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What Is the Current State of Dental Health in Canada for Those Aged 50 to 64?
12May
It has been announced that Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This means that a large cohort has now become eligible for the plan. But what do the statistics say about the oral health of this age group? Now, with newly released data, we can see where the different strengths and weaknesses lie for the oral health of this age group.

In a landmark moment, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with Prime Minister Mark Carney confirming this [1].

This marks a large cohort of people that can receive dental care under the federal plan. It also demonstrates the recently elected federal government’s commitment towards oral healthcare in Canada.

With the CDCP continuing its expansion, and with the most recent federal election behind us, now is a good chance to take a look at the current state of dental health in Canada for this age group.

Using data provided by Statistics Canada, there are a series of statistics available that show where the strengths and weaknesses lie in Canada’s oral healthcare system for those aged 50-64 [1].

A lack of dental coverage

The need for further dental assistance for this age group is demonstrated by the lack of dental coverage.

For example, statistics show that almost 66% of Canadians have either private or public dental insurance, though 27.8% of those aged 50 to 64 do not have any coverage at all [1].

This is concerning and suggests that many people in this age group do not receive adequate dental care, or no dental care at all. Therefore, some people have not had a dental appointment for several years.

Pain and avoiding food

Another concerning statistic revolves around issues with eating and pain. Due to oral health problems, some people resort to avoiding certain foods. Others experience persistent pain.

The statistics show that 20.2% of the 50 to 64 age group avoid eating certain foods due to mouth problems [1]. This marks an increase compared to the national average of 15.6%.

Women are likelier than men to have this problem, with 22.3% of women reporting avoiding food, compared to 18% of men [1].

In terms of pain, unfortunately some people live with persistent oral pain. This disproportionately affects the 50-64 age group, with 25.2% of this group experiencing this, which is higher than the 21.6% national average [1].

Having no teeth

A significant oral health problem is edentulism – also known as not having any natural teeth. This is normally due to extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma.

Unsurprisingly, the highest rate of edentulism is among those aged 65 and older, with 13.8% of people in this group afflicted [1].

However, 2.3% of those aged 50 to 64 also have no natural teeth remaining [1]. Therefore, it still affects this age group.

Fortunately, options are available, including dentures and implants. While these are reactive measures, they can still be a strong solution.

Signs of improvement

But despite the negatives, there are some positives too. This involves high rates of flossing, brushing, and visiting a dentist among this group.

The statistics show that approximately 30% of Canadians floss five or more times per week. However, in the 50-64 age group, this is 38.3%, with women (43.1%) particularly performing well [1].

Moreover, almost 74% of people in the 50-64 age group reported brushing at least twice daily. Again, this is higher than the national average of 70% [1].

Perhaps the most positive statistic is that an impressive 76.7% of Canadians aged 50-64 visit a dental professional at least once per year [1]. This is an improvement on the national average.

Finally, only 0.4% of those aged 50-64 have never visited a dental professional, which is below the national average [1]. This is positive to see, as seeing a dentist regularly is crucial!

Provincial differences

The data also provides some interesting insights into how the various provinces rank. Unsurprisingly, provinces that have high density levels tend to perform well – with there typically being strong supply in such areas [1].

However, in provinces with more rural areas, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, and Saskatchewan, the statistics are typically less positive [1].

This is unsurprising though, given the well-established oral health disparity that exists between urban and rural areas in Canada [2].

Summary

So while there is room for improvement in the 55-64 age bracket, hopefully the CDCP will help to alleviate some of the concerns.

With this age bracket now receiving care, the focus will now turn to the younger group’s eligibility for the plan. Carney has provided some positive news.

Carney has said that “in the coming weeks, applications will open to Canadians aged 18-54” [3]. Continuing, he says that “because of this plan, millions of people can now afford to see a dentist — some for the first time in decades. Soon, millions more will get that same care” [3].

So dental healthcare continues to go in the right direction in Canada. The new government seems to care a lot about dental care, with the early signs being positive.

Hopefully, with more and more people becoming eligible for care, we will see a concerted improvement in oral health across Canada.

Thinking points…

[1] Regardless of your age, one of the most important aspects we mentioned above is attending regular dental check-ups! At a check-up, a dentist can provide advice on your oral health, check for any problems, and suggest treatment if needed. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] The statistics show that edentulism – or not having any natural teeth – affects many people. There are treatments available for this though, with dental implants being a great solution for many people. Implants are artificial teeth that look natural, are long-lasting, and can improve your self-esteem. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients! For further details and to book an appointment, please see 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] Statistics Canada. (2025). Selected indicators of oral health in Canada. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024028-eng.htm. Last accessed: 9th May 2025.

[2] 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.

[3] Oral Health. (2025). Mouth pain keeps some from eating — here’s what the dental data says as CDCP opens to Canadians 55 to 64. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/mouth-pain-keeps-some-from-eating-heres-what-the-dental-data-says-as-cdcp-opens-to-canadians-55-to-64-1003986452/. Last accessed: 9th May 2025.

How Have Scientists Grown Human Teeth in a Lab for the First Time?
20Apr
New research has led to teeth being grown in a laboratory for the first time. This landmark moment could have a big impact on dentistry and potentially offer a new treatment for those with missing teeth. While further research is needed, this is a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to find a way to get teeth to repair and regenerate themselves.

Our teeth are one of the most important parts of our body. Unfortunately, for numerous reasons, teeth can fall out or be extracted. Currently, for those missing teeth options are limited.

However, this may soon change, as in an exciting announcement, scientists from the United Kingdom have announced that they have grown human teeth in a lab for the first time [1].

This is an incredible finding, which could have wide-ranging implications for the future of oral health. It could result in lab-grown teeth being able to replace natural human teeth.

Background

Adults typically have 32 teeth. Teeth have a wide variety of roles, as well as obviously helping us eat, they help us to talk and even breathe.

Unfortunately, it is rather common for adults to lose one or more teeth. This could be due to extensive tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or trauma.

In fact, research shows that in the United States, the average number of natural teeth left by the time someone makes it to the age of 64 is 23.4 [2]. Therefore, tooth loss affects a range of people.

Dental implants and dentures have offered solutions in the past. While they are effective, they can also be costly, which stops some people from accessing this treatment.

Therefore, having other alternatives is desirable. Scientists have been trying for a long time to grow teeth in a laboratory. Now, there appears to have been a development.

The Research

The research was carried out by King’s College London in the United Kingdom. Their findings were published in the ACS Macro Letters journal [1].

Scientists at King’s College London have been exploring the potential of lab-grown teeth for over a decade [1]. They were finally able to make a breakthrough recently.

Currently, when a tooth becomes decayed, a filling is used. However, fillings weaken tooth structure over time and rarely last forever [1]. Implants can be used when whole teeth are missing, but they do not restore natural tooth function either.

Therefore, the aim has always been to get teeth to repair and regenerate themselves naturally [1].

But finding the exact environment and conditions needed to grow teeth in a lab has proven challenging. This has now seemingly changed.

The researchers have been able to introduce a special type of material that enables cells to communicate between each other [1]. Therefore, this means that one cell can ‘tell’ another cell to start differentiating into a tooth cell [1].

Incredibly, this means that the environment of growing teeth is mimicked. Therefore, scientists can recreate the process of tooth development in a laboratory [1].

The new material releases the signals that the cells use to communicate with each other slowly over time, rather than all at once [1]. This has proven to be a key reason for the success of this research, as this replicates what happens naturally.

The material takes the form of a hydrogel. In this study, the researchers prepared the hydrogel by mixing gelatin precursors that had been modified either with tetrazine or norbornene moieties [1].

The researchers were able to conclude that lab-grown teeth made from a patient’s own cells could integrate seamlessly into the mouth and repair themselves like a natural tooth [1].

Summary

This advancement marks the outcome of considerable research. It is a very important update and has the potential to have a big impact on dentistry.

It effectively means that in the future, humans may be able to replace lost teeth with a natural tooth using their own cells. This would be very positive and help those with missing teeth.

Xuechen Zhang of the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences of King’s College London, was the lead researcher. He commented on the findings [3].

Zhang said “lab-grown teeth would naturally regenerate, integrating into the jaw as real teeth. They would be stronger, longer lasting, and free from rejection risks, offering a more durable and biologically compatible solution than fillings or implants” [3].

The researchers pointed out that the next big challenge will be to work out how to get teeth from the laboratory to the mouth of patients [1]. But the good news is that the research suggests that teeth can integrate well into mouths.

Xuechen spoke about this challenge and said that the team “have different ideas to put the teeth inside the mouth,” which includes “transplanting the young tooth cells at the location of the missing tooth and let them grow inside [the] mouth” [3].

Furthermore, Xuechen said “alternatively, we could create the whole tooth in the lab before placing it in the patient’s mouth,” though he noted that “for both options, we need to start the very early tooth development process in the lab” [3].

While further research is needed, this is an exciting development and underlines the potential that research into regenerative dentistry can yield.

Thinking points…

1) This is a very exciting update and underlines the great work that scientists are producing. However, if you look after your teeth, hopefully you won’t need to worry about lab-grown teeth! A good way of aiding your oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist can 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) While we wait for further progress on lab-grown teeth, there is a useful and effective alternative available for missing teeth – dental implants. Dental implants are artificial teeth that look and act like a real tooth. They look natural, are easy to fit, and tend to last many years. Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a free dental implant consultation for our patients. To find out more and to book an appointment, please see 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] Zhang, X., Negrini, N. C., Correia, R., et al. (2024). Generating Tooth Organoids Using Defined Bioorthogonally Cross-Linked Hydrogels. ACS Macro Letters. 13 (12): p1620-1626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00520.

[2] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2022). Tooth Loss in Adults (Age 20 to 64). Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/tooth-loss/adults. Last accessed: 17th April 2025.

[3] Volponi, A. A. (2025). Lab-grown teeth might become an alternative to fillings following research breakthrough. Available: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/lab-grown-teeth-might-become-an-alternative-to-fillings-following-research-breakthrough. Last accessed: 17th April 2025.

How Is a Mobile Dental Clinic Bringing Care to Rural Communities in Canada?
14Apr
In an effort to tackle Canada’s ongoing inequality between dental care in rural and urban areas, dentist Dr. Chris Bryant has launched a mobile dental clinic. The clinic is designed to provide oral healthcare to those who live in underserved areas. The aim is for rural communities to receive more care, so that a more equitable approach is taken which benefits the entire Canadian population.

Rural and remote communities in Canada typically face additional challenges in terms of seeking oral health treatment.

However, in a positive update, dentist Dr. Chris Bryant has been raising awareness for the plight of those in rural areas by operating a mobile dental clinic [1].

Hopefully, this attention will result in further awareness and consideration of those in rural areas. It is important for everyone to have access to oral healthcare.

Disparity in care

Unfortunately, a disparity in care between rural communities and those in cities exists. This isn’t a problem that is exclusive to Canada.

Recent research found that despite 17% of Canada’s population living in rural or remote areas, only 10% of the nation’s dentists work there [2].

Moreover, the same research found that only 15% of dental hygienists work in these areas [2]. Therefore, the number of dental professionals in these areas is out of proportion.

As a result, access to dental services can be challenging for those living in underserved communities. Getting a check-up can be difficult, as can be getting any treatment.

Additional research found that those in underserved communities typically have worse oral health than those who live in urban areas [3]. This includes higher rates of tooth decay and cavities.

Mobile dental clinic

Efforts are being made by various people and organizations to end this disparity. One person that has been part of this effort is dentist Dr. Chris Bryant [1].

Bryant has worked for more than 30 years in the rural area of Sooke, British Columbia [1]. However, Bryant has now decided to change his place of work – in an unexpected way!

Bryant’s new ‘office’ is actually a bus [1]. On the outside, the vehicle looks like any normal bus. However, on the inside, it is a mobile dental clinic.

Bryant has converted an old BC Transit bus into a fully-fledged dental clinic. The rough cost of the clinic was around $150,000 [1].

The clinic features all of the usual instruments and furniture that we expect in a regular dental clinic. In fact, two bus seats are even used as a waiting room [1].

In fact, the biggest challenge hasn’t been the limited space, instead it is the lack of high-speed internet in such communities, according to Bryant [1].

Bryant has converted the bus in an effort to bring dental care to rural communities. As discussed earlier, this is care is desperately needed [1].

Bryant has recently commented on his work. In terms of his motivation, he has said that he is “doing this for the community that’s traditionally not had access to healthcare” [1].

Moreover, Bryant has said that over “the last 10 years” there has been a shift towards dental offices operating mainly in urban areas [1].

Therefore, this has resulted in the disparity worsening. As Bryant says, “the reality is small rural communities are going to become deserts for healthcare” – including dentistry [1].

As Bryant points out, it has resulted in some people having to travel great distances to gain access to dental care.

Rural dental work encouraged

Bryant’s work is having a positive impact and is providing dental care for those that typically struggle to get oral healthcare. There is further positive news too.

Reilly Morgan is a third-year dental student at the University of British Columbia [1]. He has mentioned that he and his classmates are “encouraged and incentivized” to work in rural areas [1].

Morgan points out that in these areas, “there’s more opportunity” [1]. Continuing, he says that “the cities are more saturated,” which makes going to rural areas more appealing [1].

However, Morgan has pointed out that this approach works in the short-term, but has long-term limitations. He says that people think “I’ll go for two to three years and do my time,” but that “most people aren’t going to lay down roots and live there” [1].

Therefore, while there are some benefits, longer-term issues appear to be remain. Hopefully, other people will follow Bryant’s lead and provide enhanced care for those in need.

Bryant has said that his mobile clinic approach has attracted interest from some dental students, with some contacting him to learn more about the clinic [1].

Going forward, Bryant is aiming to refine his mobile clinic further, with the aim of providing care for more people in rural and remote communities [1].

While the disparity in dental care between urban and rural communities is likely to remain, hopefully we will see more investment into rural areas soon.

Thinking points…

1) As discussed earlier, getting a check-up can be challenging for some people. However, if you are in the Calgary area, you can always be assured of a warm welcome at Savanna Dental! Here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic treatments. We would love for you to find out more about us, you can do so at our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

2) Following on from the above, it is very important that you attend a dental clinic regularly. Whether this is a standard clinic, or a mobile clinic, the important thing is that you see a dentist. At a check-up, a dentist can take a look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you attend a clinic at least once every six months. Why not 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] Lindsay, E. (2025). Island dentist’s mobile clinic aims to fill the cavity in rural health care. Available: https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/community/island-dentists-mobile-clinic-aims-to-fill-the-cavity-in-rural-health-care-7913375. Last accessed: 9th April 2025.

[2] Gupta, N., & Miah, P. (2024). Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Services Research. 24 (1191). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7.

[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.

How Can New Research Help Dentists To Diagnose Cases of Hypophosphatasia?
17Mar
Hypophosphatasia is a rare condition that affects the development of bones and teeth. Therefore, it causes several oral health problems, making early detection crucial. A research team has looked at cases of hypophosphatasia, and sought to find out how dentists can identify suspected cases of the condition at an earlier stage.

Hypophosphatasia is a rare condition that impacts the development of bones and teeth. It is a debilitating condition and causes lifelong problems for those with the condition.

Due to the impact on teeth, those with hypophosphatasia face oral health challenges from an early age and throughout their life. Therefore, there have been ongoing efforts to aid those with the condition.

Now, new research into the condition has presented findings that could help dentists in identifying suspected cases of hypophosphatasia earlier [1]. This is an exciting finding and will hopefully improve treatment outcomes for those with this condition.

What is Hypophosphatasia?

Hypophosphatasia is a rare skeletal disease which affects bones and teeth. It involves the abnormal development of the bones and teeth [2].

Hypophosphatasia is a serious condition and can cause fetal death. Some people won’t see any symptoms for several years. The earlier that the signs are spotted, the better.

The condition is caused by genetic changes to the ALPL gene [1]. It is possible for hypophosphatasia to run in families.

Those with hypophosphatasia typically have physical health symptoms like feeding and breathing problems in infancy, short stature, weak bones and short limbs [1].

Past research has underlined the oral health problems facing those with the condition. For example, one study found that when comparing those with hypophosphatasia and members of the general public, that those with hypophosphatasia had a higher chance of having severe gum disease and a higher number of teeth missing [3].

However, there have been positive developments in recent times. Enzyme replacement therapy has offered promise, with research finding that using this type of therapy can lessen the severity of oral manifestations of hypophosphatasia [4].

Therefore, having any additional research into this subject is highly desirable. By doing so, it can help support those with hypophosphatasia towards improved oral health.

The Research

The research was carried out by a team of researchers from Osaka University in Japan. Their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].

The research involved studying Japanese patients with a diagnosis of hypophosphatasia. The researchers have carried out similar studies once every five years since 2013 [1].

This was the largest study yet on hypophosphatasia in terms of participants – with the researchers collecting data from 103 cases of hypophosphatasia across 30 clinics [1].

By having such a huge number of cases, the research team were able to break them down into two groups. One group whose symptoms involved only teeth – called the odonto-type disease, and those who had other symptoms, termed “non-odonto type disease” [1].

Clinical dental records were studied in order to identify common oral symptoms of the condition. Moreover, the researchers were particularly interested in seeing how the cases differed between the two groups.

When comparing the groups, they were looking at many different factors. Finding trends in these factors allowed them to make conclusions.

They found that those with odonto-type hypophosphatasia were more likely to lose their first teeth early [1]. This is a clear indication of hypophosphatasia, and with this type involving teeth, the link makes sense.

Those with the non-odonto-type disease were likelier to have tooth misalignment and tooth hypomineralization, which refers to enamel on the outside of the teeth softening [1]. This can make someone more prone to tooth decay.

Moreover, the researchers found that the non-odonto-type disease were also likelier to engage in poor oral habits like finger sucking and tongue thrusting [1].

Moreover, they were likelier to have problems with swallowing [1]. Therefore, those with the non-odonto-type disease faced more oral health problems.

The role of dentists

Dentists have an important role to play. Some people are unaware that dentists are also trained to look for the symptoms of various conditions. For example, dentists can identify the signs of oral cancer, such as tumors.

Furthermore, this extends to dentists being able to spot the signs of hypophosphatasia. Sometimes it will be dentists that are the first to notice this condition.

One of the study’s authors – Kazuhiko Nakano – said that the trends observed in this study “will be helpful for dentists who might come across patients with hypophosphatasia in their clinics” [5].

Furthermore, Nakano posited that “improved knowledge of the various ways this disease presents will lead to better diagnostic rates and earlier treatments for affected patients” [5].

Summary

Overall, the study showed that both types of hypophosphatasia cause oral health problems. However, the problems for those with the non-odonto-type version of hypophosphatasia had more difficulties [1].

Rena Okawa was the lead author of the study. Okawa mentioned that the team were “surprised to see big differences in oral manifestations between the two groups” [5].

With that said, it should be noted that both types are debilitating, and irrespective of the quantity of problems, the condition puts patients at high risk of oral health problems.

Research like this is very helpful and aids towards raising awareness and improved diagnostic rates. Hopefully these continuous efforts will result in improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for those with hypophosphatasia.

Thinking points…

1) As shown above, dentists have an important role to play with overall health. By examining your mouth, they can look out for the signs and symptoms of key illnesses and conditions. Therefore, we strongly recommend attending check-ups regularly. Check-ups ensure that a dentist can take a thorough look at your oral health and check for any warning signs of various conditions. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Do you know anyone with hypophosphatasia? If so, this article could be of interest to them. You could share this with them now! However, perhaps you’d never heard of this condition before? You could share this knowledge with friends and family, why not send them the link to 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] Okawa, R., Kadota, T., Kurosaka, H., et al. (2025). Japanese nationwide dental survey of hypophosphatasia reveals novel oral manifestations. Scientific Reports. 15 (6743). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91043-7.

[2] Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. (2025). Hypophosphatasia. Available: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6734/hypophosphatasia. Last accessed: 14th March 2025.

[3] Weider, M., Schlagenhauf, U., & Seefried, L. (2022). Oral health status of adult hypophosphatasia patients: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 49 (12): p1253-1261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13718.

[4] Smart, G., Jensen, E. D., Poirier, B., & Sethi, S. (2023). The impact of enzyme replacement therapy on the oral health manifestations of hypophosphatasia among children: a scoping review. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry. 24: p429-440. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-023-00796-0.

[5] Osaka University. (2025). Hard evidence of soft teeth: the oral symptoms of hypophosphatasia. Available: https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/hard-evidence-soft-teeth-oral-symptoms-hypophosphatasia. Last accessed: 14th March 2025.

What Impact Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Have on Reporting Taxes?
29Jan
The Canadian Revenue Agency has announced that there are new changes to the tax filing system – in line with the recent changes to oral health in Canada. Specifically, this relates to the Canadian Dental Benefit and subsequent Dental Care Plan. The changes have implications for tax filing, with employers particularly impacted. Understanding the changes are very important.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has changed its rules around tax filing, in line with the upcoming implementation and rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan [1].
This has major implications for tax filing and reporting. Employers are the main group being impacted by the updates.
Knowing about these changes are important, and it will ensure that any dental-based costs are reported on your tax return, meaning that it won’t cause unexpected problems.

The changing face of Canadian oral healthcare

These changes are part of an ongoing overhaul of oral healthcare in Canada. Over the last year, the Canada Dental Benefit has been in operation – which has provided financial support towards oral healthcare to the families of eligible children [2].
However, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is being rolled out, which will provide assistance to low- and medium-income families across Canada towards their oral health costs [2]. These changes have made it necessary for changes to tax filing in Canada.
This is part of the Canadian government’s commitment to working towards a fairer and more equitable approach to oral healthcare. This should include eliminating cost and other access issues.
The plan will extend dental coverage, especially to those who do not have insurance. Families with a net income of below $90,000 are being targeted for the plan.

Update in the tax filing process

These changes continue to alter the landscape of oral healthcare in the country. Therefore, the Canadian government is updating its tax filing process – especially for those with dental care benefits. Dental care details will now be included in tax filing [1].
By introducing the dental care section into tax filing, the Canadian government is hoping to underline its dedication towards enhancing the accessibility of oral healthcare [1].
These changes have proven favorable, with a previous report finding that 93% of Canadians favored or were open to a tax credit for businesses that offered dental benefits to their employees [1].

Employer requirements

Moreover, it is employers that will need to make the most changes. Employers will need to adhere to the new reporting measures in order to avoid incurring penalties [1].
Furthermore, employers will need to make such changes starting with the 2023 tax year. Employers will need to provide detailed information about dental benefits on the T4 Statement of Remuneration Paid and T4A Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income slips [1].
On the T4 slip, Box 45, “Employer-offered Dental Benefits”, has been added. Furthermore, on the T4A slip, Box 015, “Payer-offered Dental Benefits”, has been added [1].
The CRA has confirmed that this is a compulsory activity [1]. The reporting will include information on if employees or their family members were eligible for dental coverage or insurance through employment in that tax year [1].

Summary

By complying with the new tax filing measures, employers can play their part in supporting dental care across Canada. The overall effort towards more equitable oral healthcare will require effort from multiple people.
When filling out tax returns, it is important for Canadian citizens to carefully look at each section – especially those that have recently been added.

Thinking points…

[1] With the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan underway, many people are planning on waiting until they are eligible before next attending a dental check-up. However, it is expected to be a while before everyone becomes eligible. It isn’t worth risking your oral health, so make sure you attend a check-up soon! This will ensure any problems are treated, without them worsening over time. We recommend booking an appointment now!
[2] With so many of us needing to fill in a tax return, this is a very useful article! Can you think of anyone that needs to know this information? It could be a friend, family member, or someone that you know who runs a business. If so, feel free to share this article with them, as it could be really helpful! We recommend sharing this article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savanndentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] TNMSC Magazine. (2024). CDCP: CRA Mandates Dental Care Reporting While Filing Taxes. Available: https://www.tnmsc.com/upcoming-canada-dental-care-plan-news/. Last accessed: 26th January 2024.
[2] Health Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 26th January 2024.

IRPP Comment on Worries Over Dental Plan: What Are Their Recommendations?
4Jul
The Institute for Research on Public Policy have provided a series of recommendations to the Canadian Federal Government in regards to the National Dental Care Plan. They have some concerns with the current trajectory of the plan and have argued a universal care plan approach would be more beneficial.

The Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) have voiced concerns over the current state of dental care in Canada, which involves reservations about the dental benefit [1].

These concerns have resulted in the IRPP calling for a universal dental care plan for Canadians, among other recommendations [1]. The IRPP have argued that adopting this approach would result in a bigger benefit to the oral health of Canadians.

What is the IRPP?

The IRPP is an organization that aims to combine research and public policy to improve the lives of Canadians [2]. They aim to provide insight and influence debate on some of the policy issues facing Canadians.

Their concerns over the state of dental care in Canada are based on research and insights, and takes into account all Canadians, including those with barriers to dental care.

IRPP’s comments on the dental plan

On their website, the IRPP have produced some findings in regards to their research into the state of dental care in Canada [2]. This research involved taking into account 75 studies, policies, court cases and other material, providing the organization with a wealth of information to draw their findings [1].

The IRPP have referred to Canada as a “laggard” when it comes to providing public funding for dental care [1]. By saying this, they are suggesting Canada is behind the times when it comes to dental care funding.

However, the IRPP have noted that the federal government’s proposed Canadian Dental Care Plan has the potential to change this [1]. Currently, the plan is in its early stages – taking the form of a benefit rather than a full plan.

The federal government pledged a $13billion contribution to implement the dental plan over a five-year period [1]. The plan will help families whose income is below $90,000 per year. Currently, children aged under 12 are benefiting from the plan. However, by 2025, all Canadians will have access to the dental plan [1].

The IRPP also note that the federal government has committed to spending a minimum of $250million over a three year period from 2025 in order to establish the Oral Health Access Fund [1]. Therefore, this will allow the government to invest in programs that would support the oral health of vulnerable populations.

The IRPP’s recommendations

The IRPP have pointed out that this is a “major step forward” in the federal government’s attempts to reform dental care in the country [1]. Therefore, they have acknowledged the existing efforts.

However, the IRPP have argued that there are many problems with the “payer of last resort model” that the government has opted to use [1]. Moreover, they argue that this will result in “inefficiencies” and a lack of “equitable access” to dental care.

The IRPP have suggested that there are alternative ways of achieving the reforms – including methods that don’t alienate certain members of society. Therefore, the IRPP have pointed to four factors that should help guide Canada’s dental care reform [1]:

• Universality

• Fairness

• Accessibility

• Accountability

The IRPP have argued that once these four factors are taken into account, that there are various options to take [1]. The IRPP have pointed out that the government opted to choose a cash payment at first. However, the IRPP have called for a move towards providing universal dental care coverage for essential dental services [1].

They have argued that a national agency – which would be funded by the federal government – should be launched which would provide universal dental coverage [1]. Furthermore, the IRPP have suggested that such a move would be in keeping with Canada’s constitutional division of powers and would be an effective way of broadening access to dental care for all across Canada.

The IRPP have suggested the national agency would be able to collect data to ensure accessibility is being achieved, along with quality of care [1].

What next?

It is clear that oral healthcare in Canada causes substantial debate across the nation. The IRPP have offered their opinions, backed by the large amount of research undertaken.

The federal government continue to work out ways of implementing the dental care plan and will surely note these recommendations when deciding the next stage of the rollout. But we do know that discussion over the dental plan is far from over.

Thinking points…

1) One of the leading causes of a dental plan being needed is that many people find the cost of oral healthcare too high. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic [clinic name], our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, this makes our prices fully transparent, reliable, and competitive. If you wanted to find out more about us, why not visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca? We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) Whether you have dental coverage or not, remember it is very important to have at least two check-ups per year. Dental check-ups give a dentist a chance to have a thorough look at your oral health. Therefore, they can provide advice, information and treatment options if needed. We strongly recommend that you book your next appointment soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Flood, C. M., Allin, S., Lazin, S. J., Marchildon, G., Oliver, P., & Quinonez, C. (2023). Toward a Universal Dental Care Plan: Policy Options for Canada. Available: https://irpp.org/research-studies/toward-a-universal-dental-care-plan-policy-options-for-canada/. Last accessed: 30th June 2023.

[2] Institute for Research on Public Policy. (2023). About the IRPP. Available: https://irpp.org/about-the-irpp/. Last accessed: 30th June 2023.