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Canadian Parliament Approves Further Spending on the Cdcp: What Impact Will This Have?
16Dec
The Canadian Parliament has approved a $21 billion spending bill, with $317 million of this being allocated to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This represents a positive boost for the CDCP. Many people continue to benefit from the plan, with this additional funding likely to improve the CDCP’s potential further.

The Canadian Parliament has agreed to allocate an additional $317 million to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), in a positive boost to the oral health of Canadians [1].

The CDCP has the aim of improving oral health for Canadians and assisting those with a low income in affording dental care. This additional funding should help to further the potential of the CDCP.

The $317 million addition in funding for the CDCP comes as part of a wider $21 billion spending bill which has been approved by parliament.

What is the CDCP?

The CDCP launched in December 2023. Since then, over one million Canadians have accessed services offered by the plan [2]. Therefore, it has had a significant impact already.

Dental costs are high in Canada, with research showing that approximately 25% of Canadians avoided seeing a dentist in 2022 due to cost concerns [3].

Many Canadians have developed poor oral health, and have not been able to access the treatment they have badly needed. Therefore, financial support for those with a low or medium income is important.

The CDCP assists those with an annual family income of less than $90,000. Prior to the update in parliament, $13 billion had been put aside for the CDCP, though this has now changed [1].

Parliament approves extra funding

Parliament was voting on a $21 billion spending bill, which the ruling Liberal Party had requested last month. The aim is for the $21 billion to fund various programs [1].

For example, one such program was the CDCP. The Liberals wanted a further $317 million to be allocated to the CDCP as part of the spending [1].

MP’s representing the Liberals, New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Quebecois were among those to vote in favour of the additional funding [1]. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has been a vocal supporter of the CDCP.

The Conservative Party opposed the entire spending bill – including the injection of further funding into the CDCP [1]. But there were enough votes in favour to pass the bill.

Overall, this additional $317 million will add to the $13 billion that has already been committed to the CDCP for the next five years [1]. Therefore, this should help with extending the reach of the plan further.

Anita Anand – President of the Treasury Board – has said that she was pleased that “the majority of members in the House of Commons recognize that the supports” are the “supports that Canadians need” [1].

What will happen next with the CDCP?

As discussed earlier, the CDCP has been rolled out on a gradual basis. This means that not everyone is currently available to apply for the services under the CDCP.

For example, the elderly, children, and those with disabilities are among those who are eligible to apply for the plan (provided they meet eligibility requirements).

However, in 2025, the aim is for the CDCP to open up to everyone. It isn’t yet known when in 2025 this will be, but the federal government remains confident of this happening at some point next year [4].

Health Minister Mark Holland has admitted that “I know people are anxious” regarding when they will become eligible for the CDCP [4].

Furthermore, Holland has said the government are working in order to make the plan available “as soon as possible in the new year” to apply for [4].

It is believed that around 9 million Canadians meet eligibility requirements. However, only 3 million of this group are currently eligible. Therefore, there is still a sizeable number of people – mainly those aged 18-64 – who are still waiting to be able to apply [4].

It isn’t known yet whether the additional $317 million will be spent on extending some of the services offered through the CDCP. Currently, services offered include cleanings, fillings and dentures.

Seeing the extra funding being agreed is positive, and underlines the government’s commitment to improving the oral health of Canadians. Hopefully, this funding will further improve the CDCP, and lead to more people benefiting from the plan.

Thinking points…

1) While the federal government are hoping for the CDCP to open to those aged 18-64 during 2025, it isn’t likely to be in the early part of the year. Unfortunately, some people are ignoring pressing dental issues in an effort to wait to become eligible for the CDCP. However, it is important to not wait for the plan, as problems will only become more severe. Therefore, make sure you carry on attending regular check-ups, as these allow a dentist to review your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Earlier we mentioned about how the price of dental care in Canada means that many people are unable to afford care. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures transparent and competitive prices. We would love you to visit our Calgary dental clinic! You can see more about us on 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] Oral Health. (2024). Additional $317M approved for federal dental plan after Parliament held an 11th-hour vote on $21B spending bill. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/additional-317m-in-the-works-for-federal-dental-plan-as-parliament-to-hold-an-11th-hour-vote-on-21b-spending-bill-1003983166/. Last accessed: 13th December 2024.

[2] Oral Health. (2024). Federal dental plan expands services Nov. 1 after ‘milestone’ of helping more than one million Canadians. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/federal-dental-plan-expands-services-nov-1-after-milestone-of-helping-more-than-one-million-canadians-1003982203/. Last accessed: 13th December 2024.

[3] Health Canada. (2024). Government of Canada announces the services covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/02/government-of-canada-announces-the-services-covered-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 13th December 2024.

[4] Von Stackelberg, M. (2024). Health minister won’t say when millions more Canadians can apply for dental coverage. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/dental-care-play-expansion-18-to-64-2025-1.7408120. Last accessed: 13th December 2024.

How Many Claims Have Been Made for the Canadian Dental Care Plan So Far?
20May
Since opening for eligible seniors in early May, the Canadian Dental Care Plan has seen a surge in the number of claims made. This is a positive sign, and shows the plan is popular. However, there have been concerns over the state of the oral health of many people seeking treatment. Therefore, this suggests that there are many people across Canada in desperate need of urgent oral health treatment.

The Canadian Federal Government has announced that 46,000 claims have been processed under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to date [1].

This announcement underlines the popularity of the CDCP, which is helping many people with their oral health.

While this news is positive, many stories have recently emerged regarding the urgent care that some who have accessed the plan have needed. This shows that unfortunately, many people are not accessing regular dental care. Instead, many seem to be waiting to become eligible for the CDCP – a decision which can cause a huge range of problems.

The Latest Figures

The CDCP became available for eligible senior citizens on 1st May. Those aged 70 and over are eligible to receive the CDCP now, while those aged 65 and over can now register ahead of the next phase of the rollout [1].

Over the forthcoming months, more and more people will become eligible for the plan. Eventually, all citizens from low- and medium-income families will become eligible for the plan.

Since the 1st May opening for seniors, there have been a flurry of claims made. In fact, there have been over 46,000 claims made [1]. These positive figures suggest that the dental plan will be very popular.

Almost 9,000 oral healthcare providers have signed up to provide care under the CDCP [1]. This number has risen substantially since last month, with more and more oral healthcare providers starting to provide services.

Experiences of Dr. Melvin Lee

Dr. Melvin Lee is a dentist based in Ottawa. Lee has spoken of his experience with the plan so far, as well as his concerns about the state of some of his patients’ oral health [1].

Lee has been alarmed at some of his patients. He notes that some of the patients he’s seen don’t “just have dental emergencies, but borderline medical emergencies” [1].

Perhaps more worryingly, Lee says that he hasn’t “seen patients in this condition” since he did “overseas mission dentistry work in Haiti and Peru” [1].

Therefore, his words suggest that some Canadians have poor oral health to the extent which is normally associated with poorer or third world countries, rather than Canada.

Lee has treated about 20 seniors since 1st May through the CDCP. He said that the first patient he saw was a man that hadn’t been to the dentist in five years due to the cost [1].

Moreover, the dentist said that most of those 20 seniors have had very poor oral health which has needed extensive dental work performed. For many, they have delayed getting help for too long, meaning tooth extractions may be needed.

Leaving oral health problems untreated can be very damaging. These problems will only worsen over time, resulting in further treatment being required in the long term.

Lee’s concerns are very valid, and shows that many Canadians are in desperate need of oral health treatment. However, Lee did commend the rollout of the CDCP, lauding it as being “seamless” [1].

Summary

As with most elements of the CDCP, there are both positives and negatives. Progress continues to be made, but problems remain.

The uptake of the plan has certainly been positive. But with dentists discovering that poor oral health is commonplace, it suggests that many people are in desperate need of oral health treatment. Unfortunately, many appear to be waiting for the CDCP to loosen its eligibility criteria.

For those with oral health problems, seeking treatment soon is crucial. This can help with their overall health, and improve their quality of life significantly.

Thinking points…

1) As has been alluded to in the above article, there are so many people across Canada that are in desperate need of oral health treatment. It isn’t a good idea to avoid visiting the dentist, as problems will only worsen if not treated. Equally, waiting for the CDCP isn’t advisable. Remember to attend dental appointments at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Further to the above, if you are in need of a dentist, then it is good to know that here at our Calgary-based dental Clinic Savanna Dental, we are accepting new patients! We would love to assist you and your family with your dental needs. If you want to find out more about us, then please see our website at the following link – 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] von Stackelberg, M. (2024). Broken teeth and infected gums: 46K claims filed so far with Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-dental-care-plan-claims-processed-1.7200738. Last accessed: 16th May 2024.

What Are the Different Parts of Our Teeth, and How Can We Protect Them?
13May
We all have teeth, but not many of us know about the different parts of a tooth and their intricacies. Human teeth are remarkable, and serve so many purposes. Now, dentist Dr. Samer Zaky has come forward to explain the different parts of teeth, and provide some tips on how to look after them.

It is easy to forget just how amazing our teeth are. They make our smile look nice, they are used to chew food, bite things, and we use them to speak.

However, while they are very important, some people neglect them. We only get one set of teeth in adulthood – so it is crucial for us to look after them.

Now, dentist Dr. Samer Zaky has come forward to explain the different parts of teeth, and provide tips on how to look after and protect our teeth [1]. These tips are relevant to us all.

Background

Dr. Zaky has spoken of his admiration for teeth, calling them a “biological marvel” [1]! He has been discussing the various areas of the tooth and gums – namely the enamel, dentin and pulp [1].

The typical adult has 32 teeth. These include 12 molars, 8 premolars, 4 canines, and 8 incisors. Each tooth has its own function, but all play a crucial role in our oral health.

Every tooth is vulnerable to tooth decay, which makes it important for us to look after our teeth. But teeth aren’t always looked after. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans aged 75 and over live without teeth [2].

The enamel

The enamel is considered to be the “protective shell” of the tooth, and covers the visible part of the tooth above the gum. Incredibly, enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body [1].

Enamel does not regenerate unfortunately. Researchers have the ultimate aim in the future of being capable of providing on-demand regrown teeth [1].

Due to teeth not regenerating automatically, once a tooth has become decayed, enamel cannot be repaired. Decaying enamel happens due to acid-generating bacteria accumulating on unbrushed or inadequately brushed teeth [1].

Moreover, this results in the minerals in the enamel being dissolved. Therefore, it gets to the point where a tooth becomes extensively decayed, which results in a cavity forming. This is when a filling is required.

Despite it being so strong, enamel needs some support, which is provided by something more resilient – called dentin.

Dentin and the pulp

Dentin has less mineral content than enamel. It is a living tissue which is formed of tiny tubes that house fluid and cellular extensions. These originate from the pulp [1].

The pulp is the tooth’s soft tissue core. It has plenty of blood vessels, nerves and cells. Zaky says he considers it to be the “heart” of the tooth, and the key to its longevity [1].

The cells of dentin are very clever. Once decay is detected from the enamel, the cells of dentin signal to the pulp that something isn’t right – which results in tooth sensitivity [1]. This explains why we get tooth sensitivity.

Eventually, toothache happens. This is when it is definitely time to seek help from a dentist, if you haven’t done so already. The earlier you visit, the more of the tooth’s natural tissues will be preserved. Moreover, this increases the chance of the pulp regaining its healthy state.

When the tooth’s heart – the pulp – isn’t working, the tooth becomes more vulnerable. Dentin will eventually break, resulting in the pulp becoming infected. Root canal treatment is normally then needed, which is a more invasive procedure.

Protection

The most important thing you can do to protect your teeth is toothbrushing. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2-3 minutes.

You should compliment your toothbrushing by flossing. This helps to remove any debris that toothbrushing missed. Flossing forms a key part of any oral hygiene routine.

Tongue scraping can help to remove the buildup of bacteria on the tongue. This activity can aid our overall oral health and improve your breath.

Eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary or acidic drinks can also help. Using mouthwash after eating meals is also a good way of helping your teeth.

Then, as will be discussed later, attending dental appointments is crucial. This will ensure a dentist will be able to take a look at your teeth and make sure there aren’t any issues.

Finally, if you ever think about how valuable your teeth are, just remember that one of John Lennon’s teeth sold for just over $31,000 in 2011 [3]! Therefore, as adults typically have 32 teeth, what is in your mouth is highly valuable!

Thinking points…

1) As discussed above, it is crucial for you to attend regular dental appointments. Dental check-ups allow a dentist to take an in-depth look at your teeth, and check for any issues. If issues are noticed, a dentist will be able to provide advice and recommend treatment. We recommend attending a dental appointment soon!

2) If you have any children, you could share this article with them. Articles like this are very educational and can help to remind children of the importance of looking after their teeth. It could definitely positively impact their oral health. Why not share this article 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] Zaky, S. (2024). Healthy teeth are wondrous and priceless – a dentist explains why and how best to protect them. Available: https://theconversation.com/healthy-teeth-are-wondrous-and-priceless-a-dentist-explains-why-and-how-best-to-protect-them-224207. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

[2] National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research. (2022). Tooth Loss in Seniors. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/seniors. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

[3] BBC News. (2011). John Lennon’s tooth bought by Canadian dentist. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-15606017. Last accessed: 10th May 2024.

Are Seniors Now Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
6May
Eligible senior citizens are now able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This is very positive news, and should benefit the oral health of senior citizens across Canada. This marks an important moment in the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which has resulted in positive reactions from many.

In exciting news, eligible senior citizens in Canada are able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].

While the planning and subsequent rollout of the CDCP has been plagued with difficulties and setbacks, this is a positive step.

This news is excellent for the oral health of senior citizens. Research shows that seniors typically have worse oral health than younger people [2]. Therefore, this is a promising development in Canadian healthcare.

The Announcement

The CDCP has been in the works for the last few years. The plan aims to assist low- and medium-income families with dental costs.

In a historic announcement, as of 1st May 2024, eligible people aged 65 and above can now receive assistance with their dental care [1].

Health Canada announced that the first one million seniors who successfully applied to the CDCP and have a May coverage start date, can now receive dental care under the plan [1].

These one million seniors will have received a welcome package after successfully applying for the plan. In this welcome package, the coverage start date is provided, with those with a May start date now able to receive care [1].

Over 6,500 oral health providers have signed up to participate and will provide oral health services to CDCP patients [1]. Therefore, there is plenty of choice for patients.

Eligibility criteria applies. Moreover, depending on household income, some patients may need to pay a co-payment [1]. However, each person will have differing circumstances.

Federal Government’s focus on oral health

Under the supply and confidence agreement between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party, oral health has become a key focus of government policy.

As part of this focus, the Government of Canada has launched the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). The aim is for this to further reduce barriers to receiving oral healthcare for those in remote and rural communities [1].

This, along with the CDCP, should have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians. In fact, the CDCP should make dental care more affordable for up to 9 million Canadians without dental coverage [1].

Reactions

The reaction to this announcement has been very positive. Various politicians, dentists, scientists and professors have gone on record to express their pleasure with the news.

The Honourable Mark Holland, who is Minister of Health, lauded the announcement as “a significant milestone” for those who have been “eagerly waiting to receive services” under the CDCP [1].

Furthermore, Holland went on to say that those who couldn’t afford dental care are now “on the road to better health”. He finished by calling this a “pivotal moment” in the history of Canada [1].

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who is Minister of Public Services and Procurement, has been a key figure in the rollout of the CDCP. He echoed Holland’s sentiments, calling the CDCP “one of the most important advances” in Canadian healthcare [1].

The focus on seniors has been particularly pleasing for the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, who is the Minister for Seniors. He has said it is a “big” moment. Because as O’Regan says, “it’s about more than treating toothaches and fitting new dentures”, instead, “it’s about aging in good health” [1]. The plan will definitely assist with this.

What will happen next?

This is very positive news, and will help many Canadian citizens. Now, we can look ahead to the future of the CDCP.

The CDCP will continue to be rolled out gradually. While senior citizens are now eligible, other groups will follow. The next group to become eligible will be persons with disabilities and children under the age of 18.

Those that haven’t yet applied but are eligible can apply online. It is open for those aged 65 and over. The link to apply is: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html [3].

While the overall rollout will take time, eventually the plan will help millions of Canadians receive crucial oral healthcare. Therefore, Canada should see improvements in oral health over the next few years, aiding overall health.

Thinking points…

1) One of the main motivations for the CDCP was that many people find dental fees to be unaffordable. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent and reliable. You can read more about us on our website – www.savannadental.ca, we hope to see you soon!

2) Whether you are or aren’t eligible for the CDCP, it is crucial to have strong oral hygiene. This can aid your oral and overall health. A great way of helping your oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. 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] Health Canada. (2024). 1 million seniors can now access services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/05/1-million-seniors-can-now-access-services-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.

[2] De Rubeis, V., Jiang, Y., de Groh, M., Dufour, L., Bronsard, A., Morrison, H., Butt, F., & Bassim, C. W. (2023). Oral Health Problems among Canadians Aged 45 to 85: Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Baseline Survey (2011–2015). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20 (8): 5533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085533.

[3] Government of Canada. (2024). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.

What Benefits Will the 2024 Budget Provide to Dental Hygienists in Canada?
29Apr
The announcement of the 2024 Budget has resulted in positive news for dental hygienists in Canada. An expansion of the Federal Government’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program will incentivize dental hygienists to serve underserved rural and remote communities. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association have widely praised the announcement, which will aid access to oral healthcare for many.

The 2024 Budget has been released by the Canadian Federal Government, which has provided good news for dental hygienists. As a result, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) have praised the announcement [1].

The Budget will aid dental hygienists and allow them to continue to broaden their work – which includes expanding access to dentistry for those in rural communities [1].

This is a very positive step, as it provides support for both dental hygienists and patients. Moreover, this will help more people to receive much-needed oral healthcare.

2024 Budget

The Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, the Honorable Chrystia Freeland, has revealed the federal government’s 2024 budget [1].

One of the headlines of the budget is that the expansion of Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program will now include support for dental hygienists in rural and remote communities [1].

This means that qualified dental hygienists that work in underserved areas – like rural and remote communities – will be eligible for financial relief in the form of Canada’s Student Loan Forgiveness Program [2].

It should be noted that the extent of the Loan Forgiveness will depend based on numerous factors. Every individual will have their own circumstances [2].

The announcement should hopefully result in more dental hygienists working in areas that need oral health professionals. Dental practices that have typically struggled to recruit oral health professionals may find it easier to hire employees now.

Moreover, it provides an incentive for those already working in such areas [1]. They are already providing a critical service, but will now receive better benefits for their work.

Rural or remote communities are considered areas with a population of less than 50,000. Moreover, they cannot be metropolitan areas, nor can they be provincial capitals [2]. Therefore, a lot of areas in Canada are classed as rural or remote.

Research shows that those who live in underserved areas typically have worse oral health than those who live in urban areas [3]. This is often due to a lack of access to treatment and a lack of oral health professionals.

Therefore, such announcements are very helpful. The 2024 Budget will allow many people that wouldn’t normally have access to oral health services receive help.

Response of the CDHA

As mentioned, the CDHA were delighted with the news. The CDHA represent over 30,000 dental hygienists across Canada [1].

Francine Trudeau – President of the CDHA – went on record to express her pleasure with this update [1].

Trudeau has said that the Student Loan Forgiveness program’s expansion “will support dental hygienists in delivering critical oral health care to historically underserved rural and remote communities across Canada” [1].

Moreover, Trudeau has said that dental hygienists are “experts in oral health education and prevention”, and are “keenly aware of the necessity of ensuring Canadians have timely, unencumbered access to preventive oral health care, no matter where they live” [1].

Furthermore, the CDHA have said that they remain committed towards working with the federal government to continue to improve oral healthcare across Canada [1].

The role of dental hygienists

Dental hygienists play a key role in oral health. They work closely with dentists to provide oral healthcare to patients of all ages.

They often provide more targeted treatments, such as scaling, root planing and dental sealants. Moreover, they also commonly carry out oral health screenings.

Therefore, offering those that provide these critical services added extras, like being eligible for the Student Loan Forgiveness program, can help hugely. This will aid both the hygienists, as well as patients in rural and remote areas.

Thinking points…

1) It is very important that you visit a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. This is regardless of if you live in an urban area, or a remote or rural community. Make sure you attend check-ups, as these allow a dentist to take a look at your oral health and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Have you ever thought about becoming a dental hygienist? Being a dental hygienist can offer a rewarding career. You can provide care to a range of patients, and contribute towards improving the oral health of Canadians. While qualifying to become a dental hygienist takes time, it can be a great career to have! Why not look into it 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] The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. (2024). Budget 2024: Improving Access to Oral Health Care in Rural and Remote Communities. Available: https://files.cdha.ca/NewsEvents/tag/2024/Federal_budget_2024_loan_forgiveness_announcement.pdf. Last accessed: 26th April 2024.

[2] Government of Canada. (2024). Canada Student Loan forgiveness for family doctors and nurses – Eligibility. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans/repay/assistance/doctors-nurses/eligibility.html. Last accessed: 26th April 2024.

[3] Gaber, A., Galarneau, C., Feine, J. S., & Emami, E. (2017). Rural-urban disparity in oral health-related quality of life. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 46 (2): p132-142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12344.

Healthcare Professionals Launch Project for Oral Health Improvements: Why Is It Needed?
22Apr
A project that is seeking to help people that have a lack of access to oral health treatment involves health appointments focusing on both physical and oral health. This is very positive, and can help some of society’s most vulnerable people. The project is taking place in multiple states across the US.

Earlier in April, Pediatrician Patricia Braun and her team saw almost 100 children at a community health clinic – with the aim of helping the children and those without insurance with their health [1].

The main intention was to give flu shots and treatments for minor illnesses. However, Braun went one step further – as she looked at the oral health of her patients [1].

This forms part of a larger trend across the United States of trying to integrate oral health into medical check-ups. This is unsurprising – owing to the importance of oral health.

The project

Braun and her team have launched the project. They have received federal and private funding to aid their project, which is reaching many people.

Braun treats patients at the Bernard F. Gipson Eastside Family Health Center. This center is part of Denver Health, which serves low-income and uninsured families [1].

Many residents of Colorado face problems in receiving dental care, making this an ideal location to prioritize. For example, housing instability, a lack of transportation and a high cost of dental care are all barriers to receiving dental treatment [1].

Braun and her team have helped to train 250 primary care providers across numerous states – including Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Arizona. Moreover, similar projects are ongoing in Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, and New York [1].

In other states, there are efforts to integrate dental care into prenatal visits for pregnant women [1]. This has the added benefit of helping pregnant women, who are at heightened risk of oral health problems.

These providers include doctors, nurses and physician assistants. The team are able to assess the oral health of patients, provide education, and complete referrals for those that need further care [1]. Minor treatments like the application of fluoride varnishes are also offered.

Those behind the project also work alongside the STRIDE Community Health Center in Denver [1]. STRIDE aim to overcome the barriers facing those who struggle to access dental care.

STRIDE offer a service which involves an exam, X-rays and cleaning – all for $60 – for the uninsured [1]. The service has recently seen a large rise in the number of patients seeking help – including migrants and refugees who need extensive dental treatment [1].

Why is this project needed?

A project like this does a lot of good. While work is needed on physical health, having the benefit of looking after oral health also helps.

Braun says that for this target group, “we’re seeing more oral disease than the general population”, and that “there is a bigger need” among these people [1].

Many of those being provided with care are children. This is very important, as many children lack access to dental care [1]. By making children and their parents aware of the importance of oral health, it can aid their overall health.

The state of Montana has often been cited as an example of why a project like this can help. The state has proven to be a difficult area to target [1].

Montana’s large geographic area, coupled with their small population – makes it difficult to recruit dental professionals [1].

In fact, 50 out of 56 counties in the state are considered to have a shortage of dentists. Furthermore, some of the counties do not have a single dentist that takes Medicaid [1].

Therefore, having dental staff partaking in a project like this can help significantly. This isn’t just in Montana, but the wider United States.

Summary

It is positive to see numerous projects ongoing. There are many people across the United States who desperately need oral health treatment.

Moreover, projects like these help some of the most vulnerable people in society – including those who have typically struggled to access oral care.

Braun and her team will continue to try and integrate physical and oral health treatment together. Given their link, this makes a lot of sense, and can help many people.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed above, it is very important that children have strong oral health. By getting into good habits, this can boost their long-term oral health. If you have children, we recommend that you take them to a dental check-up regularly. You could even go at the same time as them! We recommend booking an appointment for you both now!

2) A feature throughout this article is that the cost of dental care can be prohibitive for some people. Therefore, it is useful to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our prices are trustworthy and transparent. We would love to see you soon! You can find out more about us 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[TM]! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

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

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

References

[1] Ruder, K. (2024). Doctors take on dental duties to reach low-income and uninsured patients. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-04-doctors-dental-duties-income-uninsured.html. Last accessed: 20th April 2024.