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Canadian Dental Benefit Coverage Statistics Released: What Are the Main Takeaways?
25Aug
New data regarding medical and dental benefit coverage from 2024 has been released. This data has provided insights into various elements of dental benefit coverage across the Canadian population. While the data is largely positive, some disparities exist. The data has provided some key takeaways.

Data regarding dental benefits coverage from 2024 has been released [1]. The data has provided interesting insights into how dental benefits play a role in oral health services in Canada.

Among the headline findings is that approximately two thirds of employees in Canada reported having workplace medical or dental benefits through their main job [1].

Generally, higher rates of employer benefits is positive to see. It suggests that employers care about the oral health of their employees – which subsequently contributes to strong overall health.

However, the data did reveal differences across Canadian provinces and territories. In some areas, disparities exist.

Background

The data was provided by Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada provides data to the public regarding the economy, society, and environment.

As mentioned, data from 2024 has been released. The focus of this data was on medical and dental benefits [1].

In terms of definitions, employees aged 15 and older who report having access to supplemental medical or dental care through their main job are classed as those with medical or dental benefits [1].

As discussed, there are a few key takeaways from the statistics that have been released. These takeaways will help to guide policymakers in the future.

More employers are providing dental benefits

One of the main findings was that 66.8% of employees in Canada reported having workplace medical or dental benefits through their main employment [1].

This proportion has been steadily rising since 2021. This is positive to see, with Statistics Canada suggesting that it is a sign of quality of employment [1].

In fact, in 2021, the percentage was 63.3% [1]. Therefore, in three years there has been a 3.5% increase – representing a positive change.

Most working-age Canadians rely on coverage provided by their employer for dental care. While many provinces and territories assist in supplemental dental care coverage for children and seniors, this isn’t the case for those of a working age [1]. Therefore, this percentage increase is positive to see.

Full-time employees are likelier to have medical or dental coverage

Those working full-time or with permanent jobs had higher rates of coverage compared to part-time employees or those with temporary jobs [1].

In fact, temporary employees (22.8%) were nearly four times more likely than permanent employees (5.8%) to agree or strongly agree that they may lose their job in the next 6 months [1].

Clearly, temporary employees have greater job insecurity. Additionally, less than 3 in 10 temporary employees received either dental or medical benefits through their job [1].

Employees in permanent positions have enjoyed a rise in the likelihood of having medical or dental benefits in recent years [1]. For example, 71.9% of permanent employees had medical or dental benefits in 2024, compared to 26.1% for temporary employees [1].

Disparities across provinces and territories

A somewhat concerning takeaway is that there are disparities across Canadian provinces and territories [1].

In 2024, Saskatchewan (71.7%), Manitoba (70.3%), British Columbia (70.0%), and Alberta (69.7%), had the highest rates of workplace medical or dental coverage [1]. These were positive rates and outperformed the national average.

However, on the other hand, Quebec (60.6%), Prince Edward Island (63.2%), and Newfoundland and Labrador (63.6%), had the lowest rates [1]. These were all below the national average.

This does create a situation where the level of care a person gets can be affected by where they live. It is important to note that some provinces and territories do provide supplemental coverage to residents.

Males are likelier to have dental coverage than females

Another takeaway is that males are likelier than females to have dental coverage [1]. A caveat to this though is that this is driven by higher rates of full-time work in men.

In 2024, 63.8% of women had workplace medical or dental benefits. Conversely, 69.5% of men had medical or dental benefits [1].

But among full-time employees, there was only a minimal difference, with 75.5% of female and 76.6% male full-time employees having medical or dental benefits [1].

Younger employees are less likely to have dental coverage

The statistics showed that in 2024, younger employees were less likely than their older counterparts to have medical or dental benefits [1].

Just 27.6% of those in the 15-24 age group had medical or dental benefits [1]. This compared to 75.1% of those aged 25-54 [1].

Statistics Canada suggested that young employees may be reliant on coverage from their parents’ health insurance plans [1]. Therefore, those with parents without insurance are at heightened risk of having poor access to oral healthcare services.

Public sector and unionized employees have higher rates of coverage

A final takeaway is that the data shows that employees that are part of a union, or those working in the public sector, have higher rates of coverage [1].

Unions are able to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, which is why this rate is higher. In fact, unionized employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement had an 83.0% rate of medical or dental benefit coverage [1].

This compared to 59.7% of those not covered by a collective bargaining agreement [1]. Therefore, this represents quite a large difference and underlines the benefits of being in a union.

Similarly, those who work in the public sector had a far higher rate of dental benefit coverage compared to those in the private sector [1].

80.9% of public sector employees had coverage, compared to 62.1% of private sector employees [1]. Again, this represents a large difference.

Summary

The findings suggest that Canadian employers are moving in the right direction. The more people that have coverage, the better the health of the nation will be.

There are legitimate concerns for those who are part-time, from certain provinces, and young. But hopefully disparities will lessen in forthcoming years.

But with many having a dependence on an employer for access to medical or dental coverage, it does raise the concern that variations in employer-provided coverage could result in health outcome inequalities among workers.

Thinking points…

[1] Whether you have dental coverage or not, it is very important to attend the dentist regularly! Even if you do have coverage, it is important to not get complacent. Therefore, irrespective of your circumstances, make sure you attend a check-up at least once every six months. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!

[2] If you are aged 16-25 and reading this, or if you are reading this and have any dependents in this age bracket, the above information is very important! It shows that those in this bracket face disparities compared to those that are older. If you are in this age group, make sure to take particular care of your oral health! Similarly, if you have a dependent or know anyone who is this age group, you could send this article to them now to remind them of the importance of their oral health!

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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Lovei, M., & Abdille, A. (2025). Medical or dental benefits coverage, 2024. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/14-28-0001/2025001/article/00003-eng.htm. Last accessed: 23rd August 2025.

What Are the Main Barriers to Achieving Strong Oral Health for Adolescents?
11Aug
While the dental health of young children in the United States has been improving in recent decades, this improvement hasn’t been seen in adolescents. This has created a disparity in dental health. Now, a research team has sought to find out what the barriers are that are stopping many adolescents from achieving strong oral health.

A positive trend in recent decades across the United States involves overall dental health among young children improving.

However, adolescents have not experienced the same positive improvement. This disparity has confused researchers. Therefore, research into this subject has recently been carried out [1].

The findings of this research may help to create strategies to tackle the disparity and result in improved oral health for adolescents as they become adults.

The disparity

Other recent research make a surprising discovery – that adolescents aged 12 to 17 show significantly worse oral health outcomes than their younger siblings [2].

This is particularly peculiar, given that those in the study were living in the same household and shared similar socioeconomic conditions [2].

Moreover, other research shows that almost 60% of adolescents have untreated tooth decay. This is particularly high in those from ethnic minorities [3].

Having good oral health is crucial. It has a range of benefits for any country, such as contributing to improved physical health for citizens, boosting the economy, and lessening the strain on the healthcare system.

Poor oral health can also influence self-esteem, which is already a problem for many adolescents. It also lessens quality of life.

Therefore, there are valid concerns, especially when comparing the differences in age groups. This disparity has now been studied closely.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine. Their recent findings have been published in the International Journal of Dentistry [1].

The study focused on adolescents in Western New York. The team performed an analysis of 7,379 dental visits at UB Dental between 2018 and 2023 [1].

The main issue noticed by the researchers was that adolescents accounted for the highest percentage of missed appointments (24%) [1]. This was much higher than young children.

But the researchers noted that not attending appointments was often due to a range of barriers. For example, financial, emotional, and logistical barriers were observed [1].

They found that many families were unable to afford appointments. In terms of logistics, this included struggling to travel to a dental clinic, or fitting appointments in around employment [1].

In terms of emotional barriers, the researchers found an issue that they termed “caregiver dental anxiety” [1]. Their findings suggested that more than 60% of caregivers had elevated dental anxiety.

Therefore, this anxiety was often passed onto adolescents. In fact, the researchers found that anxious caregivers were almost four times likelier to have anxious adolescents [1].

Another finding was that many families were unaware that children over the age of 12 remain eligible for Medicaid coverage [1]. This was especially common in households where English is not the primary language. Therefore, this led to confusion and missed appointments due to fear of having large costs [1].

The results suggest that missed dental appointments were a clear contributing factor towards the disparity.

But they also noted that these missed appointments are a visible symptom of what is actually a deeper structural problem that impacts adolescents’ ability to access dental care [1].

Summary

Overall, the findings found that missed appointments were a key factor behind the disparity. Yet it isn’t as simple as this, with the researchers pointing out that a range of factors are involved.

It isn’t surprising that this is a multi-faceted and complex problem. It is something that will take time to change, although it is positive to see that efforts to tackle the disparity are ongoing.

The research was led by Rubelisa Oliveira, who is an Assistant professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine [4].

Oliveira spoke about the findings, highlighting that “adolescents are often overlooked in health care strategies” [4].

Continuing, Oliveira explained the importance of this group, saying that “this is a critical period when lifelong health behaviors are being formed” [4].

Oliveira and her team discussed recommendations for the future. They have proposed scheduling family-wide appointments, simplifying Medicaid explanations, and having a staff member available to assist parents with navigating the healthcare system [4].

Additionally, Oliveira and her team are hoping to work with schools across Buffalo and Niagara County to offer dental screenings and improved oral health education [4]. This could have a very positive effect on adolescents.

Hopefully these recommendations will result in positive changes in the long-term. The aim is for this disparity to end and for everyone to enjoy strong oral health.

Thinking points…

[1] One of the key findings of the research was the impact of not attending dental appointments. Take this as a reminder of the importance of visiting the dentist regularly for a check-up! At a check-up, a dentist can take a thorough look at your oral health and look out for any issues. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] As discussed above, a common barrier for some people attending the dentist is fear of the dentist, or anxiety. But here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we strive to offer a great patient experience! We offer blankets, complimentary drinks, a children’s play area, and sedation options for those experiencing dental anxiety. We would love to welcome you to our dental clinic soon! To find out more, take a look at 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™! 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] Rubelisa, C. G., Khalid, H., Zhang, Z., et al. (2025). Visit Characteristics Associated With Pediatric Dental Appointment No-Shows in an Academic Dental Setting. International Journal of Dentistry. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/ijod/2114933.

[2] Mei, L., Griffin, S. O., Gooch, B. F., et al (2019). Oral health surveillance report : trends in dental caries and sealants, tooth retention, and edentulism, United States : 1999–2004 to 2011–2016.Available: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/82756. Last accessed: 7th July 2025.

[3] Healthy People 2030. (2025). Increase the proportion of low-income youth who have a preventive dental visit — OH 09. Available: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/oral-conditions/increase-proportion-low-income-youth-who-have-preventive-dental-visit-oh-09/data#data-chart. Last accessed: 7th July 2025.

[4] Lock, L. (2025). Study finds persistent barriers keep adolescents from achieving better oral health. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-persistent-barriers-adolescents-oral-health.html. Last accessed: 7th July 2025.

Can Artificial Intelligence Help To Detect and Predict Early Childhood Tooth Decay?
4Aug
A recent review has sought to find out how effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) is in terms of detecting and predicting early childhood tooth decay. With oral health being crucial in children, spotting and treating problems is very important. Therefore, having advanced technology to assist dentists can be very helpful.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on a huge array of industries. The field of oral healthcare is no different, with AI having an ever-increasing role.

Now, a review of 21 existing studies suggests that AI has a strong potential for detecting and predicting early childhood tooth decay [1].

As strong oral health in childhood can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of positive oral health, being able to predict problems in children can be very helpful.

Background

The research focused on existing studies. One of the main focuses of the review was early childhood tooth decay, which is a serious problem.

Recent research found that in the United States, 29% of children aged 1-17 had received treatment for tooth decay within the previous year [2].

The same research also highlighted concerns over the oral hygiene routine of many children. For example, the research found only 3 in 5 children brush their teeth twice a day [2].

Poor oral health in youth can result in a lifetime of oral health problems. Therefore, avoiding such problems is very important.

Meanwhile, the research also involved analyzing the use of AI in dentistry. There is a strong expectation that AI will become increasingly involved in oral health over the next few years.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Their work has been published in the Evidence-Based Dentistry journal – part of Nature [1].

The research team carried out a review of 21 studies that had been conducted between 2014 and 2024 [1]. These studies were oral health-focused and involved AI.

The research team were interested in both detection and prediction of early childhood tooth decay. Both are key parts of dentistry and is a crucial area for AI to be accurate with.

Detection refers to when AI can identify tooth decay. Meanwhile, prediction refers to AI’s ability to accurately predict future cases of tooth decay.

The researchers were particularly interested in deep learning algorithms. Deep learning algorithms use vast networks of raw data to analyze, review, and learn. They can then produce organized data and advanced insights.

This process was followed, resulting in the researchers being able to make conclusions based on the analysis of the 21 existing studies [1].

The researchers concluded that AI was capable of detecting and predicting tooth decay in early childhood at an impressive rate [1].

Moreover, the researchers noted that their findings suggested that deep learning algorithms were particularly effective at both detection and prediction [1].

They noticed that deep learning algorithms could detect early childhood tooth decay with an accuracy between 78 and 86 percent [1].

For prediction of early childhood tooth decay, accuracy ranged from 60 to 100 percent [1]. While this is a large range, the various studies produced mixed results. But with accuracy at 100% in one study, it underlines its potential effectiveness at prediction.

Overall, AI produced impressive findings, with strong results in detecting and predicting tooth decay.

The future

The researchers were very impressed with deep learning algorithms and their ability to both detect and predict tooth decay [1]. Therefore, the research produced promising findings.

The hope is that AI will be able to be used in the future to assist with detection and prediction of oral health problems.

When detected early, this would enable treatment to take place as soon as possible. The sooner treatment takes place, the smaller the chance of complications.

Similarly, if dentists had AI highlighting predictions of tooth decay for certain patients, it could enable them to suggest an enhanced brushing schedule, or more frequent dental visits.

Both of these could result in quicker treatments and improved patient experiences. Therefore, AI can offer a range of benefits.

The authors have cautioned that additional research is needed in order to improve the technology further [1]. However, benefits are already visible.

Thinking points…

[1] We mentioned above about the importance of early detection of dental problems. Therefore, it is important to see your dentist regularly! Attending a dental check-up at least once every six months is very important, as a dentist will be able to keep track of your oral health and spot any problems. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!

[2] As shown above, there are many concerns about tooth decay in children. If you have children, make sure you take them to the dentist regularly. This can get them into good habits for life and protect both their physical and oral health. You could also get them to go to the dentist with you – as this can set a good example for them to follow.

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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Bennett, L., Tiplady, L., & Taylor, G. (2025). Can AI find the cavities in caries prediction and diagnosis?. Evidence-Based Dentistry. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41432-025-01181-0.

[2] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 31st July 2025.

What Is the Relationship Between Oral Function and Physical Health Diseases?
21Jul
Recent research has looked into the connection between oral health and physical health. Specifically, they have looked at how oral function impacts three particular areas of overall health. The findings demonstrate the importance of looking after our oral health, given its close relationship with overall physical health.

There is a strong connection between our oral health and our overall physical health. In fact, this connection is much stronger than many people realize.

With awareness of this link growing, there is newfound interest in the factors involved in this connection – especially in terms of how lifestyle-related diseases relate to oral health.

Now, new research has explored this connection [1]. The findings reaffirm the importance of oral health and the close relationship between oral and physical health.

Background

There has been plenty of past research that has demonstrated the link between physical and oral health [2].

For example, it is already known that poor oral health and gum disease have been associated with conditions like Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Additionally, poor oral health can also impact a person’s diet and nutritional intake. Consequently, this often impacts lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

This research was specifically interested in oral functioning and its association with three specific areas of overall health.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from Fujita University in Japan. Their study has been published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation [1].

The researchers wanted to investigate the link between oral health and the blood test results for three signs of overall health – glucose metabolism, lipid levels, and kidney function [1].

Glucose metabolism refers to the glucose levels a person has in their blood. Abnormally high or low levels of glucose in the blood is usually associated with health complications.

Moreover, lipid levels are closely related to cholesterol. High lipid levels are associated with cardiovascular health problems.

Finally, kidney function is another important area to analyze. The kidneys help to regulate blood pressure and maintain bone health, among other uses. Therefore, having strong kidney function is important.

The research involved 118 participants, all of whom were aged 50 or above. These 118 participants all had a dental check-up in 2021, and an annual physical examination in 2021 and 2023 [1].

The participants were given seven different oral function tests. These were tongue coating measurements, oral dryness, the number of functional teeth, tongue pressure, masticatory function, swallowing ability, and oral diadochokinesis (OD) [1].

Then, the participants were divided into two groups, based on their blood test results. Reference ranges were used in determining the two groups.

One group consisted of those considered to be in a healthy range in their results, and one group featured those considered to be in an unhealthy range [1].

The Results

The results were interesting. The group with unhealthy blood glucose levels had a significantly lower number of remaining teeth and OD (the speed and accuracy that a person can repeat certain syllables) compared to those in the healthy group [1].

Similarly, those with unhealthy lipid levels had high levels of tongue coating (representing high levels of unhealthy bacteria), and low levels of OD compared to those in the healthy group [1].

With kidney function, the results also followed the same pattern. Tongue coating, number of teeth remaining, and OD were all highlighted as problems for those in the unhealthy group when compared to the healthy group [1].

These results clearly show that poor oral health is closely related to poor physical health. The strength of this connection is noticeably very strong.

The difference between the healthy and unhealthy groups were significant. This underlines the scale of the impact of oral function.

Based on these findings, the authors have recommended that oral function tests are used during health check-ups [1]. Therefore, this would allow greater health insights to be gained.

Professor Mitsuyoshi Yoshida commented on the findings. Yoshida said that “our results suggest that a decline in oral function can be a risk factor for lifestyle-related diseases” [3].

Continuing, Yoshida says that “maintaining good oral health is the first step in maintaining overall health,” before confirming the authors have a vision for widescale introductions of oral function tests in health check-ups [3].

Overall, these findings again demonstrate the close link between physical and oral health. The results should serve as a reminder to us of the importance of looking after both our physical and oral health.

Thinking points…

[1] This research underlines the importance of looking after our oral health! Regularly keeping track of the health of your mouth is crucial. Therefore, remember to attend dental clinics regularly for a check-up, as any issues can be spotted and rectified early on. You should attend a check-up at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] If you are due to have a blood test soon, it could be worth requesting an oral function test too. Clearly, an oral function test provides interesting insights and should provide you with more detailed information on your overall health. If you do have a blood test scheduled, why not have a discussion with your doctor or nurse about having an oral function test too?

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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Kanie, H., Yoshida, M., Yokoi, M., et al. (2025). Relationship Between Blood Test Results and Oral Function Tests in Individuals Undergoing Regular Physical Examinations. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13977.

[2] Li, X., Kolltveit, K. M., Tronstad, L., & Olsen, I. (2000). Systemic Diseases Caused by Oral Infection. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 13 (4): p547-558. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128%2Fcmr.13.4.547-558.2000.

[3] Harley, S. (2025). Uncovering the relationship between oral function and lifestyle-related diseases. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-uncovering-relationship-oral-function-lifestyle.html. Last accessed: 16th July 2025.

Calgary Reintroduces Fluoride to the Public Water Supply: What Has the Reaction Been?
7Jul
The city of Calgary in Canada has formally announced the reintroduction of fluoride into the public water supply. This reintroduction is the latest chapter in Calgary’s long and complex relationship with water fluoridation. At a time when fluoride is being debated intensely, it will be interesting to see how Calgarians, politicians, and scientists react.

The history of the city of Calgary and Water fluoridation is complex, full of twists and turns, and at times, controversy.

Now, the latest milestone moment has taken place, with fluoride having been officially reintroduced to the public water supply [1].

At a time when water fluoridation is a topic of intense debate, the United States and other Canadian cities will be watching to see what impact it has.

What is Water Fluoridation?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in air, soil, and many foods. It also occurs naturally in water. Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste and other oral health products.

Water fluoridation refers to when fluoride is added (in small quantities) to the public water supply. This is done with the intention of improving the oral health of citizens in the area.

The practice is supported by dentists and scientists and is seen as an effective way of improving the oral health of the general population.

History of Calgary and water fluoridation

As mentioned, Calgary has quite the history with water fluoridation. Back in the 1950s, various countries were adopting the practice of water fluoridation.

But in 1957, 1961, 1966, and 1971, Calgarians voted against fluoridation in four plebiscites [2]. For almost two decades, the topic was rather quiet.

But in 1989, a fifth plebiscite resulted in Calgarians voting in favour of fluoridation. Therefore, in 1991, fluoride was officially added to Calgary’s water [2].

Between 1998 and 1999, the level of fluoride was lessened, but support remained, with a 1999 plebiscite resulting in fluoridation remaining [2].

Then, in 2011 the city of Calgary discontinued water fluoridation [2]. Around this time, support was still largely in favour of fluoridation.

The most recent update came in 2021, when Calgarians voted for fluoridation to be reintroduced, with 62% of voters supporting this measure [2].

Now, four years later, fluoride has been formally reintroduced into the public water supply across Calgary. The City of Calgary’s Water Services department confirmed that “Fluoride will be reintroduced into Calgary’s drinking water” in an official statement [1].

Wider debate on water fluoridation

This announcement comes at a time when the topic of water fluoridation is receiving significant public and political attention.

This has been in part due to the actions and comments of United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been a long-standing critic of fluoride, calling it “industrial waste” [3].

Both Utah and Florida have banned water fluoridation statewide [4]. It looks like other states may follow soon.

One of the key concerns about fluoride is its apparent links to lowering the IQ levels of children. A recent research paper found a link between exposure to high levels of fluoride and lower IQs in children [5].

But supporters of water fluoridation – including dentists – have pointed out that the levels of fluoride seen in the study were higher than the level of fluoride in the water supply.

Other concerns include fluorosis – where too much fluoride is consumed, the potential for a negative impact on thyroid function, risks of behavioral issues in children, and a lack of informed consent.

Calgary and Edmonton study

Water fluoridation has many proponents. Many of these advocates point to a well-known study that shows the positive impact water fluoridation can have on children.

This study compared the oral health of children in the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton [6]. These were used for comparison as Calgary stopped water fluoridation in 2011, whilst Edmonton has continued the practice.

Interestingly, the study found that since 2011, tooth decay in Calgary has increased significantly when compared to Edmonton [6]. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s has stayed largely the same.

Therefore, the researchers were able to conclude that the cessation of water fluoridation in Calgary was associated with a negative impact on the oral health of children.

The above study has been cited by many scientists to underline the positive impact water fluoridation has, along with the damage caused by a lack of fluoridation.

Summary

It will be interesting to see how Calgarians react to the implementation of water fluoridation. This is especially due to the ongoing debate over fluoride.

It is likely that conclusions on its effectiveness will not be made for several years. It will take time to see how Calgary and its citizens respond.

Meanwhile, further research into fluoride will continue. It is likely to be a topic that will remain in the news for many years to come.

But as seen in the Calgary and Edmonton study, there is the potential for a positive impact. Yet weighing up the benefits with the potential drawbacks is where the debate intensifies.

Thinking points…

[1] Remember that if you live in an area with fluoridated water, this isn’t enough to ensure your oral health remains strong! Instead, you need to make sure you adopt excellent oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, attending regular dental check-ups is very important, as they provide a dentist with the chance to look for any problems and give advice. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!

[2] The topic of water fluoridation is definitely a contested subject area. But remember that whether you live in a fluoridated area or not, water is crucial to drink! Water helps to neutralize acid levels in your mouth and stimulates the flow of saliva. So the next time you reach for a soft drink or juice, try water instead! This can aid your oral health!

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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). Calgary’s fluoride reinstatement serves as cautionary tale for U.S., Quebec. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/calgarys-fluoride-reinstatement-serves-as-cautionary-tale-for-u-s-quebec-1003987839/. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[2] Calgary. (2025). Fluoride in Calgary’s water. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/water/drinking-water/fluoride.html?cid=search-googsearch-fluoride-reintroduction-2025-search-fluoride-reintro-en-ls&gad. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[3] Kounang, N., Hassan, C., & McPhillips, D. (2024). RFK Jr. says fluoride is ‘an industrial waste’ linked to cancer, diseases and disorders. Here’s what the science says. Available: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/03/health/rfk-jr-fluoride-science. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[4] Pedersen, J. M. (2025).Florida ends fluoridating its water July 1. Here’s what you should know. Available: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2025-07-01/florida-ends-fluoridating-its-water-july-1-heres-what-you-should-know. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.

[5] Taylor, K. W., Eftim, S. E., & Sibrizzi, C. A. (2025). Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores. JAMA Pediatrics. 179 (3): p282-292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5542.

[6] McLaren, L., Patterson, S. K., Faris, P., Chen, G., Thawer, S., Figueiredo, R., Weijs, C., McNeil, D., Waye, A., & Potestio, M. (2021). Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 50 (5): p391-403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12685.

How Is Dentistry Becoming Kinder for Patients?
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Having a fear of the dentist is common, with many people finding the prospect of drills and injections off-putting. However, in good news, dentistry is becoming kinder. Less invasive and shorter treatments are becoming increasingly common, aided by technological advancements. This should hopefully reduce feelings of anxiety towards going to the dentist.

For many people, a trip to the dentist can be an uncomfortable prospect. Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and trepidation are all common.

However, dentistry is changing in a positive way. In fact, it is becoming much kinder, which should ease feelings of anxiety for patients [1].

Kinder and less invasive dental treatments are becoming the norm. Technological advancements are aiding this, with the hope that attitudes towards going to the dentist will improve.

The process of needing dental treatment

In general, dentists recommend that patients should get a check-up at least once every six months. This allows them to check their oral health and to identify any problems.

Tooth decay is a common issue. It is caused by bacteria in dental plaque which produces acids, which eventually results in a cavity developing.

When a cavity does develop, it normally needs to be filled. This is where the fear sets in, as treatment typically involves needles and drills.

Traditionally, the area around the tooth that will be treated is numbed by an injection of local anesthetic. Then, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth with a dental drill. The cavity is then filled with a material, which is known as a filling.

This process results in many people avoiding the dentist. This is normally due to fear of the injection or the drill. In some cases, it is both.

Dental fear is common, with one study finding that 36% of adults in the UK are moderately “dentally anxious” [2]. Some people go years without going to the dentist due to their fears.

Children can be particularly anxious about going to the dentist. If their fear is not challenged, they may get into the unhealthy habit of avoiding the dentist in their older years.

However, times are changing. Needle-free and drill-free approaches are helping to improve the management of tooth decay and ease fears.

Furthermore, there are three particular techniques which are helping dentistry to become kinder. These are Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART), and the Hall technique [1].

Silver Diamine Fluoride

SDF offers a very different approach compared to traditional techniques. SDF is a clear liquid that is applied directly into the cavity using a small brush.

This process takes only a few seconds, and crucially, does not require the use of needles or drills. Therefore, this represents a much less invasive approach towards treating tooth decay.

In terms of how it works, SDF has antibacterial properties which are capable of killing the bacteria that causes the decay. Additionally, the fluoride in SDF hardens the remaining tooth structure [1].

While it isn’t overly effective in deep cavities, it is effective for shallow cavities. Past research into SDF has found it stopped decay in approximately 80% of cases [3].

However, there is a disadvantages to SDF. SDF causes the treated area to turn black, which is off-putting for many, especially if it involves a front tooth. Despite this, its non-invasive approach makes it a popular treatment.

Atraumatic Restorative Treatment

ART offers another approach to treating cavities. Originally, this approach was developed for use in areas where access to dental equipment was poor. But it is being increasingly used on a widespread basis.

ART involves removing decayed tooth tissue using hand instruments, meaning that no drills or injections are needed. Then, the cavity is filled with a material called glass ionomer cement [1].

Glass ionomer cement is a special material which sticks to the tooth and slowly releases fluoride over time. This helps to prevent further tooth decay.

There are several positives about this approach. For example, it offers a non-invasive and quiet approach and is typically quicker than traditional drilling.

Furthermore, another positive of this treatment is that it can be performed whilst the patient is sat up, which can be particularly effective in young children or those with special needs.

The Hall technique

The Hall technique is also proving to be a popular option in the management of tooth decay. It only works in children, as it is designed for baby/milk teeth.

The Hall technique works by sealing the decayed part of the baby tooth in, rather than removing it. This may seem counterproductive, though there is a method behind it!

The technique involves using a preformed metal crown which is placed over the decayed baby tooth without the need to engage in any drilling, injection, or removal of any part of the tooth.

A special dental cement holds the crown in place. The idea is that the crown will protect the tooth until it naturally falls out and is replaced by the permanent (adult) tooth.

Again, this is non-invasive and easy for children to cope with. Once the crown is in place, in theory no further work should be needed on the tooth.

Looking to the future

These are three approaches that have the potential to be very effective. Having no drilling or injections can be very appealing.

The aim is for patients to be comfortable in attending the dentist. Patient comfort is important for dentists and should result in patients looking after their oral health more.

These kinder approaches can work for both adults and children. For those that have avoided dental care for years, these new approaches may lead to them returning to receive care.

In the future, it is likely that further non-invasive treatments will be created. Hopefully, dental fear will lessen over the next few years.

Thinking points…

[1] We mentioned earlier about when tooth decay occurs, that cavities will develop, resulting in a filling being required. Fillings are very common, but can be avoided. One important element is early detection, as this can help to save as much of the natural tooth as possible. Remember to attend dental check-ups, as your dentist will be able to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatment if needed. Why not book an appointment now?

[2] Further to the above, there are many ways of protecting your teeth from tooth decay. Adopting excellent oral hygiene – through brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing – is crucial. Moreover, avoiding sugary foods and drink can help too! Having a healthy diet rich in nutrients can be very effective. By putting these measures in place, it should maximize the chances of strong oral health!

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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Olegario, I., & Leavy, P. (2025). Three ways to make dental care kinder for anxious patients. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-ways-dental-kinder-anxious-patients.html. Last accessed: 6th June 2025.

[2] National Health Service. (2009). Adult Dental Health Survey 2009 – First Release. Available: https://files.digital.nhs.uk/publicationimport/pub01xxx/pub01061/adul-dent-heal-surv-firs-rele-2009-rep.pdf. Last accessed: 6th June 2025.

[3] Seifo, N., Cassie, H., Radford, J. R., & Innes, N. P. T. (2019). Silver diamine fluoride for managing carious lesions: an umbrella review. BMC Oral Health. 19 (145). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-019-0830-5.