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Why Is the Alberta Dental Association Calling for an Alberta-Only Provincial Dental Plan?
7Apr
The Alberta Dental Association has called for an Alberta-only provincial dental program to be launched. They believe that the current system of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the existing provincial program have major shortcomings. They have put forward a few reasons why they believe a new system would be effective and improve the oral health of Albertans.

The ongoing rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has put a spotlight on oral health in Canada.

The CDCP has helped many people, and in some cases, has worked well alongside and complimented existing federal and provincial dental programs.

However, the President of the Alberta Dental Association (ADA) has recently suggested that both the CDCP and existing programs have major shortcomings [1].

Therefore, the ADA have argued that these shortcomings need to be addressed. In fact, the ADA is calling for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan [1].

They have put forward a few reasons why they believe this would be effective, and how it addresses the problems they have identified [1].

Calls for made-in Alberta Plan

As mentioned, the ADA have suggested that there are shortcomings in the CDCP. This opinion has been put forward by their President – Dr. Hans Herchen [1].

Therefore, Herchen has called for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan. The ADA suggest that this plan would build on the strengths of the existing provincial dental program, addresses its gaps, and integrates funding from the CDCP [1].

Herchen has said that the ADA wish “to draw attention to the fact that both federal and provincial dental programs have a lot of administrative challenges,” and that there is a need to “resolve that red tape” [1].

Continuing, Herchen says that “we can provide better care on budget for patients in Alberta” [1]. The ADA have put forward several reasons to explain why they are advocating for a new, Alberta-specific, dental plan.

The CDCP undermines employer-based insurance

The first reason put forward by the ADA revolves around a perceived interference from the CDCP on employer-based insurance [1].

Currently, many Canadians receive dental insurance through their employer. However, a third of people living in Canada did not have insurance as of 2023 [2].

Therefore, existing federal and provincial programs aim to help those without coverage. But the ADA have suggested this model may not be sustainable.

There have been long-term concerns from many that the CDCP could result in employers stopping dental benefits. This could have a negative long-term impact.

Herchen has said that “the biggest risk factor with [the] CDCP is the damage to the existing dental insurance plans, the employer-based plans” [1].

Continuing, Herchen says that the ADA are “very concerned that the well-served population will be losing their excellent dental plans, replaced with a less sufficient provincial or federal plan” [1].

Potential to improve the existing Alberta provincial dental plan

The ADA have pointed out that there are some strengths of the existing Alberta provincial dental plan [1]. If these strengths are leveraged, it could negate the need for the CDCP.

However, Herchen does say that provincial dental plans need to be “modernized,” due to being outdated and limiting [1].

Herchen mentioned that there are “a large number of Alberta dental patients that are currently underserved by provincial dental plans” [1].

This problem has been impacted too by the problem of struggling to recruit dental hygienists and assistants in Alberta.

Herchen believes that a better-structured provincial dental plan could attract more dental workers [1]. This would provide more choice and supply for patients.

Potential benefits of opting out of the CDCP

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has previously announced that the province will be opting out of the CDCP from 2026 [3].

The ADA have also supported opting out of the CDCP. The belief is that this will enable Alberta to have a more effective and efficient provincial program [1].

This would mean that Alberta residents would no longer have access to the CDCP. But such a system would enable the Alberta government to receive the same federal funding that had been allocated to the CDCP [1].

Moreover, Herchen has suggested that this would offer “better coverage for Albertans,” whilst also lowering costs for taxpayers [1].

Tailoring solutions to Alberta’s demographics

As with any large country, different towns and cities will inevitably have different demographics. Alberta’s demographics are unique in Canada.

Herchen points out that Alberta “has a very large young population” [1]. This burgeoning population has driven a higher demand for dental services.

However, Herchen noted that the CDCP targets the older demographic. Therefore, he has suggested that the CDCP isn’t relevant for many people in Alberta.

This means that an Alberta-only plan could better tailor services to Alberta’s specific demographics. For example, services could be based more on those in demand by the younger population of Alberta.

Funding concerns

Finally, there are some funding concerns with the CDCP, which threatens its long-term sustainability. This is impacted by political, economic, and social factors.

Federal elections are already scheduled, with concerns around what will happen if the Conservative Party secure power. It has been speculated that funding for the CDCP could be stopped.

Indeed, Herchen says that “there is a lot of politics” involved [1]. Furthermore, he has pointed out that the CDCP’s fee increase for 2025 has not kept up with inflation.

Herchen also said that “most people’s experience with government programs is that they become increasingly restrictive over time” [1]. Clearly, Herchen has a range of concerns about the long-term feasibility of the CDCP.

Summary

These various reasons underline the ADA’s rationale for wanting an Alberta-only dental plan to exist. It could have a positive impact on the oral health of Albertans.

The different areas outlined look to safeguard the future of dental programs in Alberta and aid the overall health of the residents.

It will be interesting to see how oral health progresses in Canada over the next 12 months, with this likely to have consequences for every province.

Thinking points…

1) If you are from Alberta, you may be aware of our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic treatments among others. We always provide a warm welcome to our patients. You can find out more about us on our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

2) Irrespective of what province you are from, or even country for that matter, looking after your oral health is very important! An effective way of contributing towards strong oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist can look at your oral health and provide advice. You should attend the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

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

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). Top reasons Alberta Dental Association is calling for a ‘modern’ insurance plan after experience with CDCP. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/top-reasons-albertas-dental-association-is-calling-for-a-modern-insurance-plan-after-experience-with-cdcp-1003985471/. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.

[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: 3rd April 2025.

[3] Brown, J. (2024). ‘Trolling for conflict’: Federal health minister says Alberta premier playing politics on dental care. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/smith-dental-plan-ottawa-opt-out-1.7247203. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.

Final CDCP Expansion Confirmed: How Will It Help Cut Er Visits and Improve Healthcare?
31Mar
In an exciting announcement, it has been revealed that the Canadian Dental Care Plan is due to expand into its final phase. Therefore, all eligible Canadians will be able to access care under the plan from May. This should result in improved oral health for Canadians and less emergency room visits.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is set to expand into the final phase – meaning that it will open up to all eligible Canadians, irrespective of age, health, or other circumstances.

This update has been welcomed by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), due to the significant benefits it should have to the oral health of Canadians [1].

Moreover, the CHDA has said that they believe the expansion of the CDCP will cut emergency room (ER) visits and ease the strain on the healthcare system [1]. Therefore, the expansion offers many benefits.

The update

Canada’s Health Minister Kamal Khera announced that the CDCP will begin accepting applications from its “largest cohort” of eligible patients from May [2].

This “largest cohort” refers to those aged 18 to 64 who hadn’t previously been eligible for the plan. This represents a huge number of people, and will mean that the CDCP becomes fully rolled out.

The rollout of the plan began in December 2023. Since then, the CDCP has been rolled out in a phased approach, with seniors, children, and people with disabilities prioritized [2].

While this final phase had originally been expected earlier this year, the new announcement has confirmed that the expansion’s final phase will happen in May [2].

Due to the huge cohort, the final phase will in itself take place in phases. From 1st May, Canadians aged 55 to 65 can apply, followed by those aged 18 to 34 on 15th May. Then, those aged 35 to 54 can apply from 29th May [2].

Therefore, by the end of May, everyone who meets eligibility for the CDCP will have access to care. In fact, for those approved, coverage could begin as early as 1st June [2].

The CDCP is securing strong participation. For example, 98% of dentists, denturists, dental hygienists and dental specialists in Canada are offering services under the plan [2].

During the announcement, Khera confirmed that around 1.7 million Canadians have been able to visit a dentist or oral health professional [2]. Khera said that stories emanating from the CDCP suggest the plan has been “life-changing” for some [2].

Continuing, Khera suggested that the CDCP is “helping people regain their self-confidence, sense of dignity, and improving their overall health” [2].

CDHA’s reaction

The CDHA represents dentists and dental hygienists across Canada. They campaign for improved oral health for Canadians. The CDHA has applauded this update.

The federal government expects an additional 4.5 million people to become eligible in the month of May – marking a substantial increase in those eligible for the plan [2].

They have highlighted this as an example of the government’s commitment towards “affordable, accessible and preventive oral healthcare” [1].

CDHA President Alexandra Sheppard released a statement, where she praised the update, whilst also emphasizing the economic benefits in light of rising healthcare costs [1].

Sheppard says that “the broader issues of access to oral healthcare and the financial burden of oral diseases and conditions on the healthcare system must be addressed” [1].

With this in mind, the burden of oral diseases extends to ER visits. Visits to emergency rooms for dental problems puts considerable strain on the healthcare system.

For example, figures show that ER visits for preventable dental issues were estimated to cost at least $31 million in 2017 – which equated to $513 per visit [3]. Such figures aren’t sustainable.

People will often visit the ER for dental pain out of desperation. If they have been unable to receive or afford care from a dental clinic, they may resort to visiting an ER.

Therefore, this adds pressure to an already stretched healthcare system. But the plan’s expansion should mean that such visits lessen.

The CDCP’s expansion should offer people more chances to visit a dental clinic. In theory, this should eliminate any need for ER visits for dental concerns. This will hugely benefit the healthcare system.

CDHA president Sheppard commented that dental professionals “see first-hand the direct, positive impact of investments in oral healthcare by the federal government” [1]. The CDHA are certainly pleased with the update.

Summary

This update is positive for many people. The expansion will enable greater numbers of people to receive desperately needed oral healthcare. Moreover, it will lessen the pressure on the current healthcare system.

Hopefully the plan’s expansion will aid the oral health of millions of Canadians. With over 4 million people expected to become eligible for the plan, it is likely to be very beneficial.

While the update is exciting, there has been some concern that a federal election could change the plan. If a federal election is called and the Conservatives win power, it has been speculated that they may seek to stop the funding.

But for now, there are plenty of positives with this update. Many have been waiting a long time to receive care, and with May just around the corner, the wait will be over shortly.

Thinking points…

1) This is a positive update for many people! The huge effort that is being placed into the CDCP underlines how important our oral health is. Therefore, getting regular dental check-ups is crucial, as they allow a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and provide advice. You should visit the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) One of the reasons for the CDCP is that many people find the cost of dental care to be too expensive. However, here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we set our prices in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are clear and reliable! We are always happy to welcome new patients, and we offer a range of services, from check-ups to cosmetic options. You can find out 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. (2025). CDHA applauds CDCP expansion, says it will cut ER visits and ease strain on health care system. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/cdha-applauds-cdcp-expansion-says-it-will-cut-er-visits-and-ease-strain-on-health-care-system-1003985245/. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.

[2] Oral Health. (2025). Health minister announces CDCP to begin accepting ‘largest cohort’ of dental patients in May. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/public-health/health-minister-announces-cdcp-to-begin-accepting-largest-cohort-of-dental-patients-in-may-1003985240/. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.

[3] Ontario Oral Health Alliance. (2019). Lack of access to dental care: The costs to our healthcare system. Available: https://oaphd.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OOHA_Fact_Sheet_2019.pdf. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.

How Has the UK’s Forth Bridge Helped To Create a New Dental Treatment?
24Mar
A team of researchers have developed a new dental treatment which is designed to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion. Unusually, the researchers have taken inspiration from the United Kingdom’s iconic Forth Bridge. The technology involved in the bridge’s paint has been utilized to develop the treatment, which is called Varnish VLC.

When we think of the creation of a new dental treatment, you may have the image of scientists working in a laboratory, or researchers analyzing huge amounts of data.

However, this is not always the case. The recent creation of a new dental treatment has been developed through using technology involved in the paint of the United Kingdom’s Forth Bridge [1]!

The treatment aims to protect the teeth from decay and acid erosion [1]. These are common issues, meaning that any treatment is highly sought after.

Background

Forth Bridge is located in Scotland, 14 kilometers to the west of the capital city, Edinburgh. It is a well-known sight and one of the most iconic bridges in the United Kingdom. The bridge carries approximately 200 trains per day.

The bridge was completed in the late 1800s and is seen as one of the shining examples of Victorian engineering. Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bridge is known for its red paint. There have been numerous efforts in the past century to repaint the bridge. The most recent effort was in 2002, with significant preparation and data analysis taking place to prepare the bridge for painting [2].

In total, 240,000 litres of paint were used, with the enormous project finally being completed in 2011 [2]. Over a decade later, the paint is having an impact again, this time on the dental industry.

Varnish VLC

The research was carried out by a team from Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom [1].

The research has led to the development of a new dental treatment. This new treatment has been called Varnish VLC [1].

The researchers used civil engineering technology that had been used to create the Forth Bridge paint [1]. This technology was utilized in a way that its principles could be applied to dentistry.

The technology involved in creating Varnish VLC is called flake glass. This is a type of technology that has been used to protect tanks, vessels and pipelines from corrosion due to its incredible capability of protecting against harsh weather elements [1].

In terms of Forth Bridge, this technology was used during its construction. Incredibly, the technology provided almost 25 years of protection before requiring maintenance [1].

Now, the researchers have adapted this technology to the field of oral health. Utilizing the technology of flake glass, the researchers have been able to develop Varnish VLC.

In a similar way to how flake glass has enabled Forth Bridge to remain strong all these years, the idea is that it will be able to serve the same purpose for our teeth.

Varnish VLC mimics the natural properties of enamel, which allows the treatment to reduce wear and prevent damage to the teeth [1]. Enamel is the strongest material in the human body.

The idea is that Varnish VLC will be able to be applied to the teeth like a paste – similarly to how fluoride varnishes work.

Moreover, it is non-invasive, which offers a further benefit. Dentists can easily apply the treatment during check-ups.

Therefore, Varnish VLC will help to protect teeth from tooth decay and acid erosion, and effectively provide a layer of protection above the enamel.

Comments from the researchers

The researchers were very pleased with the creation of Varnish VLC. It certainly has the potential to make a significant impact on protecting teeth.

Dr. Saroash Shahid was the lead researcher on the project. Shahid said “it might sound unusual, but the challenges are similar: both teeth and bridges are exposed to harsh conditions, both suffer from corrosion, and both are difficult to protect” [1].

Continuing, Shahid said that “we believe this product has the potential to change preventive dentistry, particularly for children” [1]. While children will benefit the most from this treatment, adults should also get some benefit from this treatment.

Shahid finished by saying that the researchers “are excited to bring it to all children in England and particularly those in our local community in East London” [1].

In terms of the next steps, a six-month trial is ongoing. This trial is testing the effectiveness of Varnish VLC in a real-world environment [1].

Therefore, this trial will provide the researchers with knowledge on if the treatment will work in practice. If so, the treatment could shortly be rolled out.

Overall, any treatment for protecting teeth is in demand. By protecting our oral health, it improves our overall health and contributes towards a strong quality of life and wellbeing.

Thinking points…

1) This treatment appears to be most effective for children. If you have children, remember about how important visits to the dentist are! While Varnish VLC isn’t yet being rolled out, dentists can provide advice and look for any issues with the oral health of your children. Therefore, make sure they attend the dentist at least once every six months! Why not book them in for an appointment now?

2) While looking after oral health in children is important, it is crucial that adults also take good care of their dental health. As alluded to above, attending dental check-ups every 6 months can be very helpful, as they provide a chance for a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and treat any problems. Therefore, remember to book an appointment 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] Queen Mary, University of London. (2025). Scientists use technology behind Forth Bridge paint to create dental treatment. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-scientists-technology-bridge-dental-treatment.html. Last accessed: 21st March 2025.

[2] Wilkes, D. (2011). We really have finished painting the Forth Bridge: The job they said would never end is completed after 127 years. Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2072233/We-really-finished-painting-Forth-Bridge-The-job-said-end-completed-127-years.html. Last accessed: 21st March 2025.

Follow-Up Study Examines Dental Implants After 40 Years: Did They Succeed?
10Mar
New research has involved a research team examining a group of 13 participants that had a dental implant inserted over 40 years ago. The researchers wanted to find out how the implants had fared, and to see if they were successful. The findings underline the effectiveness of implants.

Around 40 years ago, the field of dental implants was in its infancy, with scientists and dentists trying to work together to find an effective treatment for those with missing teeth.

At the time, a study took place with 13 participants, each of whom had a dental implant inserted [1].

New research, in the format of a follow-up study, has recently taken place. In this study, a team of researchers have followed up with the original participants in order to see how effective the implants have been [1].

About Dental implants

Dental implants are artificial teeth that can be inserted into the mouth by a dentist. This is a common and rather simple procedure.

Implants look and act like a real tooth. They are very popular, and have a natural appearance. Moreover, they can assist with chewing, swallowing and can boost self-esteem.

Implants are used in cases where a person has lost a tooth or teeth. This is normally due to extensive tooth decay, trauma, or severe gum disease.

Implants are designed to be long-lasting. Past research has found that 90-95% of implants last at least 10 years [2]. Now, new research has looked into implants over a period of several decades.

The Research

The research was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Their findings have been published in the Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research journal [1].

The research is the longest follow-up study of single dental implants in history. Therefore, this study is momentous and provides useful findings.

The original study involved 16 participants receiving implants to replace missing teeth between 1982 and 1985. The current study involved researchers following up with 13 of these 16 participants [1].

It should be noted that implants – like any tooth – are subject to significant use over time, through chewing and grinding. Therefore, wear and tear is inevitable.

The 13 participants had 18 implants between them. Incredibly, the implants had a 95.6% survival rate [1]. This is remarkable, given that the implants were placed over 40 years ago.

The researchers were impressed by the longevity of the implants, Moreover, following a clinical examination, the researchers noted that bone loss around the implants was almost non-existent [1].

Furthermore, the researchers found that complications were low. While inflammation was seen in some cases, peri-implantitis was non-existent [1]. Peri-implantitis is a damaging inflammatory process that affects tissues around a dental implant.

In many cases, a crown is attached to the implant for improved functionality. However, the researchers did find that the crowns typically had a shorter life span, with only about 60% of crowns remaining after 40 years.

Therefore, some patients had to seek a replacement crown [1]. This is something that anyone who opts for a crown following an implant should be wary of.

But otherwise, the findings were very positive. Having implants lasting over 40 years underline their effectiveness and solidifies its position as a very strong treatment option for anyone missing a tooth.

Summary

The findings prove the effectiveness of implants. Therefore, anyone that has a tooth or teeth missing may wish to consider an implant, especially given that they offer long-term results.

The researchers did point out that one of the reasons for this longevity was that the implants were given sufficient healing time [1]. This is important to follow in the modern day.

In light of the finding that crowns didn’t last as long as the implants, co-author Jan Kowar has suggested “in the future, implant treatments could be further improved with the development of new crown materials” – which could improve treatment outcomes further [3].

Fellow co-author Sargon Barkarmo said that modern day implant insertion methods “accelerate treatment and healing” and that such approaches “need long-term follow-ups and careful evaluation to ensure good results over time” [3].

Overall, this research has produced very positive findings. Seeing such effective results is promising and underlines how dental procedures can have a long-lasting positive effect.

Thinking points…

1) Dental implants are very popular, due to them offering a natural appearance, being easy to fit, and improving self-esteem. They offer an excellent choice for anyone that has had a tooth removed. Here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer implant services and will be happy to discuss your situation with you. We offer free consultations for anyone considering an implant. If you want to find out more, take a look on our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

2) The aim is of course to always avoid needing dental implants. A good way of aiding this is to attend a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to analyze your oral health, check for any problems, and provide advice. You should attend an appointment at least once every six months. If you are due an appointment, make sure you book 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] Barkarmo, S., & Kowar, J. (2025). Outcome of Single Dental Implants Over 38–40 Years: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study. Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research. 27 (1): e13443. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.13443.

[2] Raikar, S., Talukdar, P., Kumari, S., Kumar Panda, S., Oommen, V. M., & Prasad, A. (2017). Factors Affecting the Survival Rate of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study. Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry. 7 (6): p351-355. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_380_17.

[3] University of Gothenburg. (2025). Dental implants still functional after 40 years, finds study. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-dental-implants-functional-years.html. Last accessed: 8th March 2025.

How Will a New Student Loan Forgiveness Initiative Help the Oral Health of Rural Communities?
24Feb
The Canadian Federal Government has announced a change that could have a very positive effect on the oral health of those living in rural areas in Canada.

The government has confirmed that dentists and dental hygienists who work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for some loan forgiveness on their student debts [1].

Not only would this be very positive for dental professionals, but it would also help those who live in areas where there is a lack of access to dental care.

Dentistry in Canada’s rural areas

Canada is the world’s second largest country, spanning thousands of square kilometers. As with any large country, there are both urban and rural areas.

While there are plenty of dental clinics across Canada, accessing them can be challenging for those in rural areas.

Research has shown that poor oral health related quality of life is statistically higher in rural areas compared to urban zones [2].

Part of this is due to access to care being more difficult in rural areas. Other research has shown that rural communities have a shortage of dental workers [3].

This means that not everyone in rural or remote communities can access oral healthcare. Therefore, any initiative that can change this is sought after.

The initiative

The federal government has announced a new initiative that has the aim of persuading more dental professionals to serve rural and remote areas.

Dentists and dental hygienists that work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years will qualify for up to $60,000 and $15,000 respectively, in student loan forgiveness [1].

This forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare in rural communities. As pointed out above, this is desperately needed.

By recruiting more staff in these areas, it should mean access to care will become easier. This will hopefully result in improvements in the oral health of patients in rural or remote areas.

This will take effect from 1st November 2025. Steven MacKinnon, minister of Employment, workforce development and labour, has commented on this [1].

MacKinnon says that “providing student loan relief to health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities will not only help improve access to health care in these communities – it will also improve overall health outcomes and add talented workers to our community health-care networks” [1].

Student loan forgiveness

This initiative is part of upcoming changes to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Regulations and Canada Student Loans Regulations [1].

In terms of the exact level of loan forgiveness, dentists will be eligible for up to $60,000. This will start with $8,000 in the first year and rise incrementally over the five-year period [1].

Similarly, for dental hygienists, they will be eligible for up to $15,000. This will begin with $2,000 in the first year, before rising gradually over five years [1].

These loan forgiveness rates are very appealing and represents an excellent opportunity for dentists and dental hygienists.

Dentists and dental hygienists are among those to benefit from this. Other professions that will benefit include early childhood educators, pharmacists, psychologists, teachers, midwives, social workers and physiotherapists [1].

Summary

Overall, this initiative will have a very positive impact. It will assist communities that have been traditionally underserved, provide more jobs, and improve oral health.

This initiative should hopefully lessen the disparity between the oral healthcare of those living in rural or remote areas and those living in urban areas.

By improving oral health, it can also boost the overall health and wellbeing of those in these underserved areas. Therefore, there are many positives to this announcement!

Thinking points…

1) Whether you live in an urban, rural or remote area, it is very important that you visit a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a look at your oral health in detail and provide advice. If any treatment is needed, they can come up with a treatment plan. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) We mentioned above about how some people do not have easy access to a dentist. However, here at Savanna Dental, we are located in an easily reached part of Calgary! Therefore, why not come and visit us? We would love to see you soon, you can find out more about us and our range of services on our website – https://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] Oral Health. (2025). Canadian government expands student loan forgiveness to bring more dentists and hygienists to rural areas. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/governance-3/canadian-government-offers-student-loan-forgiveness-to-dentists-hygienists-in-rural-areas-1003984470/. Last accessed: 20th February 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] Gupta, N., & Miah, P. (2024). Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Services Research. 7 (24). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7.

What Has a New Poll Revealed About the Oral Health and Hygiene Habits of Children?
17Feb
The results of a recent poll have produced some worrying statistics. Over 1,800 parents answered a poll about the oral health and hygiene habits of their children. While there were some positive findings, the results suggest that there is room for significant improvement in the oral hygiene habits of many children.

Children are facing dental issues on an increasing basis. While in the past issues such as cavities only affected adults, dental clinics are seeing an ever-increasing number of children present with tooth decay.

Many potential causes of this have been put forward, including poor diet, inadequate brushing, a lack of dental clinic visits, and scepticism of fluoride.

In fact, a new national poll has suggested that more than one in three children have faced problems like tooth decay and cavities over the past two years [1].

About the national poll

The C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, which is part of the University of Michigan, commissioned a national poll based around children’s oral health [1].

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. In August 2024, a randomly selected group of with at least one child aged 1-17 were asked a series of questions [1].

The poll received responses from 1,801 parents, which represents a number that can provide useful insights into the oral health of children [1].

The poll asked parents questions pertaining to the oral health of their children. The results were quite concerning and provide an explanation for the growing dental issues in children.

Oral hygiene poll results

The first section of the poll focused on six oral hygiene practices. These refer to the daily activities a child should do to protect their teeth.

In arguably the most concerning finding, only 3 in 5 parents said that their child regularly brushes their teeth twice a day [1]. Toothbrushing twice a day should be a bear minimum, as irrespective of anything that happens throughout the day, at least this ensures a child’s teeth will receive protection from fluoride twice a day.

Moreover, when brushing, it is important to clean for at least two minutes, so that all areas of the mouth can be sufficiently cleaned. The results showed that only 59% of parents said their children brushes for at least two minutes [1].

Aside from brushing teeth twice a day, using a mouthwash or fluoride rinse throughout the day can be helpful. 22% of parents said that their children did this daily [1].

Eating sugary snacks is common in childhood. But something that can limit damage to the teeth is to rinse the mouth with water following consuming anything sugary, as this can help to regulate acid levels in the mouth. Just 15% of parents said that their children do this [1].

35% of adults said that their child cleans their tongue, with 23% saying that their child flosses [1]. While tongue cleaning and flossing isn’t essential in childhood, they should be encouraged, as they are important activities in adulthood.

So none of these six areas received particularly strong results. Only 20% of children according to the poll engage in 4-6 of these practices. Ideally this number would be significantly higher.

41% of children complete 2-3 practices, whilst 38% report 0-1 practices [1]. These results suggest that very few children are engaging in the recommended oral hygiene practices.

Dental problems poll results

The second part of the poll asked the parents about any dental problems that their child had experienced. Similar to the above, there were some worrying results.

36% of parents reported that their child had experienced dental problems relating to oral hygiene in the last two years [1]. Furthermore, this included cavities/tooth decay (29%), discolored/stained teeth (7%), tooth sensitivity (6%), and gum problems (3%) [1].

Interestingly, these results were directly linked to the oral hygiene practices mentioned earlier. 44% of children whose parents reported completing 0-1 practices had dental problems, compared to 31% for those completing 2-3 practices, and 28% for those performing 4-6 practices [1].

There were other findings too. 36% of parents said that they had noticed their child has bad breath [1]. This was especially prevalent in the group that engaged in 0-1 oral hygiene practices.

In some positive news, 85% of parents addressed the issue of bad breath, with interventions including going to the dentist, increasing the frequency of brushing, using mouthwash or changing their diet [1].

In terms of recent visits to the dentist, 89% of parents said their last visit to a dental clinic came within the past year [1]. This was a positive finding, with dental check-ups being crucial!

7% of parents said that the visit was between 1 and 2 years ago, and 4% said that their child’s last visit was over 2 years ago [1].

What does this mean?

The oral health of children is crucial. Good oral hygiene habits in childhood can set up a strong foundation for the future. Therefore, it is important that parents emphasize to their children the importance of looking after their teeth.

Completing the various hygiene practices outlined above can be helpful. Oral health also impacts physical health, which further underlines the importance of oral health for children.

Building oral hygiene practices into a daily routine can be helpful. Moreover, regular visits to a dental clinic for a check-up should be encouraged.

By looking after their teeth, it can help children to avoid oral pain, build oral hygiene skills for the future, and allow them to spend more time learning and having fun.

Thinking points…

1) Are you a parent? If so, remember the importance of following the six oral hygiene practices mentioned above. Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, cleans their tongue, flosses gently, uses mouthwash and rinses their mouth with water following sugary snacks. By following these practices, you can help their oral health!

2) Additionally, as a parent you can set a good example to your children by attending a dental clinic regularly for a check-up. By doing this, it underlines the importance of oral health to your children. You should attend a check-up at least once every six months. 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] Mott Poll. (2025). Oral hygiene is key to healthy smiles. Available: https://mottpoll.org/reports/oral-hygiene-key-healthy-smiles. Last accessed: 14th February 2025.