patient’s jaw, which can be taken ahead of the alignment process.

Then, when the orthodontist is preparing the aligners, they can use the 3D simulation to match up aligners that should fit well. This should reduce the need for trial and error and repeated visits.

The simulation produced incredibly accurate results. Therefore, they can be applied to individual patients, with the 3D simulations capable of producing strong imitations of each patient’s teeth.

Author Comments

The researchers were pleased with the outcome of the research. Moreover, this research is also another example of how AI is impacting dentistry in a positive way.

Professor Kenny Erbelen of the University of Copenhagen, was one of the authors. Erbelen commented on the findings, stating that the “simulation is able to let an orthodontist know where braces should and shouldn’t exert pressure to straighten teeth” – thereby aiding the fitting process [3].

Furthermore, Erbelen pointed out that the current process involves “a great deal of trial and error”, but that the simulation can help to “reduce [this process] in the long run” [3].

Returning to the discussion surrounding the “digital dental patients”, the authors also pointed out that this could be extended to use for physical health. For example, the researchers argued this could be used for hip implants. This is an exciting additional development.

The researchers did caution that the tool would need to clear some regulatory hurdles before being offered by orthodontists. But they believe this is a strong possibility in the near future.

Overall, these findings are positive, and should result in improved treatment outcomes for patients going forward. Having more comfort with aligners is important, with this tool likely to help with this.

Thinking points…

1) Are you looking for aligners? If so, then it is useful to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a range of alignment services, including Invisalign™. Our process involves an initial consultation, before the moulds are prepared for you. We also keep in regular contact with you to ensure that the aligners are working well and that you are happy with the progress of your teeth. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you soon – see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca for more!

2) If you either have naturally straight teeth, or have recently finished using braces, remember to not get complacent! It is important to look after your teeth, which involves attending the dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. At an appointment, your dentist can look to see if there are any problems and provide treatment options if needed. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.

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

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

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

References

[1] Xu, P., Gholamalizadeh, T., Moshfeghifar, F., Darkner, S., & Erleben, K. (2024). Deep-Learning-Based Segmentation of Individual Tooth and Bone With Periodontal Ligament Interface Details for Simulation Purposes. IEEE Access. 11. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3317512.

[2] Sadick, B. (2022). Getting the Facts Straight on Braces for Adults. Available: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2022/adult-braces.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

[3] Jensen, M. S. (2024). Straightening teeth? AI can help. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-straightening-teeth-ai.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

Most infants will suck their thumb or a pacifier at some point. While most will naturally stop this habit, this isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, these habits can actually have a negative impact on a child’s oral health in the long-term. Now, two doctors have provided advice for parents that need help in stopping these habits in their children. These tips can be very beneficial.

A very common action among young children and babies is what dentists call “non-nutritive sucking” [1].

This behaviour relates to when a baby or young child sucks on a pacifier, thumb, finger(s), or other objects [1].

While these habits can initially be positive for infants, in the long-term it can negatively affect their oral health. Therefore, stopping these bad habits early on is important.

What is non-nutritive sucking?

As outlined above, non-nutritive sucking is the behaviour which involves an infant sucking on an object – normally a pacifier or their thumb [1].

It is important to state that this is a very common action. For example, The National Institute of Health state that approximately 50% of infants such a thumb or finger [2].

It is recommended that parents ensure that these habits end by the time a child turns 3. However, this isn’t always easy – but there are many tips available for helping with this process!

Now, Dr. Katherine Fleming and Dr. Tiana Piscitelli of the University of Connecticut have put together a range of tips to assist parents in stopping these habits from continuing into later childhood [1].

The Top Tips

Here are some of their top tips [1]:

• Use distraction techniques to keep your child busy, such as doing activities like going for a walk or run, playing a game or colouring.

• Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment if the child continues the action.

• When dealing with older children, use this as an opportunity to set goals together, like banning the use of a pacifier or thumb-sucking an hour before meals and bedtime – before working your way up to longer periods.

• Allow the child to be rewarded – which will mean they will be incentivized to stop the habit.

Tips for Thumbs, Fingers and Pacifiers

Fleming and Piscitelli have provided specific advice for when children suck their thumb or fingers [1]:

• When you notice that the child is sucking their thumb or fingers, gently remind them not to do so – rather than shouting at them.

• Furthermore, don’t get too harsh with your child, as thumb or finger sucking is a difficult habit to break, and takes time. Be patient with them.

• Consider covering the child’s hands while they sleep, such as through gloves or mittens. If needed, you could also buy a finger/thumb guard.

• Discuss the situation with your dentist, as they can offer advice or even an appliance if needed.

Finally, the duo have also offered advice for those sucking on pacifiers [1]:

• A great way of weaning a child off of a pacifier is to gradually decrease the size of it over time. You can cut small parts off over a few weeks, which will help your child to slowly become accustomed to life without a pacifier.

• However, sometimes a “cold turkey” approach is better. One way of doing this is to “trade” the pacifier in for a special toy. This is best done with some notice, so that the child is aware that they will soon lose the pacifier.

• It is also possible to replace the pacifier with a different comfort item. For example, this could be a teddy bear, extra pillow, or a blanket.

One of the main over-arching tips is to be firm if your child resists. Being firm and not backing down is important, otherwise this makes the process become harder.

What are the dangers of long-term sucking?

As mentioned earlier, it is important that these habits are stopped, as they can negatively impact a child’s oral health in the long-term.

Long-term sucking can impact the alignment of teeth, as they are likely to have been pushed in different directions. Moreover, the front teeth may stick out more [3].

Speech and the shape of the roof of the mouth can also be affected by long-term thumb sucking [3]. These can then cause eating difficulties too.

These issues can result in the requirement of orthodontic treatment, like braces, to correct teeth positioning. Moreover, tooth decay becomes likelier due to the increase in bacteria entering the mouth [4].

Summary

It is important to not get too worried about sucking, as most children naturally outgrow this habit. But there are definitely ways of helping them, as outlined above.

Having conversations about oral health is important, as it can make children understand its importance from a young age. This can start by gently talking about the usefulness of stopping this habit.

As outlined above, there are several ways that you can try and stop this habit from occurring. But as discussed, dentists will always be there to provide further support if needed.

Thinking points…

[1] Are you struggling to stop your child from sucking on a pacifier or their thumb? If so, consider speaking to your child’s dentist about this. They will be able to provide advice and if needed – there are fixed or removable appliances which they can offer. Therefore, this can help to break your child out of their habit. We recommend that you speak to your dentist soon!

[2] Making children aware of the importance of oral health from an early age is crucial. One of the best ways of doing this is to attend regular dental appointments with your child. They will be able to see you get examined and realize its importance. It is also vital for your oral health to have regular check-ups! We recommend booking a check-up soon!

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, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

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

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Chandler, C. (2024). Breaking detrimental oral habits in young kids. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-detrimental-oral-habits-young-kids.html. Last accessed: 1st March 2024.

[2] Fukuta, O., Braham, R. L., Yokoi, K., & Korusu, K. (1996). Damage to the primary dentition resulting from thumb and finger (digit) sucking. ASDC Journal of Dentistry for Children. 63 (6): p403-407. PMID: 9017172.

[3] American Dental Association. (2024). Thumbsucking. Available: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/thumbsucking/. Last accessed: 1st March 2024.

[4] Cerny, R. (1981). Thumb and finger sucking. Australian Dental Journal. 26: p167-171. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1834-7819.1981.tb03938.x.