Home Oral Health (Page 14)

Category: Oral Health

Which Type of Bacteria Can Help Fight Gum Disease?
27Feb
Research has showed that a type of bacteria can help to fight Gum Disease, whilst also supporting gum health. Because of how common gum disease is, this finding is capable of being very useful for many people. The researchers used a probiotic with a certain strain of bacteria, which they found helped to stave off the threat of gum disease.

In an interesting finding, scientists have uncovered a new way to fight gum disease whilst supporting gum health.

In even better news, this way of helping our gums may already be part of your daily routine! If it isn’t – you may want to implement this method.

The researchers found that daily probiotic use can have a positive effect on our oral health, and reduces cases of gum disease [1].

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are defined by the NHS as “live bacteria and yeasts promoted as having various health benefits” [2]. They are often used as food supplements, and considered to be a healthy form of bacteria.

Different types of bacteria can be added to the probiotics – depending on the purpose behind their consumption. They have been becoming increasingly popular in recent years.

Probiotics support many people with their health goals. Moreover, many people find that using probiotics improves their gut health. While everyone reacts differently to probiotics, in theory they can have many positive effects.

Research

The research was carried out by a team at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Clinical Oral Investigations journal [1].

The research involved 60 patients with an existing diagnosis of gingivitis – a mild form of gum disease [1].

They were split into two groups, with one group being given probiotic lozenges, and the other group receiving placebo lozenges [1]. The probiotic lozenges had the bacterial strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 in them.

The lozenges were consumed twice a day for 2 months, with the researchers interested in finding out what impact the probiotics had. They would be able to compare their findings to that of the placebo group.

Tests and scans were taken at the start of the study, and were then repeated at the end of the study, allowing the researchers to gauge how the probiotics had affected one group, in contrast to the other.

The findings were positive! The group with the probiotics had a larger number of patients without generalized gingivitis [1]. Therefore, it appeared that the probiotics were able to fight against gum disease.

Moreover, there were other added benefits. The researchers also saw that those who consumed the probiotics witnessed a reduction in plaque, and less bleeding upon probing [1]. Therefore, there were many positive results.

What this means

The researchers concluded that probiotics can have a very positive impact on oral health. Because of these findings, the researchers believe that probiotics could preserve gum and oral health, and stave off the threat of gum disease.

Having treatments like this is very important, especially due to the damage that gum disease can do. For example, gum disease has the potential to cause tissue damage and bone loss [3].

Probiotics could soon become part of the daily routine of many. As well as having a positive effect on our oral health, they can also benefit our general health in many ways.

As a result of this research, we now know that probiotics that contain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 have the potential to improve our oral health. It may be worthwhile adding this to your day-to-day oral routine!

Thinking points…

1) This research focused on the impact that probiotics can have on gum disease. Gum disease affects a huge number of people, and can cause debilitating problems including jaw problems, chewing difficulties, bone loss and loose teeth. But the good news is that help is available! It is important to see your dentist regularly, as they can provide tailored advice to help keep your mouth healthy! We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) When we think of bacteria, we instantly tend to think of this being a bad thing. But as the research above shows, this isn’t always the case! This research shows how the Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 bacteria can actually be helpful. When thinking of purchasing probiotics, you could have a conversation with your dentist, just to check that they approve of the supplement. You could have a discussion with your dentist at your next appointment!

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] de Almedia Silva Levi, Y. L., Costa Ribeiro, M., Félix Silva, P. H., Silva, G. A., de Souza Salvador, S. L., Scombatti de Souza, S. L., Casarin, R., Novaes Júnior, A. B., Júnior, M. T., Palioto, D. B., Honórie H. M., Messora, M. R., & Furlaneto, F. A. C. (2023). Effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 on the treatment of plaque-induced generalized gingivitis. Clinical Oral Investigations. 27 (1): p387-398. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs00784-022-04744-y.

[2] NHS. (2022). Probiotics. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/probiotics/. Last accessed: 23rd February 2023.

[3] Fant, J. (2023). This Type Of Bacteria Could Stave Off Gum Disease, Study Finds. Available: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/probiotics-for-oral-health. Last accessed: 23rd February 2023.

Which Dental Medicines Have Been Declared As Essential by the World Health Organization?
13Feb
In an important step for dentistry, the World Health Organization have declared that some crucial dental medications have been added to it’s list of Essential medicines – a group of medicines that are deemed to be of critical importance in any health system. This designation reaffirms the importance of oral health, and recognizes the need to improve dental health of people around the world.

The World Health Organization (WHO) have announced that three new dental medications have been added to its list of Essential Medications – a group of medicines that the WHO view as being crucial to any functioning health system.

The three oral health medications that have been added are Fluoride toothpaste, Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomers [1].

This is an important step in recognizing the importance of oral health – which is a part of health that is often overlooked. But this designation should affirm its importance.

What are Essential Medicines?

The WHO’s first Essential Medicines List was published in 1977, with bi-annual updates being made in the years since them [2]. Because of its importance, the list is selected by an expert committee.

These medicines are listed as being a critical part of a health system. The list is often used by nations to ensure they keep their health system updated. As of the last update, there were 479 medicines [3].

Medicines include anaesthetics, oxygen, opioids, activated charcoal, antibiotics, antidepressants and blood thinning agents among others [3].

The medicines

The most recent update was the most significant in the field of oral health. Section 30 of the new document has defined Fluoride toothpaste, Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomers as essential medicines [1].

These medicines are crucial for our oral health. Their inclusion is “for the prevention and treatment of dental caries” [1]. Therefore, their use can assist in preventing the development of cavities.

• Fluoride toothpaste is the standard toothpaste that dentists recommend we all use. Fluoride-based toothpaste gives us the best chance of preventing dental caries. In many countries, fluoride is already added in small quantities to the public water supply – showing its importance.

• Silver Diamine Fluoride may be better known as Advantage Arrest®. This medicine is great for treating and preventing dental caries, as well as relieving tooth sensitivity. It is also capable of contributing towards the remineralization of enamel in the teeth. It was approved for use in Canada in 2017.

• Glass Ionomers are a restorative material used throughout dentistry. They can be used as a filling material, as a cement for attaching orthodontic brackets, and as a sealant to help protect fillings. Therefore, their importance cannot be understated, with glass ionomers capable of being used in many different ways.

These medicines all play an important part in protecting our teeth, preventing caries and tooth decay, and assisting in the ongoing maintenance of keeping teeth strong and healthy.

Benefits of the designation

The WHO stated that “these products offer relevant benefits and can be used in atraumatic restorative treatment techniques and in non-specialized settings in alignment with WHO guidance on oral health interventions” [1].

Now that these medicines have been designated as essential, more countries will be adopting their use. This is very positive for oral health, especially with fluoride – as this is such a key ingredient for our mouth.

Fluoride has proven to be a controversial medicine, with some countries shunning its use in healthcare. But research does point to its effectiveness, with most arguing its inclusion is overdue.

The hope is that we will see an improvement in the oral health of citizens throughout multiple health systems. This designation by the WHO will be crucial in facilitating this improvement.

Thinking points…

1) The importance of this designation highlights just how important dental caries are. If you know you need dental treatment, we strongly recommend that you don’t delay in getting help. Sadly, dental problems do not get better on their own. Therefore, make sure you see your dentist as soon as possible to avoid problems worsening.

2) While these designations are useful, the emphasis should always be on preventative measures, rather than a reactive measure like a cavity filling. Therefore, remember to have excellent oral hygiene throughout your life. As part of this, make sure that you attend a dental clinic regularly to have a check-up. This will help a dentist to identify any issues, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide rage of 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] Oral Science. (2023). World Health Organization (WHO) Recognizes Silver Diamine Fluoride as Dental Essential Medicines. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/world-health-organization-who-recognizes-silver-diamine-fluoride-as-dental-essential-medicines-1003971736/. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.

[2] World Health Organization. (2021). WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines. Available: https://www.who.int/groups/expert-committee-on-selection-and-use-of-essential-medicines/essential-medicines-lists/. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.

[3] World Health Organization. (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list. (2021). Available: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/345533. Last accessed: 12th February 2023.

Is There a Link Between Sleep Apnea and Oral Health Problems?
5Feb
Recent research has found that there appears to be a link between Sleep Apnea and oral health problems. Sleep apnea affects many people, but as well as posing a risk to physical health, it also impacts oral health. The research suggests those with sleep apnea are more prone to oral health problems, which is important knowledge to have.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a common condition which affects people in their sleep. In worrying but important news, research suggests that the condition is linked to low bone strength in adults [1].

This has an impact on our oral health, as when bones become more brittle, they are easier to break, chip or crack. Therefore, those who have sleep apnea should take extra care with their oral health.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition that involves a person’s breathing stopping and starting while they sleep [2]. They will also typically snore loudly and frequently wake up during the night.

Someone with sleep apnea may also feel tired during the day. It can cause low levels of oxygen in the body, inflammation, heart disease and high blood pressure [2]. Therefore, it can become a dangerous condition.

Treatment is available, and it is a common condition. However, it is a condition that impacts health in many ways – including our oral health.

The Research

The research was conducted by the University at Buffalo [1]. Subsequently, their work was published in The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice [1].

The research involved 38 adults participating. Half of the adults had a diagnosis of sleep apnea, while the other half didn’t [1]. This provided the researchers with two distinct groups to compare.

Then, the researchers used a type of X-ray called “cone beam computed tomography” [1]. This was done as a way of measuring bone density in the head and neck of the participants.

They were specifically looking at the left and right lateral regions of the 1st cervical vertebrae and dens of the 2nd cervical vertebrae [1]. The researchers wanted to see how these two groups compared, and notice any patterns.

In order to ensure that the results were not skewed, the researchers controlled their findings for age, sex and weight [1]. This ensured valid results that would be relevant to the wider public.

The scans showed that the participants with sleep apnea had significantly lower bone-mineral density compared to those without the condition [1].

This is concerning, with the authors pointing out that from a dental perspective, a lower bone-mineral density can cause teeth to become loose, dental implants to fail and teeth to become more brittle.

What this means

This research shows that it is very important for individuals with sleep apnea to pay more attention to their oral health, as they become more prone to dental problems.

Thikriat Al-Jewair, an Associate Professor of Orthodontics and senior author of this study, commented on the findings [3]. She says that the findings “offers new evidence” on the connection between sleep apnea and low bone-mineral density, with the study due to “have several implications for orthodontic treatment” [3].

Furthermore, Al-Jewair says that the techniques employed in this study could “become an integral part of daily orthodontic practice and could be used as a screening tool for low bone-mineral density” [3]. Therefore, this would allow dental professionals to inform patients of potential bone-mineral density problems.

Aside from oral health, having a low bone-mineral density can be a sign of Osteoporosis, which involves the bones becoming weak and brittle. This can have physical health implications like increased risk of fractures.

The authors of the study did caution that further research, including with larger sample sizes, is needed [1]. Nevertheless, these are important findings, and highlight the importance of those with sleep apnea taking extra care with their oral health.

Thinking points…

1) Do you have sleep apnea? If so, this is an important article for you, as it shows the potential risks to your oral health. This research shows that you should take extra care with your oral health. We would recommend telling your dentist about your condition, as this can guide their treatment plan for you. You could do so at your next appointment!

2) While many of us don’t have sleep apnea, it is important to remember that we can’t become comfortable with our oral health. We all need to ensure that we have strong oral hygiene. A crucial part of this is to attend a dental clinic for regular check-ups. These check-ups allow a dentist to perform a thorough assessment of your oral health, and recommend treatment if necessary. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a 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] Daljeet, M., Warunek, S., Covell, D. A., Monegro, A., Giangreco, T., & Al-Jewair, T. (2022). Association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and bone mineral density in adult orthodontic populations. The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2022.2142724.

[2] NHS. (2022). Sleep apnoea. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/. Last accessed: 3rd February 2023.

[3] Robinson, M. (2023). Obstructive sleep apnea tied to weaker bones and teeth in adults. Available: https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2023/01/bone-density-sleep-apnea.html. Last accessed: 3rd February 2023.

University of Alberta Announces New Dentistry Elective: What Benefit Will It Have?
29Jan
In exciting news, the University of Alberta has announced that a new elective for its dentistry courses will soon commence. The elective gives students a chance to gain experience in dental clinics across Alberta, providing them with valuable knowledge and exposure to real life situations. The hope is that both students and the wider healthcare system will benefit from the elective.

The University of Alberta has announced the creation of a new elective for its Dentistry courses – which will provide students with valuable in-person experience.

This exciting announcement will result in dental students getting strong exposure to real life situations, while learning from dental professionals. It will also benefit the wider public.

About the elective

The University of Alberta have announced that the course will run for two weeks [1]. It has the name of Advance Elective Experiences, with the code DDS 542 [1].

The elective will be open to fourth-year students on the Dentistry program. They will have the chance to visit community dental clinics. Therefore, this will allow the students to see the various treatments and different approaches adopted by different dental clinic.

The students will be placed across Alberta. For example, some students will study their elective at a Calgary dental clinic, while others will attend an Edmonton dental clinic.

What benefits will the elective have?

There are numerous benefits, both to the wider healthcare community and the students themselves. The students will get valuable experience, and the community will contribute to the development of more dental professionals – something that is badly needed!

Dr. Suzy Depledge works in the University of Alberta’s Dentistry department as its Care Director. She led the development of the elective, and has commented on it [1].

Depledge has said that the course will enable the students to be “ready for private practice by the time they’re in fourth year” [1]. Moreover, “it gives students the opportunity to explore what the direction of their career path might be” [1].

Depledge continued by saying that this elective represents a “unique learning opportunity” for students [1]. Furthermore, she says that past students have gone “to pediatric dentist offices, or an oral surgery practice” – which helps students to see if there is a specific area they would like to specialize in [1].

These visits have been completely optional in the past, and often hard to seek for the students due to low awareness. However, these community visits have now become a formal elective.

Depledge has said that the students receive mentorship, which gives them a chance to reflect on which career they want, and give them a chance to identify the skills they need to develop [1].

An example case

The Dentistry department have been building relationships with local community clinics, ready for the rollout of the elective. There have already been some successful partnerships.

Dr. Deb Crowfoot is a dentist in Alberta. Crowfoot has had students working with him before. He has said that the experience is very useful, saying that the students “get to see how it’s done in the real world”, while seeing “a wide variety of dentistry” [1].

One of the students who worked with Crowfoot, Ed Gu, remarked that it was “especially interesting to have an opportunity to see how a dental clinic” works – with Gu visiting a First Nations community, offering an experience that many don’t get [1].

Another student, James Kwan, said that his visit “completely re-shaped my future plans and goals” – which summarizes the impact these visits can have [1].

The future

With the elective upcoming, you might just find that at your next appointment, that you will see a new face!

These students are the future of dentistry, so playing a part in their development will be very valuable to the future of healthcare in Alberta.

Fourth-year students at the University will have the opportunity to complete the elective right away. There will be 52 students taking part in the elective [1].

Thinking points…

1) The creation of this elective is very exciting! There is a big demand for dental services across Alberta. But it is also very important to be part of this demand! Therefore, remember to attend your local dental clinic for check-ups and any subsequent treatment. You could book now – you may even see a student learning from your dentist!

2) Electives and programs like this are crucial in helping with the development of dental professionals for the future. For example, here at our Calgary Dental Clinic Savanna Dental, our staff have all gone through extensive training. This training helps them to look after the oral health needs of our patients. We would love you to come and visit us, see more about us on our homepage https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] University of Alberta. (2023). New dentistry elective lets students explore career options in the dental community. Available: https://www.ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/about-us/dentistrynews/2023/01/new-dentistry-elective-lets-students-explore-career-options-in-the-dental-community.html. Last accessed: 27th January 2023.

Dental Assistant Shortage in Canada: What Major Step Has Just Been Taken?
23Jan
Dental assistants have been added to Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker program, which will enable dental assistants from around the world to immigrate to Canada. This should have an excellent impact on Canada’s healthcare service, as it will improve both the quality and quantity of dental assistants – who are a key part of dental clinics.

In exciting news for the dental industry and wider healthcare system, dental assistants can now immigrate to Canada through Express Entry [1].

This news comes following the announcement that the job was added to those that qualify for immigration to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program [2].

With dental services in high demand, this news will come as a boost for the Canadian healthcare system, which will hopefully become better equipped thanks to this news.

New Occupations

The FSW program has been in operation for many years, and aims to attract highly-skilled professionals to Canada. Only certain jobs, such as Chemists and Doctors, qualify under the program.

In November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada added 16 new jobs to its list of eligible occupations. Among these jobs was the role of Dental assistant – with the National Occupational Classification code of 33100 [1].

The important role of dental assistants

Dental assistants are a crucial element of the Canadian healthcare system. They help in many different ways, often without the patient realizing.

Dental assistants help dentists, hygienists and dental therapists perform their routine jobs. They help with regular check-ups, while also assisting during treatments.

Their day-to-day lives include doing tasks such as sterilizing and maintaining instruments and equipment, helping with fillings, taking X-rays, polishing teeth and assisting with fluoride applications among other tasks [1].

Moreover, many dental assistants are trained to do tasks like administering anaesthesia, removing temporary crowns and removing dental sutures. Therefore, they can help in many ways.

Moreover, they are also trained to perform administrative duties in dental clinics. Therefore, they are in high demand, such are their importance and versatility.

The positive impact on Canada

The recent addition of the Canadian dental benefit is expected to result in more people visiting dental services in Canada – something which already has a strong demand.

Dr. Brian Barrett of the Dental Association of Prince Edward Island commented on this news. He says that a shortage of dental assistants exists in Canada, and that without an influx of new assistants, “the problem will be here for several years” [1].

Therefore, by having more dental assistants, hopefully dental clinics around the nation will be able to increase their output, leading to more patients being seen.

This will hopefully result in improved treatment outcomes for patients. Consequently, there are many benefits to having more dental assistants in Canada.

Anyone interested in following this pathway can use the Express Entry system to apply for immigration to Canada. This offers a faster approach towards immigration.

An expression of interest is necessary, while it is also worth familiarizing yourself with the Canadian points-based system that is used to rank candidates against one another [3].

Thinking points…

1) Have you ever considered becoming a dental assistant? Or do you have a friend abroad that works as a dental assistant and would be interested in immigrating to Canada? Why not share this article with them, or look further into the profession yourself? It can be a rewarding career that is well worth considering!

2) A shortage of dental assistants suggests that more and more people are going to the dentist on a regular basis. Therefore, take this as an opportunity to think about your oral health, and consider if it is time to make an appointment for a dental check-up. Dental check-ups are crucial, and can ensure that your oral health is strong. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of dental treatment options and services.

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] Singer, C. R. (2023). Dental Assistants Can Now Immigrate To Canada Through Express Entry. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/dental-assistants-can-now-immigrate-to-canada-through-express-entry/. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

[2] Singer, C. R. (2021). Who Qualifies for Canadian Permanent Residence/Skilled Worker Immigration?. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/who-qualifies-for-canadian-permanent-residence-skilled-worker-immigration. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

[3] Singer, C. R. (2021). Canada Express Entry Immigration. Available: https://www.immigration.ca/canada-express-entry-immigration. Last accessed: 20th January 2023.

Why Are Alberta Dentists Concerned About the New Federal Dental Benefit?
15Jan
Dentists in Alberta have voiced their concern over the number of applications that have been received for the new federal dental benefit in the province. After an initial strong uptake, applications have slowed recently. Therefore, many dentists across Alberta have questioned what is causing this, and have made some suggestions for the future.

The new Canadian Dental Benefit program was launched a few weeks ago following months of planning and anticipation.

Whilst there was a strong uptake to begin with, dentists in Alberta have become concerned at how applications for the benefit have somewhat stalled recently [1].

It is making dentists across Alberta question what is behind this recent lessening of interest, and how this can be turned around.

The Dental Benefit

The Canadian Dental Benefit was launched on 1st December 2022 [2]. It is open to middle and low-income families with a child under the age of 12.

Eligible families can claim up to $650 per qualifying child each year towards dental costs [2]. This is dependent on income.

Those who wish to apply can do so online, accessing: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Completing an application is a requirement of the process.

Concern among Alberta’s dentists

As mentioned, the uptake has been lower than expected. But as Dr. Jeffrey Ma of the Friends and Family Dental Health in Calgary dental clinic note, “the response has been a little bit lacklustre” [1].

Ma has suggested that the lacklustre response could be due to a mixture of confusion and lack of awareness [1]. Ma says that it is “a fantastic program”, but that the “awareness just isn’t there yet” [1].

Moreover, Ma believes “people are a little bit confused” [1]. The eligibility requirements have proven to be confusing for some, with many unsure on if they qualify or not.

Ma has suggested that the Government should step in, with the advice that they should “simplify the program and have it extended to cover all children” [1]. This would certainly clear up any confusion.

The Future

Dr. Ma has also said that the program will help to save money in the long run – which is a benefit to not only the public but also the government. However, he has argued that the government should do more.

He cites the example of how he sees families “that really care about their children’s dental health, but their finances don’t necessarily allow it”, meaning that they are unable to afford dental care [1].

At the moment, due to the benefit being related to income, those just over the threshold, and potentially even bigger earners, may be struggling to pay for private dental insurance for their children, in the absence of the benefit.

This adds more weight to the suggestion that the government should make the program available to more people. In fact, Ma has said that this is a group that “sure would benefit from having what this program can offer” [1].

Recommendations

Bruce Yaholinitsky is spokesperson for the Alberta Dental Association. He has recommended that parents set up an account with the Canadian Revenue Agency. Then, after paying up front for the services, they will eventually have money transferred to their account [1].

But Yaholinitsky has warned that “the government will be checking randomly on these patients to make sure they’ve been using it for dental care” [1].

There have been other suggestions too. Calgary dentist Dr. Brad Krusky has called on the government to make changes to the approach of the benefit [1]. For example, Krusky has said that funds should be injected into the existing system, which could benefit a larger number of people, including “kids from families who have a little bit more income than the current level, but are still not able to afford the care” [1].

Krusky has said that while the program is a step in the right direction, preventative care is still important [1]. He says that “I would invest in prevention much more than I would invest billions of dollars that are going into this program” [1].

The National Plan

Eventually, the Canadian National Dental Healthcare plan will be implemented. This is due to take place over a three-year period, with a full rollout in 2025.

This will benefit more people than the current program does, although a strong start has been made. Hopefully, the oral health of Canadian citizens will greatly improve in the next few years as the full benefit of the plan is felt.

Thinking points…

1) The article above notes that the full rollout of the Canadian National Dental Plan will not happen until 2025. It can be tempting to try and wait until then to tackle any outstanding dental issues. But unfortunately, dental problems don’t get better on their own. Therefore, ensure that you make regular visits to your dentist, who can carry out check-ups to review the state of your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) As we mentioned earlier, many eligible people are unsure if the dental benefit is relevant to them. We would recommend either speaking to us at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental – as we can offer advice, or visiting the Canadian Revenue Agency’s website. While visiting us, we will also be happy to make you aware of the wide range of services we can provide! We would love to see you soon, visit our homepage for more https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] Kury de Castillo, C. (2022). Alberta dentists raise concerns about new federal dental benefit. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9370178/calgary-dentists-concerns-federal-dental-benefit/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.

[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 13th January 2023.