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How Did the First Ever Fully Automated Dental Procedure on a Human Happen?
6Aug
A historic moment in dentistry has been announced, with the first ever fully automated dental procedure on a human having been completed. The announcement was made by American artificial intelligence company Perceptive. The procedure involved a robotic arm finishing a crown placement procedure.

In the first ever event of its kind – an American-based artificial intelligence (AI) company have completed the first fully automated dental procedure on a human [1].

The procedure was carried out by a company called Perceptive. This incredible event underlines the potential power of AI in dentistry.

It will be interesting to see how far AI can assist in dental procedures in the future. Hopefully, AI will continue to positively impact dentistry.

Announcement

US company Perceptive specialize in AI-driven 3D imaging software. The particular software used in this case involved a robotic arm that is designed to perform a dental procedure [1].

The company announced the completion of the first ever fully automated dental procedure on a human through a press release on Tuesday 30th July 2024 [1].

Founder and CEO of Perceptive – Dr. Chris Ciriello – said that “this medical breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes” [1].

Perceptive have raised approximately $30 million in funding. Funders include various venture capitalists. For example, Dr. Edward Zuckerberg – father of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg – is among those to have funded the company [1].

Moreover, Perceptive have partnered with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the American Dental Association’s Forsyth Institute [1]. Therefore, they are working with well-established organizations.

How did the procedure happen?

As mentioned earlier, the procedure involved a robotic arm that has been specifically designed to perform dental procedures.

The procedure brought together advanced imaging techniques, AI, and robotics – creating a powerful combination!

The specific procedure that took place was finishing a crown placement [1]. A crown is typically used in cases to secure a tooth that has had a large filling, or has been damaged.

The first step was for an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan of the patient’s tooth and mouth taking place [1].

When used for OCT, Perceptive’s intraoral scanner has demonstrated over 90% accuracy for identifying caries [2]. Moreover, it does not involve radiation, unlike an X-ray. Therefore, this carries several benefits.

The OCT was done through Perceptive’s intraoral scanner. This scanner is very advanced, and is capable of capturing 3D images beneath the gum line, through fluids, and importantly – under the surface of the tooth [1]. Overall, the capabilities of this imagery is remarkable.

This advanced imagery allows the system to pinpoint problematic signs, and know exactly which areas need to be treated [1]. Additionally, this clear imagery was also shown to the patient, who was able to understand why treatment was needed.

Once the area of treatment has been identified, the robotic arm takes over, and was able to finish the placement of the crown. No human action was needed, with the robotic arm being able to complete the procedure.

Future advancements

There is understandably a lot of excitement around this announcement. Moreover, AI is likely to have a key role in the shaping of dentistry in the future.

One such example of how Perceptive’s system could help in the future is through assisting in diagnosis and treatment planning. The system uses 3D volumetric data to assist with this [1].

Removing human error and manual labor could also save time and money for the dental industry. Furthermore, higher quality results are likelier.

Going forward, the aim is for the system to complete tasks like crown placements in just 15 minutes [1]. Therefore, this would represent a marked improvement for crown placements in particular – which normally requires two office visits, each of which lasts at least an hour.

Perceptive have stated that their system is being rigorously tested to ensure safety [2]. This is positive both for dentists and their patients.

AI in dentistry

AI certainly has the potential to advance dentistry. Yielding this potential to benefit the field is important – and can result in improved treatment options and outcomes for patients.

Improving treatment outcomes and patient experiences are two key considerations for any dental clinic. Having advanced technology can definitely assist with this.

But rather than replacing humans, AI is best used when assisting dentists. AI can provide systems and technology that can complement the work of dentists, and aid them in producing excellent treatment.

Thinking points…

1) The procedure that was featured in this research involved a crown. Dental crowns are very effective at protecting damaged teeth, and can improve appearance and restore confidence. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free dental crown consultations! If you are interested in hearing more about this treatment please see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/. We would love to see you soon!

2) The aim is for none of us to ever need dental treatment. Therefore, it is important to look after our oral health! One of the best ways of ensuring your oral health remains strong is to attend regular check-ups. Check-ups provide a dentist with the chance to check the health of your teeth and gums, and suggest treatment if needed. We recommend that you book 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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Oral Health. (2024). US-Based AI Company Completes World’s First Fully Automated Dental Procedure on a Human. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/us-based-ai-company-says-it-completes-worlds-first-fully-automated-dental-procedure-1003980346/. Last accessed: 1st August 2024.

[2] Perceptive. (2024). Homepage. Available: https://www.perceptive.io/. Last accessed: 1st August 2024.

What Is the Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health?
29Jul
Oral health is known to be strongly associated with our physical health. Yet many are unaware of the connection between oral health and our mental health. However, a link between these two areas does exist. There are several factors in place that mean those with mental health problems often have poor oral health.

The link between oral health and overall physical health is well-known. However, a connection that many are unaware of concerns oral health and mental health.

With discussions and awareness of mental health becoming more entrenched in society, many are seeing how their mental wellbeing impacts oral health [1].

There are a range of reasons why people with poor mental health may have an increased chance of having oral health problems.

Mental health

Mental health problems impact huge numbers of people around the world. For example, the World Health Organization found in 2019 that 970 million people were living with a mental disorder [2]. The Covid-19 pandemic is likely to have exacerbated this.

The most common conditions are Depression and Anxiety. More severe mental health conditions include Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

Mental health disorders impair the day-to-day lives of many in multiple ways. This includes impacting employment, relationships with family and friends, and an ongoing risk of premature death.

Moreover, many have pointed towards a link between mental health and oral health. There are several reasons why this connection may exist.

Mental health and oral health research

Significant research has taken place looking at the connection between mental health and oral health. Findings have consistently found a link between them.

For example, research has found that those with depression and anxiety – the two most common mental health conditions – have a higher chance of tooth loss, and visiting dental clinics less [3].

Research has also indicated that patients in mental health hospitals do not unfortunately see dentists regularly [4]. This means that any problems they have may go unnoticed, causing long-term problems.

This is backed up by dentists. Chicago-based dentist Suhail Mohiuddin has estimated that around 15-20% of his patients have had a mental health condition that has impacted their oral health [1].

Then there are bigger factors at play. For instance, during Covid-19, routine dentistry around the world was suspended. This coincided with many people developing mental health conditions.

Therefore, hundreds of millions of people missed out on dental appointments, with many of these having mental health problems. The industry continues to gradually recover.

It is also apparent that for some people with anxiety, leaving their house can be a challenging experience. This can mean that making it to a dental clinic for a check-up can be very difficult.

Additionally, some people have an active phobia of the dentist. They may feel unable to attend the dentist, which can worsen their oral health.

For those that are out of work due to their mental health, they may struggle to afford dental care. This can be a major barrier to receiving oral healthcare.

Furthermore, those that have not visited the dentist in many years may be conscious of being judged by a dentist over the state of their teeth. This can be linked to poor self-esteem – resulting in a negative cycle developing.

Dry mouth

Antidepressant prescriptions have risen enormously over the last few decades. For example, in the United States, there was a 64% increase in the percentage of people using antidepressants between 1999 and 2014, with this number rising further in the last decade [5].

One of the most common side effects of antidepressants is dry mouth. A dry mouth results in a lack of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is crucial for regulating the acid levels of the mouth.

Therefore, due to a lack of saliva, acid and harmful bacteria can last for a longer period of time, doing more damage in the process.

With antidepressant usage rising, it has unsurprisingly resulted in a negative impact on oral health, with more people having a dry mouth. Chewing gum and frequently drinking water have proven to be effective ways of combatting this issue.

Ignoring toothbrushing

Anyone that has suffered from a mental health condition will be aware of how even the smallest of tasks can feel like an overwhelming challenge.

The perfect example of this is brushing your teeth. For most, brushing teeth is just a standard activity that is completed at least twice throughout the day.

However, for some, the task seems daunting, and is often ignored. This is especially the case when symptoms include a lack of energy or motivation.

When teeth are not brushed, it leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay, enamel erosion and gum disease. Cavities will often form, resulting in the need for a filling, and in some cases – a root canal procedure.

Summary

Experiencing poor mental health can be incredibly difficult. For sufferers, it can seem that recovery is not possible. But with the right treatment and support, better mental wellbeing is possible.

It appears that work is needed to provide a more cohesive treatment approach that involves both mental and oral health. With both areas expected to continue to affect large amounts of the population, hopefully action will be taken soon.

On social media, there are several people that have shared their experiences about mental health and its impact on oral health. Many users suggest setting goals and repeating positive affirmations can have a positive impact [1].

There is certainly a clear link between mental health and oral health. In the future, hopefully we will see improvements in both areas.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed above, some people have not attended the dentist for a few years. As a result, they may be afraid of visiting a dental clinic. However, here at Savanna Dental, we always welcome new patients at our Calgary dental clinic! We will be happy to discuss your situation, and provide treatment if needed. You can read more about us at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

2) If you, or someone you know, is going through a difficult time mentally, you’ll know about how difficult it can be to complete everyday tasks. However, try to prioritize attending the dentist if possible. This will aid your oral health, which can consequently have a positive impact on your overall health. Any issues can be identified, with treatment possible. 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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Lee, C. (2024). How Depression Can Affect Dental Hygiene. Available: https://time.com/7001852/mental-health-impacts-dental-health/. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

[2] World Health Organization. (2024). Mental Health. Available: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

[3] Okoro, C. A., Strine, T. W., Eke, P. I., Dhingra, S. S., & Balluz, L. S. (2012). The association between depression and anxiety and use of oral health services and tooth loss. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 40 (2): p134-144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0528.2011.00637.x.

[4] Scrine, C., Durey, A., & Slack-Smith, L. (2017). Enhancing oral health for better mental health: Exploring the views of mental health professionals. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 28 (1): p178-186. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12307.

[5] Winerman, L. (2017). By the numbers: Antidepressant use on the rise. Available: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/11/numbers. Last accessed: 26th July 2024.

Are Children From More Deprived Areas Likelier To Need Tooth Extractions?
22Jul
Living in deprived areas can have a range of effects on the health of children. This is a similar case with oral health. But does this extend to tooth extractions? Now, a research team has sought to find out if where a child lives impacts the chances of them needing a tooth extraction. The findings can help to advise dentists and policy makers on helping children that need extra support with their health.

Regardless of the size of a country, the population can experience life very differently. While some areas in a nation are known to flourish and prosper, others can be poverty stricken and deprived.

The areas that are deprived often see worse outcomes in health. Now, a research team has looked to find out if children in deprived areas need tooth extractions more than children in affluent areas [1].

This is an interesting topic. With the oral health of children being an incredibly important area, any research into this subject is helpful.

Background

This research focuses on tooth extractions. Tooth extractions refer to when a tooth is removed from a patient. Extractions are typically only used as a last resort once all other efforts to save a tooth have been exhausted.

Extractions are usually needed in cases of severe tooth decay. Other potential causes include untreated gum disease, trauma, or overcrowding.

But tooth decay – itself caused by a lack of oral hygiene or a sugary diet – is the main cause of extractions in children. For example, 63% of extractions performed in those aged under 20 between 2021 and 2022 in the UK were carried out due to tooth decay [2].

This topic focused on different areas of London – the capital city of England. London is renowned for having incredibly affluent zones, and deeply deprived areas too.

In the United Kingdom, oral health standards have been complicated and negatively impacted recently due to a severe shortage of dentists [3].

The Research

The research was conducted by a team at Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom. Subsequently, their findings were published in the BMJ Public Health [1].

The research took place in the United Kingdom. The research team analyzed the hospital records of 600,000 children between the ages of 5 and 16 over a five-year period. These children all lived in north-east London [1].

Over this five year period, one in 200 children had at least one tooth extracted under general anesthetic. Furthermore, many of these children had multiple teeth removed [1].

The researchers wanted to analyze these numbers closely, including looking at the background and demographics of the 600,000 children [1]. They uncovered some concerning statistics.

They found that children living in areas with the highest proportion of low-income households were three times more likely to require a dental extraction compared to areas with a low proportion of low-income households [1].

Having triple the chance is very worrying, and underlines the scale of the issues facing those in deprived areas. This is a significant number.

There were also some statistics that suggested certain ethnicities are at heightened risk – when compared to white British children. White Irish children were twice as likely, while Bangladeshi and Pakistani children were 1.5 and 1.4 times more likely respectively to require extractions [1].

The researchers also found a direct link between dental clinic visits and extractions. They found that children in the Tower Hamlets area of London had the lowest dental clinic attendance and the highest tooth extraction rate.

Conversely, the areas with the highest amount of dental clinic attendance were associated with the lowest tooth extraction rate [1].

There was a clear connection between deprived areas and poor oral health. In more affluent areas, a link to strong oral health was clear.

What can be done?

There is clearly significant work that needs to be completed to try and target children in deprived areas. Similarly, it is important that children from affluent areas do not become complacent.

Such inequities suggest that improved oral health education in school should be a priority. Regular trips to the dentist, and controlling sugar intake are other practical steps.

Preventive care is very important. Due to tooth extractions being a last resort, we can infer that children are only being taken to see a dentist when they are in intense pain and in desperate need of treatment. Therefore, a reactive, rather than proactive approach is unfortunately taken.

Queen Mary University’s Institute of Dentistry has opened a new dental outreach clinic, which they hope will attract more children. This has the potential to improve access to dental care in the area.

Summary

These findings underline a desperate need for improved access to preventive dentistry. There are clearly several areas impacting children from deprived areas.

Lead author Nicola Firman has said that the findings “point to an urgent need for equitable access to preventive general dental services, and interventions that are targeted at the wider determinants of dental health” [4].

Fellow author Vanessa Muirhead agreed, stating that the findings “sadly demonstrate wide socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities related to access to dental care and outcomes” [4].

Hopefully, improvements will be seen in the coming years. It is important to get to a point where children – regardless of their background – are able to avoid tooth extractions and have strong oral health.

Thinking points…

1) As seen above, there is a clear connection between visits to the dentist and improved dental health. If you have children, visiting the dentist is very important. Problems can be spotted early, which should mean something as invasive as a tooth extraction should always be avoided. We recommend that your children should have at least two check-ups a year. Why not book an appointment now?

2) Remember that it isn’t just children that should be attending the dentist regularly! It is crucial that adults too. Check-ups allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health, examine your mouth, and provide advice. If there are any problems, then treatment can be planned and arranged. We recommend that you book 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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Firman, N., Dezateux, C., & Muirhead, V. (2024). Inequalities in children’s tooth decay requiring dental extraction under general anaesthetic: a longitudinal study using linked electronic health records. BMJ Public Health. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000622.

[2] Bagot, M. (2023). Hospitals see massive surge in kids and teenagers needing teeth removed due to decay. Available: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/hospitals-see-massive-surge-kids-29298540. Last accessed: 19th July 2024.

[3] BBC News. (2024). NHS dentist shortages to be tackled with cash incentive. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68171171. Last accessed: 19th July 2024.

[4] Queen Mary, University of London. (2024). Children living in deprived areas are three times more likely to need dental extractions in hospital, finds study. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07-children-deprived-areas-dental-hospital.html. Last accessed: 19th July 2024.

Do Children Visit the Dentist More When Supported by Pediatric Providers?
15Jul
Recent research has looked to see if there is a connection between enhanced oral health support from a primary care clinician and the frequency of visits to the dentist. While most children visit a primary care clinician, not everyone goes to the dentist. A research team sought to find out if this could be changed through more oral health support during primary care visits.

New research has looked at a potential relationship between enhanced oral health support from a primary care clinician and the frequency of visits to the dentist [1].

This is an interesting combination, with these two areas having never been studied together before. While they both represent healthcare visits, more people visit primary care clinicians than dental clinics.

Such subject areas are very important, as more work is needed to help improve the state of oral health in children.

Background

Primary care pediatric clinicians refer to health workers that offer first-contact care. Pediatric clinicians are those that work with children.

Parents often take their children to primary care pediatric clinicians for things like general queries, minor injuries or childhood vaccinations.

However, not everyone visits the dentist. For example, research shows that approximately 81% of American children aged 1-17 go to the dentist [2]. While this is a high number, this still means a large number do not visit.

The oral health of children is always a key topic. This is especially the case for children from low-income households, with research showing they are at a higher risk of oral health problems.

For example, one study found that 17% of preschool-aged children from low-income households have untreated cavities in their baby teeth. This is three times more than children from higher-income families [3].

By having strong attendance at dental clinics during childhood, it can help children to build long-term positive habits. Therefore, improving attendance is a key goal for health organizations.

The Research

The research was undertaken by a team at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Their findings were published in JAMA Network Open [1].

The authors of the study noted that nearly all children at some point will see a primary care clinician [1]. Therefore, they wanted to see if they could use these visits to promote oral health.

63 pediatric clinicians were recruited. These clinicians were provided with oral health-related education and skills training – which included identifying signs of decay in children’s teeth, navigating an electronic health record, advising parents, and providing a dental referral [1].

The study involved 1,023 children. These participants and their parents were followed over a three-year period. These children were all enrolled in Medicaid, with most coming from a low-income family [1].

About half of the children received a standard medical wellness visit. The other half received a medical wellness service, but were also provided with an oral health intervention [1]. These visits followed the same pattern over a three-year period.

At the end of the three years, the researchers asked if the children had been to see the dentist. The results showed that 52% of children that had received the oral health intervention had visited a dentist. However, in the group that just received the standard service, only 43% of children had visited the dentist [1].

Therefore, the researchers were able to conclude that children who receive oral health intervention during a wellness visit are 34% more likely to visit the dentist [1].

This represents a large number, and underlines the effectiveness of oral health being discussed by primary care clinicians.

Moreover, those that had received the oral health advice had fewer untreated decayed teeth compared to their counterparts [1]. Therefore, there are clearly a range of benefits.

Summary

Overall, the researchers found that when primary care clinicians were able to talk to parents about oral health, dental visits subsequently increased [1].

The researchers suggested that improving childhood dental attendance could help to reduce untreated tooth decay and oral health disparities in disadvantaged communities [1].

A key takeaway from the research is that pediatric clinicians should be trained to talk about oral health in more detail, as it clearly has a positive impact.

It also underlines the importance of integrating oral and physical health advice together. There is a clear link between oral and physical health.

On this idea of integration, Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque – Deputy Director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – says that “by bridging these disciplines, dental and medical providers can work better together to reach all children” – which can help “to improve children’s health” [4].

Primary care clinicians can certainly have a positive impact on the oral health of children. Hopefully, enhanced training can take place, which can benefit the health of many children.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have children? If so, remember it is crucial to visit the dentist regularly! As discussed earlier, taking children to the dentist from a young age can help them to instil strong habits which can boost their long-term oral health. Therefore, we recommend that they see a dentist regularly. You could book an appointment for them now!

2) Remember that it isn’t just children that need to receive regular oral healthcare! It is very important that adults attend regular dental check-ups. These provide the chance for a dentist to take a look at your oral health, look for any issues, and provide treatment if needed. We recommend that you book 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 clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Nelson, S., Albert, J. M., & Selvaraj, D. (2024). Multilevel Interventions and Dental Attendance in Pediatric Primary Care. JAMA Network Open. 7 (7): e2418217. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.18217.

[2] National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Dental Care Utilization Among Children Aged 1–17 Years: United States, 2019 and 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db424.htm. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.

[3] McMains, V. (2024). Dental Visits Increase with Support from Pediatric Providers. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/news-events/nidcr-news/2024/dental-visits-increase-support-pediatric-providers. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.

[4] Case Western Reserve University. (2024). Dental visits found to increase with support from pediatric providers. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07-dental-pediatric.html. Last accessed: 12th July 2024.

The Cda Comment on Canadian Dental Plan Changes: What Improvements Are Still Needed?
8Jul
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has voiced their pleasure at recent changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The changes have been implemented by the Federal Government following dentists raising concerns about the plan. These changes should have a positive impact. However, the CDA have noted that further improvements are needed in the future.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has released a statement to voice their pleasure at the Federal Government’s recent changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].

These changes have addressed some of the concerns that had previously been raised by dentists. The government have acted upon these concerns.

However, the CDA has pointed out that further changes are needed. These changes have the potential to improve the CDCP. This will mean that eventually, the focus will be on what is most important – providing excellent care to patients.

Initial concerns for the CDA

The CDCP assists low- and middle-income families with dental costs. It continues to be rolled out, with more and more people becoming eligible for the plan over time. Eventually, it will be rolled out to all eligible Canadian residents.

The plan has already attracted over 2 million people to sign up – showing its popularity. However, there have been several problems in the first few months.

The CDA went on record previously to discuss some concerns that they had. These included concerns on how the plan would work, and how much they would be compensated by the government for the services provided [2].

At the time, the then-President of the CDA Heather Carr spoke of how dentists “really want to care for their patients,” but that there were a lack of details on how the plan would work in reality [2].

Throughout disputes over the details of the CDCP, the CDA have made it clear that their goal has always been for access to care to improve for people without dental benefits [1].

CDA Statement

The aforementioned statement mentioned that the CDA “welcomes the federal government’s recent changes to the CDCP, which address key concerns of dentists” [1].

Over the last few months, the federal government have been improving the plan – which the CDA has recognized.

The changes that have pleased the CDA include simplifying the terms and conditions that providers must agree to, and providing clarity on which treatments will be covered by the plan.

These changes will allow dental clinics to better address the needs of their patients. Therefore, this should result in a positive improvement in patient experience.

Moreover, the CDA are hopeful that these changes could encourage more dental clinics to participate in the CDCP. But they have noted this will be down to individual dentists to decide [1].

There have certainly been some improvements, with the federal government seemingly acting on the concerns of the CDA. But more work is needed.

The need for further improvements

The CDCP is a very complex project. Therefore, further improvements will be needed going forward, but recent changes offer encouragement for the short to mid-term.

Dr. Joel Antel – the recently appointed new CDA President – has said that “while acknowledging the progress made so far, there is still work to be done in the medium to long term to benefit Canadians over time” [1].

Antel has confirmed that the “CDA will continue advocating for these changes and looks forward to working in partnership with the federal government” [1].

The CDA has pointed out that one urgent area for improvement is the federal government’s public communication about the CDCP [1]. They believe that this has been an area which has been lacking.

For example, the CDA have pointed out that 61% of seniors have not heard about the co-payment requirement based on income for the CDCP [1]. This is very concerning – as it means some seniors are racking up expensive and unexpected bills – something that the CDCP is meant to stop.

Moreover, the CDA say that 60% of the public think communication about which services are covered by the CDCP is not clear [1]. This is making some people reluctant to sign up for the plan.

The CDA have mentioned that some dental offices are spending approximately an hour each day to explain the CDCP to patients. This time would be better suited to treating patients.

The CDA have argued that some changes are needed specifically to help seniors, children, and those with disabilities [1].

Summary

The CDA has consistently been in support of the CDCP. While they have requested changes and expressed discontent at times – this is mainly because they view the plan as a key moment in the history of oral health in Canada.

By getting the approach correct, it can contribute to a lasting legacy of strong oral health across Canada, and for future generations. Hopefully, more positive changes will take place.

The CDA also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the federal government, with the common goal of improving access to oral healthcare.

By seeing more improvements with the CDCP, we should see a positive boost in patient care and treatment outcomes.

Thinking points…

1) The rollout of the CDCP continues to take place. But it is not expected that the wider public will become eligible until at some point in 2025. Therefore, if you are planning on waiting to become eligible for the CDCP before going to the dentist, we strongly recommend against this! By getting regular check-ups, any problems can be identified, monitored and acted on. We recommend that you book a check-up soon!

2) One of the reasons for the CDCP’s existence is that many people find the cost of dental care too high. Therefore, you will be interested to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures that our prices remain fair, transparent and competitive. We’d love to see you at Savanna Dental soon, you can find out more about us here: www.savannadental.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] Canadian Dental Association. (2024). CDA encouraged by federal government’s changes to the CDCP, commits to working together for further improvements in the longer term. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/media_room/news_releases/2024/06_25_CDA_encouraged_by_changes_CDCP.asp. Last accessed: 6th July 2024.

[2] Osman, L. (2024). Dentists, hygienists still in the dark on details of federal dental-care plan. Available: https://www.cp24.com/news/dentists-hygienists-still-in-the-dark-on-details-of-federal-dental-care-plan-1.6750296. Last accessed: 6th July 2024.

How Has a Kelowna Dental Clinic Helped Children With Their Dental Health?
2Jul
Dentists, hygienists and office staff from a Kelowna dental clinic have recently provided free dental care for dozens of children. The care was organized by the charity East Meets West. They have sought to provide dental care to children that were in desperate need of oral healthcare. Their actions will hopefully have a positive long-term impact on their oral health.

Dentists, hygienists and office staff from a dental clinic in Kelowna have given up their time to volunteer for a program led by a local charity.

The volunteering resulted in dozens of children receiving access to dental care. This group of children had existing barriers to receiving dental care [1].

This positive action helped many people, and should improve the long-term oral health of vulnerable children.

Poverty in Kelowna

The dental workers come from Kelowna, Canada. They were able to help young people to receive dental care.

Kelowna is a city which has high rates of child poverty. For example, research shows that 12.2% of children aged 0-17 in the Kelowna Central Metropolitan Area were living in poverty in 2020 [2].

Therefore, this makes a place like Kelowna a highly suitable location to provide free dental care, with many children living in a situation where dental care is unaffordable.

The free care

The free dental care was organized by the charity East Meets West [1]. They were joined by a team of dentists, hygienists and office staff from Kelowna-based Access Dental Care.

They provided almost 60 children with free cleanings and check-ups – which are crucial for oral health.

Cleanings can help to remove the build up of plaque, which reduces the development of tooth decay. A check-up allows a dentist to take an overall look at the oral health of the child.

For some of the children, this marked their first visit to a dentist. There are various possible causes for this, though avoiding the dentist is bad for oral health.

Rahul Virk, chair of East Meets West, says that the organization’s “mandate has always been children’s health and education” [1].

Moreover, Virk has pointed out that the timing is crucial, especially due to “the influx of people into Kelowna lately”, which means “there’s a lot of children missing the basic needs of dental care” [1].

On top of the free dental care, all of the children were provided with an electronic toothbrush – which will hopefully be heavily used!

Why are some children not receiving dental care?

It is concerning when there are cases of some children not receiving dental care. Vikas Raj, a dentist at Access Dental Care, discussed potential reasons behind this.

Raj said that “one of the very important reasons [is the] economic burden” of dental care [1]. This is a common concern across Canada, with cost being a large barrier for many.

Moreover, Raj said that many don’t understand the importance of dentistry, which is unfortunate, as he points out that “dental health really matters a lot for well-being as well” [1].

Raj says that “we are not only helping kids here, we are trying to educate the parents as well for future dental care” [1]. Therefore, they hope that their work will also raise awareness to parents of the importance of their children’s oral health.

There is also the suggestion that some children are afraid of the dentist. However, Sharon Boscoe – a mother of one of the children receiving the care – has said that “it teaches them going to the dentist isn’t scary” [1].

Furthermore, Boscoe said that “it teaches them healthy habits and my daughter loved it” [1]. Clearly, the treatments had a very positive impact.

Summary

This is a very positive action from the staff at Access Dental Care, and has helped many children that were in need of receiving dental care.

Hopefully, their actions will also serve as a reminder to parents of the importance of oral health in children. The aim is for these parents to now make more regular visits to the dentist with their children.

But while this is very positive to see, it also serves as a reminder that there are many places across Canada where children are in desperate need of oral healthcare – but do not have access to such services.

Overall, these are positive steps being taken, and will hopefully provide long-term benefits to the children that received the dental care.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have children? If so, make sure you are aware of the importance of children having regular check-ups. Check-ups provide a dentist with the chance to take a look at the oral health of their patient, and suggest treatment if needed. You can underline to your children the importance of attending the dentist by visiting at the same time as them. We recommend booking an appointment for both you and your children now!

2) We mentioned that many people find cost to be a significant barrier to receiving oral healthcare. Therefore, it is useful to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This makes our prices transparent, competitive and reliable. To find out more about us, you can visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/! We hope to see you soon!

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] Morton, S. (2024). Smile 24: Local dentists donate time, services to provide free care to kids in Kelowna. Available: 28th June 2024. https://globalnews.ca/news/10540177/smile-24-local-dentists-donate-time-services-free-care-kids-kelowna/.

[2] Barnes, G. (2023). Child poverty rates drop below provincial average in Central Okanagan. https://thegoldenstar.net/news/child-poverty-rates-drop-below-provincial-average-in-central-okanagan/. Available: 28th June 2024.