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How Can Artificial Intellingence Help With Straightening Teeth?
18Mar
Many people use braces as a way of straightening their teeth and to improve their oral health. However, braces do not always fit, and can become loose easily – which inhibits their impact. But new research has shown that artificial intelligence can assist with straightening teeth, and provide much more accurate fittings for aligners. This research can help many people.

Anyone that has had braces in the past will know about the difficulties of them being placed correctly and comfortably. Moreover, they are often either too loose or too tight.

However, this could soon be a thing of the past. Researchers have developed a new tool which – with assistance from Artificial Intelligence (AI) – can predict how teeth will move to ensure that braces fit well and are comfortable [1].

This is very positive news, and could result in far more comfort for many with braces. It is also an example of AI’s growing influence on dental research.

Background

This research looked at braces. Braces are tools that help to straighten teeth. They are extremely effective, helping to enhance a person’s appearance, prevent tooth decay and dental injuries, and protect teeth from misaligning.

Braces are very common. For example, in the United States, around 4.5 million people wear braces at any one time [2]. It isn’t just children either that wear them, over 1 million adults wear them in the United States too.

Even though braces are incredibly common, it can be very challenging for orthodontists to fit them in a way that will result in comfort for their patients. Even when they do fit initially, teeth continue to shift slightly throughout a person’s life.

For those whose braces do not fit correctly, it can inhibit the aligning process and cause discomfort in eating and general mouth movement. Therefore, any way of improving the fitting process of aligners can be helpful.

The Research

The research was conducted by a team from the University of Copenhagen and technology company 3Shape. Their research has been published in the IEEE Access journal [1].

The team aimed to create a tool that could simulate how braces should fit on a patient to predict the exact shape that can best-straighten a patient’s teeth [1].

The research took place in Denmark, where around 30% of Danish youth up to the age of 15 wear braces [1].

A crucial part of the research process was to use scanned imagery of teeth and bone structures from human jaws. Then, AI used these to predict how braces should be designed.

The research also involved a process where the researchers mapped sets of human teeth using detailed CT scans of teeth and the periodontal ligaments – which are a connective tissues that holds teeth in the jaw [1].

This creates a precise digital imitation of the human jaw. This type of imitation is known as a “digital twin”, with the researchers building up a large database of “digital dental patients” [1]. The idea of the “digital patient” is relatively new in healthcare, but can certainly help with oral health.

So how will this work in practice? The computer model is capable of creating accurate 3D simulations of a patient’s jaw, which can be taken ahead of the alignment process.

Then, when the orthodontist is preparing the aligners, they can use the 3D simulation to match up aligners that should fit well. This should reduce the need for trial and error and repeated visits.

The simulation produced incredibly accurate results. Therefore, they can be applied to individual patients, with the 3D simulations capable of producing strong imitations of each patient’s teeth.

Author Comments

The researchers were pleased with the outcome of the research. Moreover, this research is also another example of how AI is impacting dentistry in a positive way.

Professor Kenny Erbelen of the University of Copenhagen, was one of the authors. Erbelen commented on the findings, stating that the “simulation is able to let an orthodontist know where braces should and shouldn’t exert pressure to straighten teeth” – thereby aiding the fitting process [3].

Furthermore, Erbelen pointed out that the current process involves “a great deal of trial and error”, but that the simulation can help to “reduce [this process] in the long run” [3].

Returning to the discussion surrounding the “digital dental patients”, the authors also pointed out that this could be extended to use for physical health. For example, the researchers argued this could be used for hip implants. This is an exciting additional development.

The researchers did caution that the tool would need to clear some regulatory hurdles before being offered by orthodontists. But they believe this is a strong possibility in the near future.

Overall, these findings are positive, and should result in improved treatment outcomes for patients going forward. Having more comfort with aligners is important, with this tool likely to help with this.

Thinking points…

1) Are you looking for aligners? If so, then it is useful to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer a range of alignment services, including Invisalign™. Our process involves an initial consultation, before the moulds are prepared for you. We also keep in regular contact with you to ensure that the aligners are working well and that you are happy with the progress of your teeth. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you soon – see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca for more!

2) If you either have naturally straight teeth, or have recently finished using braces, remember to not get complacent! It is important to look after your teeth, which involves attending the dentist for a check-up on a regular basis. At an appointment, your dentist can look to see if there are any problems and provide treatment options if needed. 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 dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!

References

[1] Xu, P., Gholamalizadeh, T., Moshfeghifar, F., Darkner, S., & Erleben, K. (2024). Deep-Learning-Based Segmentation of Individual Tooth and Bone With Periodontal Ligament Interface Details for Simulation Purposes. IEEE Access. 11. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3317512.

[2] Sadick, B. (2022). Getting the Facts Straight on Braces for Adults. Available: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2022/adult-braces.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

[3] Jensen, M. S. (2024). Straightening teeth? AI can help. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-straightening-teeth-ai.html. Last accessed: 14th March 2024.

Why Are Dentists Concerned About the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
6Nov
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is due to be rolled out over the next few months. While there is excitement over the impact it could have on the oral health of Canadians, dentists have a number of concerns. These concerns have led to presidents of various dental associations writing to Canadian Members of Parliament to voice their opinions. It is crucial that these opinions are listened to and acted upon!

The long-awaited Canadian Dental Care Plan is expected to launch over the next few months. Despite the excitement, there are some concerns.

More than 25,000 dentists across Canada have many questions about how the Canadian government will safeguard access to dental care. A number of potential problems have been identified.

Now, presidents of various dental associations across Canada have written to Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs) to ask a series of questions [1]. These questions will help dentists to adequately prepare for the plan’s rollout.

Current state of the dental plan

The Canadian dental care plan has been in the works for some time. As progress on the plan stalled, the government announced the creation of a temporary dental benefit, which was launched at the end of 2022 [2].

The dental benefit has been offering assistance to the children of low and middle income families [2]. While the benefit was only open to a limited number of people, it has still helped many people access dental care.

While the initial benefit has been offered, planning into the wider national dental plan has been ongoing. The plan is in its final planning stages, with the rollout expected to begin in 2024 [1].

The next phase of the plan aims to increase access to dental care for uninsured Canadian adolescents, people with disabilities, and seniors with an annual family income of less than $90,000 [1].

But there are several concerns about the next steps. For example, there has been concern from some dental associations that there has been a lack of consultations with dentists – who will be the ones actually delivering the plan.

The letter to MPs

For dentists, the expansion of the national dental care plan is an important event. They need to be sufficiently prepared for the intricacies of the plan.

Therefore, given that there are many unanswered questions – this week the presidents of several provincial and territorial dental associations have written to MPs in order to ask how the government will [1]:

• Safeguard employer-provided dental plans – which approximately two-thirds of Canadians currently have access to

• Ensure that the national program can be coordinated with existing provincial programs

• Protect patient choice and maintain the patient-provider relationship

• Ensure efficient administration that promotes timely access to dental care

• Respect the costs of delivering dental care to maximize provider participation

• Increase the number of dental assistants and dental hygienists to meet the demands of the plan [1].

By getting the above answers, dentists should be in a position where they are able to provide an excellent service for their patients.

Dentists will wait to see what the response to their questions are from MPs. Their answers will be hugely helpful.

Concerns over insurance

Moreover, dentists also have many concerns over the potential problems caused by mismanagement of the plan. It has been pointed out that if the plan doesn’t work, then the two-thirds of Canadians that have employer-provided dental plans could lose their coverage and be forced into an inferior plan [1].

If this did happen, then costs would increase hugely. Therefore, in this event, the $13billion that the government has committed over the next five years to fund the plan will not be an adequate amount [1].

As a result, it has been proposed that the Canadian dental benefit should be expanded as a temporary measure while potential issues of the plan are ironed out [1].

Something else that supports this idea is how the Canadian dental benefit has proven popular – with a recent survey finding that almost 90% of surveyed Canadians are satisfied with the benefit [3].

Comments from dental associations

Various figures from multiple dental associations across Canada have come forward to comment on the situation. There are many shared concerns from the various organizations.

Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky of the Alberta Dental Association has pointed out that to succeed, the recommendations put forward by the various associations should be listened to. As Yaholnitsky points out, their recommendations are “based on decades of experience and caring for the oral health” of millions of patients [1].

Meanwhile, Dr. Rob Wolanski of the British Columbia Dental Association has said that if the plan isn’t designed properly, that it could “leave the most vulnerable people in society behind” [1].

Other comments discussed how it is important for the plan to be fair to all parties – which involves transparency on which services are included in the plan, and which aren’t [1].

While there are concerns with this plan, it should also be noted that it does have the potential to be a historic moment in Canadian healthcare. If the plan works as intended, then the oral health of millions of Canadians should improve.

But it is crucial for the federal government and policy makers to take into account the concerns put forward by the professionals, and act upon them accordingly. This way, a plan that benefits all parties can be created.

Thinking points…

1) Some people appear to be intent on waiting for the arrival of the Canadian dental care plan before next going to the dentist. However, we don’t know when the plan will be rolled out, so this is a risky move! Moreover, the longer you wait between dental appointments, the likelier you are to develop problems. We strongly recommend that you go to a dental clinic soon for a check-up, as this will help to ensure your oral health is strong. We recommend making an appointment soon!

2) Many people find the cost of dental care to be too expensive. Therefore, this results in many people being unable to receive oral healthcare. However, here at our Calgary dental clinic [clinic name], our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our fees are transparent, reliable, and trustworthy! If you wanted to find out more about us, we recommend you take a look at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

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-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. 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™! 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] Numan, O. (2023). Canadian dentists to MPs: We need answers about the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://financialpost.com/globe-newswire/canadian-dentists-to-mps-we-need-answers-about-the-canadian-dental-care-plan. Last accessed: 2nd November 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: 2nd November 2023.

[3] Health Canada. (2023). Canada Dental Benefit Baseline Survey. Available: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/sc-hc/H14-442-2023-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 2nd November 2023.

Could a New Dental Lozenge Permanently Fix Tooth Sensitivity?
17Jul
Tooth sensitivity is a very common problem that causes issues for many people. In an effort to combat this problem, a team of researchers have developed a new dental lozenge, which aims to provide a permanent fix for tooth sensitivity. Their research involves a peptide-based solution, which could have a very positive impact on oral health. This research has the potential to help many people around the world.

If you were to ask a group of people what the most annoying part of eating or drinking is, it is almost certain that at least one person would mention tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity involves a tooth, or teeth, to become sensitive – typically to cold or hot food or drink. This causes discomfort and is normally a sign of a dental problem.

However, new research has helped to develop a dental lozenge that has the potential to lessen or even eliminate tooth sensitivity [1]. This discovery could transform the approach towards treating tooth sensitivity entirely.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that involves a painful sensation when a person drinks or eats something hot or cold. It doesn’t necessarily need to be anything unhealthy – with even a cold glass of water being capable of triggering the pain.

This painful sensation develops overtime, with acids (caused by sugar and bacteria) wearing away at tooth enamel. Therefore, this causes a process of demineralization, which leaves the tooth’s hard exterior defenceless, exposing the roots and nerves.

Research shows that tooth sensitivity affects at least 12% of American adults [2]. The same research found that tooth sensitivity affects those aged 18 to 44 the most [2].

Tooth sensitivity: The problem

Dentist Sami Dogan is a Professor of Restorative Dentistry at the University of Washington and served as one of the authors of the research [3].

When introducing the issue, Dogan has said that in 30 years of practice, problems like cavities and dental implants have become routine. However, the main problem his patients have is teeth sensitivity [3].

Dogan says “we see patients with hypersensitive teeth, but we can’t really help them” [3]. He has pointed out that most existing treatments focus on treating the symptoms, rather than “addressing the root cause” [3]. Therefore, existing treatments do not provide a solution, instead a temporary fix is provided at best.

The Research

Because of this problem, Dogan and a team of researchers sought to find a treatment that could address the root cause of tooth sensitivity. Their findings were published in the ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Journal [1].

As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity is linked to the process of demineralization. With this in mind, the researchers sought to reverse this loss, with the belief that this could be a permanent fix for this issue. To do this, they designed their solution to be molecularly biomimetic – which made it resemble the molecular process which develops teeth [1].

The protein amelogenin is key in the natural development of human teeth [1]. The researchers used peptide, which is a derivative of emelogenin. Peptide is a short chain of amino acids [1].

The researchers tailored the peptide for it to latch onto calcium and phosphate ions, which are the main components of tooth mineral. Therefore, this combination can help to build new mineral microlayers on teeth.

Then, the researchers found that when new mineral microlayers were applied to the teeth, that this protected the tooth nerves. Therefore, this can result in tooth sensitivity either disappearing entirely or significantly lessening [1].

The research was able to produce a solution that built new mineral microlayers that are capable of penetrating deep into the tooth. Therefore, this helps to create an effective and long-lasting natural protection [1].

While having this solution is excellent, the next question concerns how it could be administered. The researchers suggested that the solution could be integrated into almost any type of product!

For example, this may include a dental lozenge – which would be their preferred approach. For upcoming trials, they aim to use lozenges at first [1].

Furthermore, the researchers also suggested that formulations like toothpaste, mouthwash, dental gels and even tooth whitening products could have the solution integrated within them [1].

What this means

These findings are very positive and exciting, especially given how many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is something that can put people off drinking or eating.

The researchers have high hopes for the future. They want to provide easily accessible relief for everyone worldwide that suffers from tooth sensitivity [1].

Lead author Deniz T. Yucesoy commented on the findings. Yucesoy said that the research created technology that “forms the same minerals found in the tooth, including enamel, cementum and dentin alike, which had dissolved previously through demineralization and caused sensitivity” [3].

Explaining how the sensitivity stops, Yucesoy said that “the newly formed mineral microlayers close the communication channels with the tooth nerves”, which means sensitivity “shouldn’t be an issue” due to the technology [3].

This research is certainly very promising and should have a very positive impact on the oral health of patients around the world. Hopefully the solution will fulfil its potential!

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity very common. Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, don’t suffer in silence, as help is available! Make sure that you mention your tooth sensitivity at your next dental appointment so that your dentist can take a look to see if there is a problem that can be fixed. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!

2) We’ve spoken above about how there is help available for sensitive teeth. However, we need to remember that the focus should always be on prevention! One of the most effective ways of avoiding sensitive teeth is cleaning your teeth regularly and flossing. Another crucial thing to do is to attend regular dental check-ups, as this provides a dentist with a chance to take a comprehensive look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. Remember to book an 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] Yucesoy, D. T., Fong, H., Hamann, J., Hall, E., Dogan, S., & Sarikaya, M. (2023). Biomimetic Dentin Repair: Amelogenin-Derived Peptide Guides Occlusion and Peritubular Mineralization of Human Teeth. ACS Biomaterials: Science & Engineering. 9 (3): p1486-1495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01039.

[2] Cunha-Cruz, J., Wataha, J. C., Heaton, L. J., Rothen, M., Sobieraj, M., Scott, J., & Berg, J. (2013). The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in general dental practices in the northwest United States. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 144 (3): p288-296. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14219%2Fjada.archive.2013.0116.

[3] Woods, A. (2023). Dental lozenge could provide permanent treatment for tooth sensitivity. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-07-dental-lozenge-permanent-treatment-tooth.html. Last accessed: 13th July 2023.

Will Private Employers End Dental Coverage Soon? Government Raises Concerns
5Jun
The Canadian Federal Government has raised concerns over the potential for private employers to soon end dental coverage for employees. This is due to the potential cost-cutting measure of recommending employees use the National Dental Care Plan instead. This would push the added expense onto taxpayers, which is likely to be highly unpopular.

The Canadian Federal Government has raised its concerns over a potential, yet unforeseen, side effect of the National Dental Care Plan – which threatens to add further expense to taxpayers.

The national dental care plan has been gathering pace recently, with the rollout having begun and uptake generally steady. However, a new concern has the potential to be a setback for the plan.

The plan aims to assist those with an income of below $90,000 with financial support for dental care. But currently, the plan is just providing support for families with children aged under 12 and an income of below $70,000 – with the government providing $650 towards dental costs for those eligible.

More expenses for taxpayers?

The situation involves dental coverage offered by private employers. Currently, many private employers offer their employees dental care as part of their overall financial package [1].

However, as the cabinet expands its national dental care program, there are concerns that this large expense will end up being transferred to taxpayers [1].

The theory is that private employers may push their employees towards accessing the services provided by the national dental care plan. Therefore, instead of private employers footing the bill for dental care, the expense would be pushed onto taxpayers.

This was an unforeseen issue for policy makers. This development has the potential to lessen support for the dental plan amongst the sizeable population of taxpayers.

Discussion over concerns

In a recent meeting of the Senate Social Affairs committee, Director General Lindy Van Amburg was asked about the concerns [1]. Van Amburg agreed that it was “something we are concerned about” [1].

Van Amburg did show however that her committee are tackling the issue, saying that they “are looking at ways to make sure those who currently provide coverage will continue to do so” [1]. However, she did caution that they “will need to be very careful” when doing so [1].

The impact of Bill C-47

Bill C-47 of the Budget Implementation Act states that all employers offering dental coverage are required to report this to the Canada Revenue Agency by December 31st [1].

Van Amburg has said that this approach “recognizes employer-sponsored benefits are the largest source of dental coverage for Canadians” [1]. Moreover, she believes it will also help to solve a problem that means “currently there is no way to reliably determine who does and who does not have employment-offered coverage” [1].

Will private employers end dental coverage for employees?

It remains to be seen if private employers will seek to end dental coverage for their employees. This is of grave concern to the government, as public support for the dental plan is likely to fall if taxpayers need to pick up the expense.

Senator Sharon Burey asked if “there are any provisions or mechanisms” that the government could put in place to stop private employers stopping dental coverage. Furthermore, there have been suggestions that the Canadian Parliament could step in to force employers to keep their plans.

However, this would not be possible, as such matters are left to individual provinces and territories. Therefore, it is not within the federal government’s jurisdiction to make such laws or requirements.

Van Amburg has said that her team are looking at ways to track any cases of employers revoking their dental coverage. But putting this into practice is likely to be challenging.

It will be necessary to wait and see how private employers around Canada respond to these latest developments. If a trend develops where many private employers do revoke dental coverage, it will place pressure on the federal government to implement a strategy to stop this from happening further.

Thinking points…

1) Whether you have dental coverage or not, the same rule applies – oral health is very important! It is crucial that you have regular dental check-ups, as these will provide you with advice for your oral hygiene and information on how your oral health is. A dentist will also be able to look out for any signs of physical health problems. We recommend booking an appointment right away!

2) Does your employer provide dental coverage? You could discuss this article and its implications with your family and friends. It would remind them of the importance of oral health – you would actually be helping their oral health! Moreover, it could also kick-start a conversation about the prospect of employer dental coverage ending. Why not share this article now and discuss it with those around you?

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] Oldcorn, C. (2023). Trudeau gov’t concerned companies may end dental, move to gov’t dental plan. Available: https://www.westernstandard.news/news/trudeau-gov-t-concerned-companies-may-end-dental-move-to-gov-t-dental-plan/article_a0b761be-fbd3-11ed-a076-b7cc0b59ad42.html. Last accessed: 2nd June 2023.

New Dental Care Plan: Did the Treasury Board “Act in Bad Faith”?
14May
A recent labour board ruling has found that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada in regards to the new dental care plan. This has led to accusations that the progress of this plan has been stalled intentionally. However, the Federal Government have now announced that it is appealing the ruling.

The Federal Government has announced that it is appealing a recent labour board ruling that found the Treasury Board acted in bad faith due to recent indiscretions with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

The finding was that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith by delaying negotiations regarding a new dental care plan with PSAC [1]. This allegation has resulted in debate and discussion regarding the situation.

The Ruling

In June 2022, PSAC filed a complaint against the Treasury Board [1]. This complaint came almost six months after the union approached the government to begin negotiations about the dental plan.

At the end of March, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board made a ruling that found that the Treasury Board had violated a section of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act [1].

The ruling stated that the Treasury Board had violated the aforementioned act by not agreeing to start negotiations for the renewal of the national dental plan while it pursued a benchmarking study on the topic at the time [1].

The implication is that the Treasury Board didn’t act fairly through their actions. However, this version of events is being challenged by the federal government.

Government’s appeal

The government have lodged an appeal against the ruling with the Federal Court of Appeal [1]. In their application, the government has stated that the Treasury Board invited PSAC to partake in the dental plan study on multiple occasions last May.

The Treasury Board has since said that the government has completed the benchmarking study – which is a contentious topic that has caused some problems.

Moreover, they state that the union declined this and instead filed a complaint that the government was failing to bargain in good faith with them [1]. Clearly, the government have a different set of events.

Continuing, the application of the government stated that the labour board rendered an “unreasonable decision” through its finding that “there was a breach of the duty to bargain in good faith” [1]. Moreover, the government also argued that it was unreasonable for the labour board to believe it was their jurisdiction to hear such a complaint.

PSAC’s response

PSAC have since said that its goal from the beginning was to get the Treasury Board to negotiate an update to the dental plan. Given that it represents almost 200,000 federal public service workers, this is understandable. Furthermore, they claim that the government has intentionally stalled this process [1].

PSAC has said that they contacted the government in an effort to arrange talks on the subject, but has not heard back [1]. The two sides seem to be at an impasse.

Impact on the dental care plan

Martin Potvin is the spokesperson for the Treasury Board. He commented on the situation, stating that the board “are committed to working towards a modernized Public Service Dental Care Plan that is science and evidence-based and supports employee wellness in a manner that is fair for employees and for all Canadians [1].

It does appear to have slowed down the progress of the dental plan. David Orfald of the labour board suggested that “because the parties have not been able to commence negotiations, they have not been able to engage in the rational dialogue they need to complete the renewal of the plan” [1].

What will happen next?

By lodging their appeal, the government is looking for an order to be made that sets aside the labour board’s original finding. They firmly believe that the Treasury Board did not act in bad faith [1].

PSAC remain adamant in their belief that the Treasury Board acted in bad faith. However, we will need to wait for the result of the appeal before any conclusions can be drawn.

There is currently no timeframe on when the Federal Court of Appeal will hear this case. Therefore, discussions and disagreements may be commonplace for some time.

Thinking Points

[1] The national dental care plan is proving to be a topic that is attracting substantial conversation. While we wait for the specific details of the plan to be worked out, it is important to not neglect your oral health in the meantime! Remember to attend dental appointments regularly as this will ensure your oral health is strong! Check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and provide treatment options if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

[2] One of the potential causes of a lack of access to dental care concerns cost. Therefore, it is useful to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, this ensures that our prices are reliable, competitive and transparent. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon – find out more about us by visiting our website at the following link https://savannadentalclinic.ca!

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] Morrison, C. (2023). Federal government appealing labour board ruling on dental plan negotiations between PSAC, Treasury Board. Available: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/feds-appealing-labour-board-ruling-on-dental-plan-negotiation-delays. Last accessed: 12th May 2023.

How Do Canadians Feel About Oral Healthcare in Canada?
17Apr
A new report has found that Canadians largely feel positive towards oral healthcare in Canada. Positives included the number of Canadians attending a dental clinic, strong frequency of visits and improvements in many areas compared to results from 2020. However, there were some negative findings which will provide policy makers with areas to improve upon going forward.

A new report conducted by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) has looked into how Canadians feel about the current oral healthcare situation across the nation.

This is a particularly relevant report, given how there has been a lot of change in oral healthcare within the last year. For example, the loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and the new Canadian Dental Benefit have changed the landscape of dentistry.

There are plenty of positive findings in the report. However, there are also some areas of concern which the CDHA and policy makers will aim to remedy in order to improve attitudes and opinions towards oral healthcare in the future.

The Report

The report was carried out with Abacus Data. It questioned 2,000 Canadians aged 18 and over on a variety of topics within oral healthcare in Canada.

Respondents were selected from across a wide range of ages, genders, demographics and regions in order to try and simulate a picture that represented the entirety of the Canadian population [1].

The positives

Arguably the main positive was the finding that 9 in 10 Canadians feel comfortable in attending a dental appointment [1]. This is despite lingering concerns about Covid-19.

As mentioned above, there have been several changes in oral healthcare in recent times, making this report important. For example, the Canadian Dental Benefit was launched under six months ago. Moreover, a larger National Dental Plan is gradually being implemented. In positive news, 80% of those surveyed supported the plan [1].

Frequency of visits was positive too. When respondents were asked when the last time was that they had accessed dental care, 49% responded “within the last 6 months” [1]. This suggests that almost half of Canadians are attending the dentist at least twice a year.

The report found that 7 in 10 Canadians visit an oral health professional at least once a year [1]. This was mainly for routine check-ups and exams. While this is somewhat low and isn’t an entirely positive finding, this still represents a good amount. It shows that the majority of Canadians do recognize the importance of oral health.

Moreover, 1 in 3 Canadians under the age of 30 have booked an appointment with a dental hygienist in the last year [1]. Dental hygienists can perform more specialized care and a deeper look at oral health. Additionally, 85% of Canadians that visited a dental hygienist say that they discussed oral health techniques – a 15% rise since 2020 [1]. Therefore, dental hygienist-related findings are very positive.

There are also signs that Canadians are feeling very positive about the future of oral healthcare in the country. For instance, the report found that 87% of Canadians believe the upcoming National Dental Care Plan will improve access to dental care services in Canada [1].

Another finding that was positive concerned sources of dental news. The report found that 70% of Canadians learn about oral health news from their dentist [1]. In an age where the internet is full of sensationalized articles and fake news, it is promising to see that many are using the most reliable source of all – a dental professional.

The negatives

However, while there are plenty of positives, there were some negatives. The report found that the number of Canadians with dental health benefits has actually decreased since 2020, with 32% of Canadians reporting having coverage [1]. This is a reduction from 40% in 2020 [1].

Moreover, the majority of Canadians feel that access to dental care in Canada is a severe problem for seniors [1]. This is a vulnerable population and it is critical that their needs are taken into account. Perceived problems included financial constraints, restricted mobility and a lack of awareness of the importance of oral health among this population [1].

There is also clearly a legacy being left behind by Covid-19. Despite the restrictions imposed as a result of the global pandemic being loosened in recent times, 1 in 4 Canadians report that their access to dental care continues to be different compared to pre-pandemic [1].

Then there was the finding that 3% of the respondents said that they were “not at all comfortable” in attending a dental appointment for reasons that had nothing to do with Covid-19 [1]. This shows that some people have strong reasons for not wanting to attend a dental clinic.

The future

The CDHA hope that the widening of the dental benefit and creation of the eventual National Dental Plan will result in more people benefiting from improved access to oral healthcare.

The CDHA, Canadian Dental Association and relevant policy makers will also surely attempt to implement changes based on the findings in this report.

They will hope that by doing so, future reports and surveys will produce an increased number of positive findings. Ensuring that Canadians are happy with oral healthcare is very important, with continuous improvements being made in recent years aiding this.

Anne Caissie, the President of the CDHA, was pleased with the findings, but highlighted that improvements are still needed [2]. Caissie said that the findings “show that Canadians acknowledge the need for improved access to oral health care services in this country” [2].

Furthermore, acknowledging the costs involved, Caissie mentioned that “access to care, especially for vulnerable populations, should not come down to the ability to pay” [2]. There is room for improvement, but there are many positives to take away from this report.

Thinking points…

1) The report found that some people believe there are financial constraints when trying to access dental care. With this in mind, it is useful for you to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us by looking on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!

2) An important finding was the frequency in which Canadians are visiting their dentist. We recommend that you attend a dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. This ensures that your dentist can get a thorough understanding of your oral health, provide advice, and identify problems if they exist. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!

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] The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. (2023). Public Perceptions of State of Oral Health in Canada. Available: https://files.cdha.ca/profession/policy/public_opinion_survey_results_2023.pdf. Last accessed: 14th April 2023.

[2] The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association. (2023). New Study Reveals Canadians’ Views on Strengths and Gaps in Oral Health Care Access. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/new-study-reveals-canadians-views-on-strengths-and-gaps-in-oral-health-care-access-1003972901/. Last accessed: 14th April 2023.