Tag: dental care

Water Fluoridation is commonly regarded as one of the most effective health advancements in recent decades. Studies have consistently shown the benefits of water fluoridation to oral health. However, with fluoride commonly found in other products, can governments and policymakers justify the costs of further water fluoridation projects? Now, new research has tackled this topic.

Recent research has looked into the impact of Water Fluoridation programs in England. This includes both existing programs, and potential projects in the future.

The research suggests that while existing water fluoridation programs help to save money, there is no guarantee that future schemes will follow the same pattern [1].

This is an interesting finding, with water fluoridation a topic that elicits differing responses from many nations. These findings may help to guide future government policies.

What is Water Fluoridation?

Water Fluoridation refers to the process where a small amount of the natural chemical Fluoride is added to the public water supply. Numerous studies have shown that water fluoridation is associated with a reduction in cavities [2].

However, water fluoridation has also proven to be a controversial topic. Many countries have banned its practice outright, citing ethical concerns, and the potential dangers to over-exposure to fluoride.

This research took place in the United Kingdom. Approximately 11% of those living in England live in areas with water fluoridation schemes [3]. Therefore, the majority do not. The cities of Newcastle and Birmingham are among the largest areas to have water fluoridation schemes [3].

As the majority of research into water fluoridation was conducted prior to fluoride being added to toothpaste in the 1970s, it has been argued that more contemporary research is needed.

The Research

The research was carried out by the University of Manchester. Their findings have been published in the Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal [1].

Their research forms the largest ever study into the effects of water fluoridation on the dental health of adults [1]. In England, the majority of people access their dental care through the National Health Service (NHS).

The research involved looking at 6.4million adults and adolescents living in England [1]. Across these millions of adults, some lived in areas with fluoridated water, while others didn’t.

This created two cohorts. The researchers looked to see how patients in each cohort reacted over a 10-year period. Furthermore, this involved looking at areas like fillings, teeth extractions, tooth decay and missing teeth [1].

Overall, the findings were largely positive in respect to water fluoridation. Over the 10-year period, areas with water fluoridation cost £10.30 per person on average [1]. Moreover, NHS treatment costs were £22.26 lower per person – representing a 5.5% reduction compared to those in areas without water fluoridation [1].

Moreover, patients in fluoridated areas paid marginally less in dental charges. Unlike the majority of the NHS, dental care is not free in the UK. On average, those in fluoridated areas paid £7.64 less than their counterparts in non-fluoridated areas [1].

In locations where water fluoridation was in operation, there was a 3% reduction in NHS invasive dental treatment like fillings and extractions [1]. Moreover, there was a 2% reduction in decayed, missing, and filled teeth [1]. These reductions were in comparison to a group of people that lived in non-fluoridated areas over the 10 years.

The researchers came to the conclusion that the public sector saved £16.9million between 2010 and 2020 due to water fluoridation [1]. This presents large savings to the NHS.

Are the benefits worthwhile for the future?

Based on the findings, it could be argued that water fluoridation is worthwhile, and that further water fluoridation programs should take place.

However, the NHS needs to take cost into consideration, and may need to judge if the outlay required for further water fluoridation programs can be justified based on cost savings.

For example, while there were benefits to those in fluoridated areas, these improvements were rather marginal. Therefore, it is questionable as to whether or not these modest improvements can justify the expenditure involved.

A new water fluoridation scheme that would replicate similar programs from 2009 would cost approximately £50million. Therefore, based on this research, it would take around 30 years for the NHS to experience any savings [1]. This represents a significant time period.

It has also been argued that people have more access to fluoride through toothpastes and mouthwashes in the present day. This also adds to the suggestion that water fluoridation programs are not entirely needed for future generations.

Summary

Water fluoridation has been hailed as one of the most important health advancements in recent decades. There are many benefits to it, despite some opposition to it.

But water fluoridation isn’t enough on its own. Excellent oral hygiene and regular check-ups are needed. After all, there have been concerns from dentists over tooth decay levels.

For example, lead author Dr. Deborah Moore – from the University of Manchester – has said that “tooth decay remains almost universal by adulthood, even in populations that have had access to fluoride toothpastes and fluoridated water from birth” [4]. Therefore, even those in fluoridated areas are still able to develop tooth decay.

Overall, while existing water fluoridation programs in England provide marginal savings for the NHS, there is no guarantee that new schemes would continue to provide such cost savings. This represents an interesting dilemma for health professionals and policymakers going forward.

Thinking points…

[1] While the addition of fluoride to toothpaste and mouthwash products has helped to protect against cavities, we all need to ensure we have excellent oral hygiene! This includes attending regular dental check-ups, as this provides your dentist with the chance to examine your mouth, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. You should attend the dentist at least twice per year. We recommend booking an appointment now!

[2] Do you know if the area you’re in has fluoridated water? It can be interesting to find out! Why not have a discussion about the topic with those around you to see how everyone feels towards its practice? Feel free to share this article with your friends and family to start a discussion! You could also speak about it to your dentist if you need further advice.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

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. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

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

Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.

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] Moore, D., Nyakutsikwa, B., Allen, T., Lam, E., Birch, S., Tickle, M., Pretty, I. A., & Walsh, T. (2024). How effective and cost-effective is water fluoridation for adults and adolescents? The LOTUS 10-year retrospective cohort study. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. (Pre-publication issue).DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12930.

[2] Slade, G. D., Grider, W. B., Maas, W. R., & Sanders, A. E. (2018). Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (10): p1122-1128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0022034518774331.

[3] Department of Health & Social Care. (2022). Health and Care Bill: water fluoridation. Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-and-care-bill-factsheets/health-and-care-bill-water-fluoridation. Last accessed: 17th January 2024.

[4] Addelman, M. (2024). Future benefits of water fluoridation not guaranteed, study shows. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-future-benefits-fluoridation.html. Last accessed: 17th January 2024.

The announcement of the Canadian Federal Government’s National Dental Care Plan was hailed as an exciting and transformative moment for healthcare in Canada. However, various provinces have raised concerns over how existing dental programs will co-exist with the government’s plan. This has resulted in concerns that many Canadians will see a change in their dental care, while costs of the federal plan could also rise significantly.

The National Dental Care Plan has received a rather lukewarm reaction from Canadian provinces, with questions raised over how existing programs can co-exist with the federal government’s plan.

As a result, some provinces are reviewing their own dental plans [1]. Therefore, many Canadians may see a change in the dental care they receive, following the outcome of these reviews.

Background

In December 2023, the Canadian Government finalized the details of the national dental plan [2]. The plan aims to provide financial assistance towards dental care to those from low- and middle-income families.

The plan will be rolled out using a phased approach – with seniors and children among those to first receive access to the plan [1]. The current plan suggests that the full rollout will be complete from 2025.

The plan has been met with excitement from many dentists and dental professionals. Moreover, the plan is expected to have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians.

However, one of the main issues with the plan involves the concern regarding the co-existence between current provincial programs and the new plan [1].

Problems of co-existing

Following the announcement of the plan, Health Minister Mark Holland said that the program was intended to “fill the gaps”, rather than replace existing provincial dental programs [1].

However, this has proven to be problematic. Amidst concerns that provincial programs will change their approach, Holland has since said the provinces shouldn’t “shove” dental costs onto the government [1].

For the provinces, they are in a position now where they feel they can change their existing programs in a way that offsets many residents towards the federal government’s plan.

If provincial programs do change, or even entirely shut down, the price of the national dental plan could rise significantly. Already, the cost has risen substantially, with the cost expected to be $4.4billion per year. This is on top of the initial $13billion budget.

Different approaches

One such example comes from the province of Prince Edward Island (PEI). PEI has an existing dental plan, although it provides far more limited provisions compared to those seen in the federal program.

Therefore, in PEI, there is a belief that there will be a change in how dental bills are covered in the province, once the federal program is up and running [1]. For example, the federal plan will be open to far more PEI residents compared to the existing plan.

Furthermore, Alberta is another province that has an existing dental program. This program is aimed at children and seniors. However, as with PEI, the program is not as comprehensive as the federal program. Therefore, this will reduce the need for Alberta to run their own dental program.

Spokesperson Charlotte Taillon has said that Alberta wanted to see the federal government invest in existing programs, rather than start “an entirely new insurance-based plan” [1].

Moreover, Taillon said that Alberta “urged the federal government to work with the provinces and territories” to improve existing coverage [1]. However, this didn’t happen. Instead, the government opted to introduce their own program.

Taillon went on to say that Alberta is “currently reviewing the federal announcement” – suggesting that changes are likely to be made after the review [1].

The province of Nova Scotia is also said to be “currently reviewing the federal dental program details to better understand the impacts it will have on dental programs” within the province [1].

In the province of Ontario, they launched a senior’s dental program in 2019 [1]. A spokesperson for the province has said they aren’t expecting any immediate changes based on the federal plan. However, changes in the future cannot be ruled out.

What will happen next?

Each individual province will have their own decision to make in terms of altering their existing plans. Each province will have their own circumstances to consider, including the size of the population and their needs.

Once reviews have taken place, it is likely that we will see changes in existing provincial programs. Therefore, some people may need to access services in a different way, or some may lose some access altogether.

The federal government is hoping that the provincial programs will remain in place after these reviews. This would help to keep the costs down, and keep existing infrastructure in place. There is no timeline on how long these reviews will take.

The aim of the dental plan was to see a vast improvement in the oral health of Canadians around the nation. But we now run the risk of seeing little improvement due to the problems in co-existence between provincial and federal dental plans.

Thinking points…

1) Many people appear to be planning on waiting for the dental plan to be rolled out before next attending the dentist. However, we strongly recommend that you do not change the timing of your regular dental check-ups, especially as the full rollout of the plan is probably around a year away. Attending a check-up at least twice per year is crucial. Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly! We recommend that you make an appointment soon!

2) One of the leading reasons for the dental plan is concerns over the cost of dental care in Canada. For many people, cost is a big barrier. However, 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 fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us on our website Savanna Dental. We would love 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 range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Tasker, J. P. (2023). Provinces are reviewing their own dental care programs as Ottawa announces federal plan. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/provincial-dental-programs-reviewing-1.7059399. Last accessed: 6th January 2024.

[2] Government of Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 6th January 2024.

In an exciting development, the Canadian Government has provided finalized details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This announcement has been long-awaited, and provides key information on when eligible Canadians will be able to access the dental care plan. Overall, the aim is for the oral health of Canadians to improve significantly, whilst improving access to oral healthcare.

The Canadian Government has announced the roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and provided key details about its long-awaited unveiling [1].

This announcement has come following months of preparation. The announcement has been lauded as a milestone moment for Canadian healthcare and for Canadian citizens.

The aim is for the dental plan to improve the oral health of millions of Canadians across the nation, and provide better access to oral health services for them.

Background

The dental care plan was first discussed following the last Canadian Federal Election. Following many delays, a temporary dental benefit was launched at the end of 2022 [2].

This provided low-income families with children with financial assistance for dental care. It helped many children to receive desperately needed oral healthcare.

However, this was only a temporary measure. Instead, plans have been in the works for a wider national dental care plan. This has now resulted in the aforementioned announcement.

One of the main factors behind the development of the dental plan is the fact that approximately 1 in 3 people living in Canada do not have dental insurance [3]. This is normally due to cost concerns or a lack of access.

Therefore, many Canadians suffer in silence and pain, due to not being able to afford the dentist. This also has a negative impact on the Canadian healthcare system, with statistics showing emergency room visits for dental issues cost $1.8billion in 2017 [1]. Now though, the hope is that this will change.

The detail of the plan’s roll-out

The Canadian government has provided details of the roll-out. A phased approach will be adopted, which should ensure a smooth roll-out and fewer teething issues [1].

Canadian residents with an annual family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible for the plan [1]. Other eligibility criteria exists, including having no access to dental insurance and being a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

A sliding scale exists, with differing amounts contributed by the government, dependent on income. For example, those with an income of below $70,000 will have their dental care fully funded, while those with an income of $80,000-$89,999 will have a 60% contribution provided [1].

To begin with, the plan will begin with seniors. In December 2023, those aged 87 and above will become eligible for the plan. Moreover, those aged 77 to 86 will have access to the plan from January 2024 [1].

Continuing, those aged 72 to 76 will become eligible in February 2024, with those aged 70 to 71 then getting access in March 2024. Those who may be eligible will receive a letter to invite them to apply [1].

They will be instructed on how to validate their eligibility and how to apply. This will involve providing two pieces of identification and information on any existing dental benefits [1].

Hopefully by this point the plan will be running smoothly, and ready to open to a wider audience. If this is the case, then in May 2024, applications will be made via an online portal, with those aged 65 and older the next to benefit [1].

From June 2024, those with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, along with children aged under 18, will be provided with access to the plan [1]. Providing access to children is very important, hence their early position in the roll-out.

Finally, all remaining eligible Canadian residents aged between 18 and 64 will be able to apply online from 2025 [1]. Unfortunately, this does mean that the bulk of people will need to wait another year to access to the plan.

This means that over a 12-month period, all Canadian residents will eventually have access to the plan – dependent on meeting the eligibility criteria.

Which services will be provided?

The announcement also contained information on which dental services will be offered through the plan. The government did caution that some services will only be available from fall 2024 [1].

The services that will be provided include:

• Dental check-ups

• X-rays

• Scaling and polishing

• Sealants

• Restorations e.g., cavity fillings

• Endodontics e.g., root canal treatments

• Surgery e.g., tooth extractions [1]

The exact services provided may differ slightly, depending on which province or territory a person lives in [1]. But Health Canada is collaborating with the various provinces and territories to try and ensure equity across all areas.

When can patients book an appointment?

Canadians who are enrolled in the plan will receive a member card that includes their coverage start date, coverage details and a welcome package from Sun Life – the contracted service provider [1].

Following the delivery of the welcome package, the patient will be able to book an appointment. Moreover, the welcome package will contain further information about the plan.

What this means

This announcement is very positive. The importance of having dental care cannot be understated. Regular visits to the dentist aids oral health, and helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

The government has also advised that the plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting the needs of Canadians [1]. If needed, changes can be made.

There has been significant praise following the announcement. For example, The Honourable Mark Holland said that the plan “will be transformative” for Canada and will “significantly improve health outcomes” [3].

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who has been instrumental in the planning process, acknowledged that “Canadians deserve quality oral healthcare”, which is “important not only for oral health, but for overall health”, before describing the government’s commitment to oral healthcare as “unwavering” [3].

Hopefully the roll-out of the plan will result in a long-term improvement in oral health of Canadians. The full roll-out will be in operation by early 2025, making this an exciting time for Canadians!

Thinking points…

1) While it might be tempting to wait for the roll-out of the dental plan before next attending the dentist – we strongly advise you to not deviate from regular check-ups! If you do have any problems, leaving them untreated will only worsen the issues. Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly! We recommend that you make an appointment soon!

2) As the article above shows, cost is a big barrier for many people in trying to receive dental care. Therefore, it is good to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Consequently, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love 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 their oral health.

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

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

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

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

References

[1] Government of Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 14th December 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: 14th December 2023.

[3] Government of Canada. (2023). Making dental care more affordable in Canada. Available: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/making-dental-care-more-affordable-in-canada-832534813.html. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.