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Is There a Shortage of Dental Assistants in Canada? What Impact Will It Have?
24Apr
The President of the Canadian Dental Association has voiced the organization’s concern over a shortage of dental assistants in Canada. They have highlighted that this shortage could have a very negative impact on oral healthcare in Canada. Therefore, action may need to be taken soon to increase the number of dental assistants in Canada.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) have cautioned that the ongoing shortage of dental assistants in Canada will cause a range of problems for oral healthcare in the country [1].

Concerns have been raised regarding a backlog in oral health appointments, too much demand from patients and no space for new patients at some clinics.

These problems would have a devastating impact on Canadian oral healthcare and will hopefully be tackled and mitigated soon to ensure there is minimal disruption to oral healthcare in Canada.

The role of a dental assistant

Dental assistants are a crucial part of oral healthcare. In many ways they are the “unsung heroes” that quietly perform crucial tasks in the background without many people even noticing!

Dental assistants help dentists and hygienists perform their jobs. For example, they will often help during procedures by handing dentists equipment, taking X-rays, sterilizing instruments and looking after the patients.

As time has moved on the role of the dental assistant is more important than ever before. Some dental assistants can even perform activities like removing temporary fillings or crowns and administering anaesthesia.

The shortage

As summarized above, the importance of dental assistants is clear. Therefore, it is concerning that there is a shortage of these skilled workers in Canada.

Lynn Tomkins, President of the CDA, has warned that without adequate staffing, that many dental clinics will not be able to meet the patient demand.

Tomkins has said that the shortage “is the number one issue for dentists across the country” [1]. As a result, she says that dentists have had to alter or reduce their hours due to the lack of staff.

When asked about how much of a shortage there is, Tomkins said that currently there is a “shortage of almost 5,000 dental assistants” in Canada [1].

Statistics show that there are over 25,000 dental assistants in Canada [2]. However, many retire each year and qualifying as a dental assistant takes time.

Moreover, Tomkins has also pointed out that the upcoming expansion of the Canadian National Dental Plan will result in increased demand from the public for dental care, as more people than ever before will have access to oral healthcare.

Why is there a shortage of dental assistants in Canada?

Many people have attributed such shortages to the impact of the global pandemic Covid-19. However, Tomkins says that there was already a shortage prior to the pandemic.

She points out that in 2019, the CDA found that a third of dental clinics in Canada were advertising jobs for dental assistants [1]. Tomkins said that “Covid-19 exacerbated this problem” [1].

The pandemic appeared to cause many to leave the profession, with the Canadian healthcare system becoming very stretched. Furthermore, a 2022 survey found that during the pandemic 57% of surveyed dental assistants said their environment had become increasingly stressful [1].

Another cause is the perceived lack of pay. Kelly Mansfield is a board member of the CDAA and a former dental assistant that commented on this [1]. She pointed out that “it’s very hard to raise a family on a dental assistant salary” and that in her case she needed to leave the industry due to the poor salary [1].

Given the hard work and risk involved, many don’t feel that they are adequately compensated. Regardless of industry, when employees don’t feel like they are paid enough they are likely to leave – with dental assistants being no different.

The impact

Without dental assistants, a dental clinic wouldn’t operate in the same way. They are crucial and a big shortage would have a significant impact on oral healthcare in Canada.

There are many potential problems. For example, these include a large backlog in oral health appointments, more demand from patients than supply, and no space for new patients at some clinics.

Then there is also the concern that some dental clinics may need to turn to untrained individuals – which would cause the standard of dentistry to lessen. Therefore, poorer treatment outcomes are likely.

Tomkins has urged the government and policy makers to do more for dental assistants. This includes aiding their mental health through support services. Moreover, Tomkins also recommends that more training courses are made available to those who wish to become a dental assistant.

It is therefore very important for us all to make the most of the current oral healthcare situation, as there may be some problems upcoming. Hopefully there will soon be a surge in dental assistants to combat these issues. Irrespective of concerns like the above, having strong oral health is always vital!

Thinking points…

[1] As this article shows, Canada is in need of dental assistants. Do you think you could become one? The Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA) have a useful webpage that provides a guide on how you could become one. The average age of a Canadian dental assistant is 38 – so it is never too late to change career! You can read more about this at the following link – https://www.cdaa.ca/da-promotion/?lang=en.

[2] The potential problems outlined in this article would result in longer waiting times for appointments at dental clinics. Therefore, it is highly advisable to book an appointment as soon as possible. This will ensure that you won’t be part of any potential backlog and will have information on any treatment that you might need. We recommend booking 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 services and treatments for all its patients.

It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

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

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Dangerfield, K. (2023). Canada has a dental assistant shortage. Experts worry it’ll only get worse. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9631941/dentist-assistant-shortage-canada/. Last accessed: 22nd April 2023.

[2] Canadian Dental Assistants Association. (2023). Dental Assisting in Canada. Available: https://www.cdaa.ca/da-promotion. Last accessed: 22nd April 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.

Should Dentists and Family Doctors Collaborate on Their Patients’ Overall Health?
9Apr
A recent report has outlined a range of benefits that could result from improved collaboration and communication from dentists and family doctors. The report shows that a link between oral health and physical health conditions exist. Moreover, it points out that this integration could result in improved treatment outcomes and prevention of many conditions.

As part of our wider healthcare, we typically see a family doctor for issues relating to our physical health, while speaking to our dentist for our oral health needs.

While this is perfectly acceptable, a recent report has urged for there to be more collaboration between dentists and family doctors in order to maximize the effectiveness of the services provided [1].

By working closely, doctors, dentists and patients can all benefit, especially with there being a strong connection between oral health conditions and physical health.

The Consensus Report

This conclusion came from a report issued by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WOFD) [1]. Subsequently, they published their findings in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology [1].

This was a form of report called a “Consensus Report”. This is where a selection of experts come together to present a finding that they all agree on. This particular consensus report involved 18 global leading experts in periodontology and family medicine [1].

The report highlighted the association between periodontal disease and physical health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases [1].

The authors have suggested that family doctors and oral health professionals should exchange information and refer patients to one another [1]. This could help to treat these linking conditions, promoting wider benefits to health.

The authors are preparing an outreach campaign based on the findings of this report. They aim to canvas policymakers, as well as those on the frontline – dentists and family doctors [2].

The report provides further evidence that shows gum disease is independently associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases [1]. Furthermore, this appears to include an enhanced chance of Covid-19 complications [1].

What can collaboration achieve?

The report points out that there are several benefits to closer collaboration. These include effective prevention, early detection and management of widespread systemic health conditions [1].

The report used an example that involved dentists making family doctors aware if a patient of theirs is going through the early phase of gum disease [1]. This would have a negative effect on the health of the patient and increase their chances of getting a physical health condition outlined above. Therefore, by knowing this knowledge early, the family doctor could try to implement strategies to protect the patient from such conditions.

Additionally, another example given was that oral health professionals – when treating patients with periodontitis – should let them know that their risk of cardiovascular diseases is higher [1]. They could then report this to their family doctor.

This research builds on previous findings by the WOFD [2]. In the past, they had found a link between gum disease and cardiovascular diseases [2]. But this report goes further and will prove very helpful.

President of the WOFD, Shlomo Vinker, commented that “the current split between dental health professionals on one side, and systemic disease professionals on the other makes no sense” [2]. Therefore, he has urged there to be “greater integration and better sharing of information” [2].

Author Comments

The authors commented on their findings. Lead author David Herrera said that “our paper presents a critical update of the evidence supporting the associations between periodontitis and very important systemic conditions” [2].

Furthermore, Herrera states that their “main objective was to understand the interpretation of this information by the family doctors, and the derived implications, developed to improve the management of our patients’ health” [2].

Therefore, the aim was clearly to help their patients with their treatment outcomes. This is certainly something that can be achieved and would benefit many people.

The hope is that that the findings of this research will be taken into account by leading health figures. Closer collaboration could save lives and help save healthcare services significant money. Overall, such an idea would be highly beneficial to many.

Thinking points…

1) We would recommend sharing information about your oral health with your family doctor. Moreover, if you felt comfortable, you could share information about your physical health with your dentist. This could improve your overall health and provide health professionals with a more holistic view of your health. At your next appointment we recommend speaking to your dentist about this!

2) The topic of gum disease comes up a lot in this article. Gum disease can definitely be a difficult condition to live with, and it affects so many of us. It is important to make sure we look after our gums. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, you could have a discussion with your dentist at your next appointment. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental 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] Herrera, D., Sanz, M., Shapira, L., Brotons, C., Chapple, I., Frese, T., Graziani, F., Hobbs, F. D. R., Huck, O., Hummers, E., Jepsen, S., Kravtchenko, O., Madianos, P., Molina, A., Ungan, M., Vilaseca, J., Windak, A., & Vinker, S. (2023). Association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and respiratory diseases: Consensus report of the Joint Workshop by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the European arm of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA Europe). Journal of Clinical Periodontology. (Early View). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13807.

[2] European Federation of Periodontology. (2023). Periodontists and family doctors must collaborate to treat their patients’ overall health, says new study. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-periodontists-family-doctors-collaborate-patients.html. Last accessed: 7th April 2023.

What Have Dentists Said About Dental Funding in the New Federal Budget?
2Apr
The Federal Government have announced their new budget, with the announcement of an increase in funding for dental care resulting in widespread joy from oral health professionals. The funding will increase to $13billion over the next five years. Moreover, this will form part of the new national dental care plan. Further details about this plan have also been released.

Dentists have applauded the Federal Government’s decision to increase funding for dental care as part of their 2023 Federal budget.

The government have committed to increase funding for the National Dental Care Plan to $13billion over the next five years, beginning in the 2023-24 year [1].

This is another example of how the government is contributing to dental care in Canada, following the creation of the temporary national dental benefit at the end of 2022.

Dental care in Canada

Compared to many countries, the standard of dental care in Canada is strong. But with many requiring treatment each year, further work is needed to improve oral health.

Almost two-thirds of Canadians have a form of dental insurance [2]. But those that don’t face large hospital bills, A&E visits and intense dental pain.

However, the national dental benefit which was launched at the end of 2022 sought to provide more access to dental care for children from families with a low-middle income.

This is just a temporary measure though, with a wider and more comprehensive plan due to be in place by 2025. This new plan will offer support to a wider range of people, rather than just children.

Given the large demand for dental services in Canada and rising population numbers, having an increase in funding was deemed to be crucial by some politicians.

The increase in funding

The government have announced their 2023 Federal budget [1]. As part of this, they have provided more details on how the eventual national dental care plan will look.

The projected cost is much higher than the ruling Liberal Party first estimated. The final program is now due to cost $13billion over five years [1]. This is a big increase on the $5billion they had originally earmarked for the program. The aforementioned temporary benefit will be phased out by June 2024 [3].

This year, eligibility for the benefit will extend to those under the age of 18, seniors and people with disabilities [3]. Those hoping to access the benefit will still need to meet the low-middle income criteria and not have insurance.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said that “by the end of 2023, we will begin rolling out a dental-care plan for what will eventually be up to nine million uninsured Canadians” [3].

The update was praised by leader of the New Democratic Party – Jagmeet Singh – who has been a long-term advocate for improved access to dental care in Canada. This was one of the most important aspects of the Liberal/NDP confidence-and-supply deal.

Singh said that “I think Canadians are going to be happy” with this announcement [3]. He also commended his party’s work on the issue, saying that “we forced the government to do this” [3].

However, politicians in the Conservative Party largely criticized the budget increase. Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the NDP, saying that they are “bankrupting households” and “forcing seniors to choose between heating and eating” [3].

Amidst criticism, Freeland admitted that the plan “does cost a lot of money”, but said that the increased cost was a “necessary expansion of healthcare” [3].

How have dentists reacted?

Understandably, dentists were delighted with the news. Dr. Lynn Tompkins – President of the Canadian Dental Association – praised the “historic investment” [1]. She suggested that the budget highlighted the “government’s continued commitment” towards improving the oral health of Canadians [1].

Moreover, Tompkins said that the “CDA has long advocated for targeted investments to improve access to oral health care” – with access being a key issue [1]. Furthermore, Tompkins said that this new budget will “yield even more long-term gains in oral and overall health” [1].

Meanwhile, Dr. David Lim of the British Columbia Dental Association said that his organization is “encouraged that the federal government recognizes the link between oral health and overall health” [1]. The topic of the link between oral and overall health is very important. Hopefully, the increased budget will mean this link is known by more people.

In other news that has pleased dentists, the Liberals have suggested that $23million should be put aside over the next two years to collect better data on oral health, which could help to make better informed decisions when implementing the dental plan.

Overall, this is very positive news, with the hope now that oral health across Canada will strengthen in the years to come. This should result in strong health improvements too across the nation for future generations.

Thinking points…

1)This is exciting news for many people around Canada! For those without insurance, getting dental care has been very difficult. But this new plan should assist with accessing and financing dental care. However, it is important to not wait until it arrives, instead you should attend a dental clinic regularly to have a check-up on your oral health. We recommend you make an appointment now!

2)We discussed above about how many people find the dentist too expensive. But no one should suffer with pain in silence. It is useful to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our prices are fair, fully transparent, and reliable. To find out more about us, you can visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you visit our Calgary dental clinic 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] Oral Health. (2023). Dentists Praise Expansion of Dental Care in Federal Budget. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/news/dentists-praise-expansion-of-dental-care-in-federal-budget-1003972601/. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

[2] Statistics Canada. (2018). Health Fact Sheets: Dental Care, 2018). Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

[3] Osman, L. (2023). Budget 2023 expands dental-care program, but expected cost balloons to $13B. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9585059/budget-2023-dental-care-program/. Last accessed: 31st March 2023.

World Oral Health Day: What Has the World Health Organization Recommended for 2023?
25Mar
In line with World Oral Health Day 2023, the World Health Organization has made some recommendations that aim to improve the oral health of people all around the world. Their main focus is on the South-East Asia region – owing to their oral health problems. However, the oral health of everyone is crucial, with recommendations also targeted at governments around the world.

World Oral Health Day 2023 is upon us, with this day being an annual reminder of the importance of oral health and its impact on our overall health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) have marked the occasion by making a series of recommendations [1]. They continue to advocate for improved dental care around the world.

What is World Oral Health Day?

World Oral Health Day takes place once a year, and celebrates positive oral health whilst raising awareness in the importance of looking after our teeth.

The day is organized by the World Dental Federation. Owing to substantial research carried out in recent years, the awareness of the importance of strong oral health within the scientific community is at an all-time high. Now, scientists are working out how to transfer this awareness to the general public.

The importance of World Oral Health Day

The importance of World Oral Health Day cannot be underestimated. The WHO estimate that approximately 3.5billion people around the world are affected by oral diseases [1].

Moreover, the WHO have also stated that between 1990 and 2019, estimated numbers of people that suffered from oral diseases increased by more than 1billion people – which exceeded population increase during this period [1].

These findings are deeply worrying, and show how oral health problems are affecting so many people. Therefore, the WHO have now made some recommendations that aim to assist the human population with their oral health.

Recommendations from the WHO: South-East Asia

The WHO’s main focus is on the South-East Asia region – which is a region where oral health is typically poor [2]. These nations include Cambodia, Brunei and Vietnam among others.

One of the main recommendations from the WHO is for countries in the South-East Asia region to accelerate implementation of the Action Plan for Oral Health 2022-2030 – an 8-year plan that sets out a plan for general improvement in oral health across the region [1].

The South-East Asia region is of particular importance. In 2019, the WHO found that the region had an estimated 900million cases of untreated dental caries, gum disease and tooth loss [1]. Moreover, the area also has a high number of oral cancer cases. Therefore, this area needs attention.

The WHO has been providing support to all nations in the region since 2014. They have been making steady progress. 10 nations in the region are now offering oral health screening in primary health care – with the aim of detecting oral problems at an early stage [1].

Moreover, 6 nations have improved their treatment options for emergency dental problems [1]. A further 5 nations have imposed taxes on sugary drinks. All nations in the region are seeing improvements in terms of lessening tobacco use.

This action plan forms a wider goal of the WHO, which concerns achieving universal coverage for oral health by 2030 [1]. While this might be seen as ambitious, it is achievable, and work is being done to assist in this.

General Recommendations

While the main focus is on South-East Asia, the WHO has also put forward general recommendations. This includes providing adequate financing for dental programs. Additionally, this involves ministries of health providing “dedicated, qualified, functional, well-resourced and accountable oral health units that are integrated with existing internal structures and collaborate across programme areas” [1].

Another recommendation concerns promoting the importance of oral health from a young age, typically through education in school. The WHO note that education should also involve reducing risk factors like tobacco use and high sugar diets [1].

They also suggest that countries should establish systems to collect detailed information on oral health services [1]. This can help oral health professionals to notice patterns and apportion funding to areas that require the most attention. The aim is to provide decision-making personnel with data-backed evidence to help with oral health treatment.

These various recommendations can help any country around the world. The onus is on each of us to look after our own oral health, but governments around the world are in a position to educate their citizens on the importance of oral health.

The main focus of the WHO is on the South-East Asia region, but all countries are important. The aim is for the entire population to have excellent oral health and simple access to oral health treatment.

Thinking points…

1) World Oral Health Day provides us with a timely reminder of the importance of our oral health. Take this chance to review your own oral health hygiene and think if there are areas you can improve upon. One of the most important aspects of this is attending regular dental appointments. This is the easiest and most effective way of receiving an update and overview on your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) It can be very helpful to have a discussion with your family about World Oral Health Day. It is a chance for everyone to see if they can make any improvements in their oral hygiene routine. If you have children, it can be really useful to use this day as a chance to make them aware of the importance of oral health. Remember that taking them to regular dental appointments is crucial!

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] Djuric, M. (2023). NDP want Liberals to expand GST rebate, fund school lunches in upcoming budget. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/ndp-want-liberals-to-expand-gst-rebate-fund-school-lunches-in-upcoming-budget-1.6312478. Last accessed: 17th March 2023.

[2] Rouleau, T., Harrington, A., Brennan, M., Hammond, F., Hirsch, M., Nussbaum, M., & Bockeneck, W. (2011). Receipt of dental care and barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Special care in Dentistry. 31 (2): p63-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2011.00178.x.

The Ndp Urge Liberals To Invest in Improved Dental Care: What Impact Would It Have?
19Mar
Ahead of the upcoming federal budget announcement, the New Democratic Party have urged the Liberal Party to invest in expanding dental coverage. This would include helping teenagers, seniors and those living with a disability. Increased investment would have a very positive impact on many people.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) have urged the ruling Liberal Party to invest in expanding dental coverage to teenagers, seniors and those living with a disability [1].

The request comes as part of the confidence and supply agreement between the NDP and Liberal Party.

This agreement provides the NDP with leverage, and it will be interesting to see how the Liberals react, with the next federal budget being released soon.

Dental care in Canada: The current situation

Currently, many Canadians have dental coverage. But not everyone has this – meaning they are often deprived of crucial dental care.

The recent National Dental Benefit is helping children from low-middle income families to have more access to dental services. While it is due to be extended to adults in the future, for now it has a limited number of beneficiaries.

Moreover, many people face barriers to dental care. Cost is a big barrier, and puts off a lot of people. Moreover, studies show that people with disabilities are also less likely to attend the dentist compared to people without [2].

With these facts, it is unsurprising that the NDP have urged the Liberals to extend dental coverage to more people, so that there won’t be disadvantages for those facing barriers to dental care.

The NDP’s Request

Leader of the NDP – Jagmeet Singh – has long-championed improved access to dental care. He is aiming to use the aforementioned confidence and supply agreement as leverage to push for expanding dental coverage.

This request comes at a time when the Liberals are preparing to release the next federal budget – which is currently due to be on March 28th [1].

When asked about this, Singh said “we want to see commitment to the dollars necessary for it to roll out to that national program” [1].

Furthermore, Singh has said that there are “some signals Liberals were open to it”, but that the NDP must “continue to apply pressure to make it happen” [1].

Singh appears to believe that such changes are realistic, suggesting he is “confident” that the Liberals will follow through with his requests [1].

Meanwhile, the Conservatives – who have traditionally opposed changes to the dental care system – have requested different changes to the budget, including lower taxes [1].

The potential impact

If there was increased funding for dental care in Canada, it would provide significant help for many people around the country. As mentioned earlier, many people face barriers to receiving dental care.

By not having regular check-ups, a person runs the risk of missing out on crucial treatment. Inevitably, their oral health will worsen, leaving them in excruciating pain and discomfort.

Therefore, by having increased funding, more people will have access to dental care. This would hopefully result in improved oral health for Canadians, and lessen the burden placed on healthcare establishments.

Overall, there are many positives to this request. But as the NDP are not the ruling party, there is no guarantee that their request will be sanctioned. We will need to wait and see how the federal budget looks when it is released soon.

Thinking points…

1) In the article, we mention the importance of having regular dental check-ups. By neglecting your oral health, it can put you at risk of intense pain and result in further complications in the long-term. Therefore, remember to attend dental check-ups on a regular basis, as this will provide a dental professional with the chance to review your oral health. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) We discussed above how there are numerous barriers to accessing dental care – with cost a big factor for many. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. To find out more about us, you can visit our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We hope to see you at our Calgary dental clinic 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 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] Djuric, M. (2023). NDP want Liberals to expand GST rebate, fund school lunches in upcoming budget. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/ndp-want-liberals-to-expand-gst-rebate-fund-school-lunches-in-upcoming-budget-1.6312478. Last accessed: 17th March 2023.

[2] Rouleau, T., Harrington, A., Brennan, M., Hammond, F., Hirsch, M., Nussbaum, M., & Bockeneck, W. (2011). Receipt of dental care and barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. Special care in Dentistry. 31 (2): p63-67. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2011.00178.x.

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