Home Tag: "dental care" (Page 13)

Tag: dental care

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.

Could Artificial Intelligence Help Develop New Dental Crowns?
7May
New research has resulted in the development of a method of manufacturing dental crowns with the help of artificial intelligence. Dental crowns are a widely used treatment to restore teeth that are very decayed or weak. Therefore, having specially designed crowns should improve their effectiveness and ensure stronger oral health for those that require dental crowns.

A research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed a method of manufacturing dental crowns through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) [1].

This exciting research is the latest example of how leveraging AI can produce excellent results in dentistry. The findings could result in a long-term improvement of the success of dental crowns.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are often seen as “caps” that are placed over a decayed, damaged or weak tooth to restore its shape and size. Moreover, it can also improve its appearance.

Dental crowns therefore protect the tooth from further damage or decay. If looked after properly they will often last for several years.

An X-ray is required in order for the dentist to take measurements. The dentist will place the crown before bonding it in place.

However, many people find that crowns are not right for them. Many people find that their crowns are either too large or too thin. They also typically do not last as long as desired for some people [2].

Therefore, the situation with dental crowns is one that has needed to be addressed. This is why more research into the subject is welcomed and encouraged.

The Research

The research was carried out by members of the Faculty of Dentistry at HKU. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Dental Materials journal [1].

The researchers were aiming to use AI to create an automatic algorithm that could design a dental crown. To do this, the researches used a three-dimensional deep learning approach [1].

The AI software used is called Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. This software uses a “tooth library” that had over 600 healthy teeth templates loaded onto it [1]. The operator of the machine could then mould a crown based on the templates.

This approach produced personalized crowns with high accuracy. The researchers found that they could mimic the materials required for the biomechanics of natural teeth.

The researchers tested the crown using something called “biomechanical finite analysis” [1]. This tested the AI-designed crowns in terms of their durability. This is important, as when a patient receives a crown, they will expect it to be highly durable and last for many years.

The researchers were delighted with the outcome. They found that the AI-designed crown was capable of achieving a similar expected lifespan compared to natural teeth [1].

The design would use machine learning to produce the optimum design based on a patient’s tooth and exact dimensions of the surface area. It is capable of getting the required specific dimensions at a microscopic level. This ensures effectiveness.

The impact this could have

Looking at the impact of these findings is important. For example, by having this technology, the design and fitting process of dental crowns could be improved significantly. Therefore, improved treatment outcomes would be likely.

The research was led by Dr. James Tsoi, an Associate Professor at HKU. He and his fellow authors were very pleased with the results. Tsoi commented that the technology “could be utilized to design personalized dental crowns with high accuracy” [3].

Tsoi also praised the fact that this technology would reduce human involvement in the design process, stating that the technology allows the process to “operate without any additional human fine-tuning”, which would reduce the workload of dentists.

The use of AI will improve accuracy in dentistry. Currently, there is an element of guesswork for the dentist that moulds crowns. While they do their utmost to maximize patient comfort, it can be difficult to make the crown fit perfectly.

However, this technology is capable of improving outcomes and comfort for patients. This is summarized by one of the authors Dr. Hao Ding – who said that “the algorithm improves the quality of the design” [3].

Clinical trials based on using AI for dental crowns are already underway [3]. The hope is that these crowns will eventually replace human-crafted crowns. This will greatly improve the quality of treatment and result in better oral health for patients.

Thinking points…

1) The aim should always be prevention for dental problems. For example, the aim is for us to never need to have dental crowns. Aside from a healthy diet, it is also crucial to attend regular dental check-ups! These check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Dental crowns are very effective at protecting damaged teeth. They also improve appearance and can restore confidence. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer dental crown treatments at competitive prices. If you are interested in hearing more about this treatment please see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you 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] Ding, H., Cui, Z., Maghami, E., Chen, Y., Matinlinna, J. P., Ho Nang Pow, E., Fok, A. S. L., Burrow, M. F., Wang, W., & Tsoi, J. K. H. (2023). Morphology and mechanical performance of dental crown designed by 3D-DCGAN. Dental Materials. 39 (3): p320-332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2023.02.001.

[2] Pjetursson, B. E., & Heimisdottir, K. (2018). Dental implants – are they better than natural teeth?. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 126 (51): p81-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eos.12543.

[3] The University of Hong Kong. (2023). Researchers develop technology to use generative AI in smart manufacturing of dental crowns. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-technology-generative-ai-smart-dental.html. Last accessed: 5th May 2023.

How Can a New Dental Aid Network Help Vulnerable Citizens?
30Apr
Three students from Queen’s University, Canada, have launched a brand new Dental aid network that is designed to help vulnerable and marginalized members of society with their oral health. They aim to provide citizens with essential dental products. The three students have been praised for their efforts, which will hopefully have a very positive impact on society.

In an admirable effort, three students from Queen’s University have launched the Queen’s Dental Aid Network – with the aim of supplying essential dental products to vulnerable and marginalized members of society.

The three students are aiming to assist those in Kingston and surrounding areas to begin with. However, they have high hopes for the future and may look to expand to more areas.

Queen’s Dental Aid Network

The three students behind the project are Connor Hamlyn, Kianna Niaki and Peter Hwang [1]. All three are studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

The network will aim to help improve the oral health of vulnerable citizens in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

To achieve this they plan on supplying products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to vulnerable citizens [1]. These are all essential items, but ones that not everyone can afford or can access.

Hamlyn says that some vulnerable people “walk around with a toothbrush that’s been hanging off their bag, thrown on the ground, getting in the dirt”, making them largely ineffective.

The trio will be partnering with local dental clinics and retailers [1]. Furthermore, many clinics and retailers have committed to donate any expired products or excess stock to the organization. Then, they will be delivered to shelters and charitable organizations [1].

Hamlyn has spoken about the resources they have available. He says “we do have a lot of food, and the food is coming in” [1]. However, Hamlyn notes that while vulnerable people receive hot meals, oral health is neglected.

The group are specifically focusing on oral health, as in the words of Niaki, they realized that many conditions can be impacted by having poor oral hygiene [1]. Therefore, their actions can help prevent further conditions.

Niaki said that when they learned “how important oral hygiene is” that they were “really determined to make a difference” [1].

Oral health in Kingston

Niaki pointed out that for marginalized and vulnerable people, oral health isn’t something they treat as a priority. She says that “food and shelter is top priority” for such people [1]. But they “wish to address the importance of oral hygiene” as it is “crucial to one’s health and adequate functioning” [1].

Kingston is a good place to target. There is a large homelessness problem in the area, with homeless shelters struggling to cope with demand [2]. Moreover, the harsh winter is causing even more people to seek shelter [2].

In fact, one recent high-profile case involved a person that had coped with a gum infection for almost a decade [3]. The man was unable to afford treatment over this time period. Therefore, the new initiative outlined above will look to tackle such issues.

Looking forward

The three people behind the initiative have earned praise for their efforts. If it proves to be successful, they may look to expand further in the future.

The trio are aiming to raise awareness of their efforts to dental offices, drugstores and the community to try and achieve further support or donations.

As Hwang says, their purpose is to “mix marginalized communities in our community while raising awareness for oral hygiene and oral health by giving out these semi-frequent care packages for those in need” [1].

This purpose should have a very positive impact on vulnerable and marginalized populations. The aim is for them to have improved oral hygiene which should hopefully have a positive impact on their overall health and quality of life.

Thinking points…

1) This article talks about oral hygiene. Most people clean their teeth, but oral hygiene is so much more than this! It includes flossing, eating healthily and very importantly – getting regular dental check-ups. Check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and provide advice. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Homelessness is a big problem in many places. While many people kindly provide food and hot drinks to the homeless, it is important to also remember that practical things like toothbrushes and toothpaste can also help. The next time you think about donating, consider donating something oral hygiene related – it could help a lot.

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] MacAlpine, I. (2023). Queen’s student initiative hopes to provide oral care supplies to those in need. Available: https://www.thewhig.com/news/queens-student-initiative-hopes-to-provide-oral-care-supplies-to-those-in-need. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.

[2] Davis, D. (2023). Kingston homeless population vulnerable as temperature plummets. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9453132/kingston-homeless-population-vulnerable-cold/. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.

[3] Muhammad-Yusuf, F. (2023). Cost of dental care proving to be a roadblock for unhoused individuals in Kingston, Ont.. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9613726/dental-care-cost-roadblock-kingston-ont-unhoused/. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.

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.