Oral Health | 2024

SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024

A SUPPLEMENT TO

Oral Health Month Good for you. Good for life. 2024

Inquiries: 204-697-7390 View online at www.winnipegfreepress.com/ fp-features

www.stvitaldental.ca 204-233-5164 Family dental practice serving Winnipeg for over 60 years

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CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN’S FRAMEWORK NEEDS MORE POLISHING

user-friendly. “The provincial and territorial associations, along with the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA), believe that there’s certain elements of the plan that need to be considered to make sure that it does create that access to care that we’re looking for. We’re working hard to see how we can how we can work together with the government to create a successful one.” Seniors aged 87 and over started to register for the Plan in December 2023. “The communication with government was a little late in the game – a little later than we would have liked,” says Baxter. “At this stage, we’ve had some opportunities to present our experience and expertise on what we see working daily with public and private insurance plans.”

BY JIM BENDER T he federal government recently introduced the (CDCP). Designed to ease financial barriers to accessing oral health for eligible Canadian residents, it’s for those who don’t have dental insurance or have a family income of $90,000 or less. The plan’s coverage will Canadian Dental Care Plan include everything from teeth cleaning to X-rays to dentures. Initial reviews of the plan indicate its framework needs more polishing. “The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a great concept, and it can be an important opportunity to provide better access to care for Canadians and Manitobans,” says Dr. Daron Baxter, the Manitoba Dental Association president. That said, the Plan still needs to be tweaked to make it more

“ We want to see a plan that enhances healthcare coverage for all Canadians.”

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— Dr. Daron Baxter, president of the MDA.

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Those requests include a plan for patients to choose their dental care provider along with the ability to access providers within their community. “We want to see a plan that enhances healthcare coverage for all Canadians. So, that would also mean protecting coverage for patients with existing benefits, and lowering the barriers to those who are currently uninsured.” Meanwhile, other senior citizens started registering in January, February, and March, with others due to register in May. Those with a disability tax credit and children under 18 can register in June. All remaining eligible Canadians can register in early 2025. Oral health care workers were being asked to enroll in the plan starting the week of March 11-18. “That’s not a design that exists in any other public or private plan in Canada,” Baxter says. “So, that difference already creates a barrier. It has some terms and conditions that practitioners need to sign to participate. That’s a barrier because there are some components of the registration that are unknown.” For example, practitioners don’t yet know how much the plan will cover for individual services. Patients must also ask their oral health care provider whether they are participating in the plan. If not, the plan will not cover any costs. According to the release, the plan will cover one hundred per cent of the cost for those with family incomes of less than $70,000. “Currently, patients choose their provider based on their needs, with their insurance covering the eligible costs of treatment. Patients have existing relationships with providers that have been built over the years. The CDCP limits that choice to only participating providers by requiring dentists to enter a legal agreement with the government, the implications of which dentists are looking to understand.”

Families with incomes of $70- 79,999 will get 60 per cent coverage, and those with incomes of $80,000- 89,999 will get 40 per cent of what the plan covers. Ultimately, the CDCP must do a better job of looking out for everyone’s best interests. “We want to make sure that we can develop a successful program that learns from other areas around the world that have similar plans,” Baxter says. “We want to avoid a scenario where patients can’t get the care that they’re looking for.”

For more information on the plan, call 1-833-537-4342 or Teletype 1-833-677-6262.

Did yOu kNow yOur oral heAlTh imPacTs yOur overalL heAlTh?

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DENTISTS WARN AGAINST THE DANGERS OF HIDDEN SUGARS ON DENTAL HEALTH

They can be found in everything from kitchen condiments to sports drinks. As a result, we’re collectively consuming more sugar today than in past generations. “With all this hidden sugar that we don’t even know we’re consuming, it affects dental health, but it also has a huge impact on our overall health,” Baluta says. “The amount of sugar is definitely a problem. The secondary problem is frequency and duration of sugar intake.” For example, Baluta says it’s better to drink a sugary coffee in 10 minutes than to sip it slowly over several hours. “The bacteria in our mouths basically will eat the sugar, creating acid. That acid attacks the enamel of the teeth, causing cavities. That’s where the problem comes dentally.”

BY JENNIFER MCFEE E ven if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, you’re probably consuming more sugar than you’d expect. Dr. Jerry Baluta, a long-time volunteer committee member of the Manitoba Dental Association, outlines the maximum daily sugar intake. A woman should consume no more than six teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar per day, while a man should limit sugar intake to nine teaspoons or 36 grams. However, a 12-ounce can of pop contains eight teaspoons of sugar, and even more hidden sugar sneaks into processed foods. These hidden sugars include molasses, honey, liquid inverted sugar, glucose, fructose, and corn syrup, which are listed in the ingredients of many processed products.

“ The best thing we can do is stop

the habit of keeping sugar on our teeth for extended periods of time.”

— Dr. Jerry Baluta, a long-time volunteer committee member of the Manitoba Dental Association.

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KILDONAN PARK DENTAL Dr. Bryan Morwick | Dr. Arun Misra | Dr. Depinder Samra ~NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME~ Evening and Saturday appointments 2539 Main Street • 204-334-1121

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FROM

PAGE 3

No wonDer my overalLs are so HEaLtHY!

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He adds that sugary foods shouldn’t sit on teeth for too long. “It’s all about the frequency, the amount, and how long the sugar sits on the teeth. The consistency of the food also makes a difference, so if you have half a gummy bear stuck right at the gum line on the tooth, that becomes a serious issue.” To combat the impacts of sugar, Baluta recommends good oral hygiene that includes brushing and flossing regularly. It’s also helpful to choose healthy snacks and to drink water between meals. Another good habit is to read ingredient lists to understand where sugar might be lurking in foods and drinks. For youngsters, dentists often take the preventative measure of applying sealants to molars to make them less susceptible to decay. Baluta also advises parents to avoid letting wee ones fall asleep with a bottle of milk or any other drink, besides water. In addition, fluoride can also help to re-mineralize the enamel of teeth. “Fluoride in our water supply is very

helpful to prevent tooth decay. The re-mineralization of teeth structure can happen in very early stages. Often if we see problems that are small, that’s when the fluoride will help,” he says. “Once the decay has gotten bad enough that it can’t be re-mineralized in the mouth, the only repair is dental work,” he says. And that dental work can get quite extensive. “At that stage, you need to get fillings done on those teeth. Then it starts the dental cascade. Once you’ve started work on that tooth, then there’s a natural progression over a lifetime of more and more work needing to be done on that tooth.” To reduce the negative dental impacts of sugar, Baluta offers some pointed advice. “The best thing we can do is stop the habit of keeping sugar on our teeth for extended periods of time,” he says. “Secondly, try to become aware of all the hidden amounts of sugar that you just don’t think about.”

Take care of your overall health for a confident smile Book your next appointment today

St. Vital (204) 813-7707 Garden City (204) 784-0396

One blended iced coffee drink can contain more sugar than your recommended daily intake. Be Sugar Smart.

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DENTISTS HELP DETECT ORAL CANCER BY JENNIFER MCFEE T here’s no reason to be closed- mouthed about oral cancer since it’s not always easy to discolouration in the mouth, voice changes or an ulcer on the tongue or cheek that isn’t healing. “Sometimes you can get bumps around the head and neck, which could be an indication

spot. Dr. Darryll Iwaszkiw encourages everyone to watch out for early warning signs of oral cancer. These signs include any new abnormal lumps or bumps or

that something is going on,” says Iwaszkiw, who works with head and neck wounds for CancerCare Manitoba. “You might notice a change in the fitting of a denture, a change in chewing or swallowing or a persistent sore throat. Those are some of the earliest signs.” However, oral cancer often tends to go unnoticed longer than cancers in other parts of the body. “With oral cancer, only about a third of them are diagnosed early simply because people aren’t looking in their mouths every day with illumination or magnification,” she says. “Over half of oral cancers are diagnosed once they have spread to a regional lymph node, and then the five-year survival rate drops to the high 60s.” The main known risk factors of oral cancer include using tobacco or alcohol, chewing betel nuts, or having a family history of squamous cell carcinoma. Other risk factors include high sun exposure, a weakened immune system and having HPV (human papillomavirus). Overall, instances of oral cancer remain reasonably stable, Iwaszkiw notes, although cases related to HPV are increasing slightly while tobacco-related cases are decreasing slightly. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “The surgical nature of treating head and neck cancers can be a little bit disfiguring, so it’s very important that we can catch them early to limit that as much as possible,” she says.

“ It’s hard for patients to see changes on their own, so when the dentist asks for a recall exam, the dentist is doing an oral cancer screening as well.”

— Dr. Darryll Iwaszkiw.

If the cancer isn’t caught early, then more radical measures must be taken. “The bigger the cancer, the more invasive the surgery must be,” she says. “When we’re dealing with the head and neck, there are also a lot of important structures, so it can get complicated very quickly.” Surgery might not be an option in some cases, depending on how invasive the cancer is. “Sometimes the location could prohibit a surgeon from being able to access the area. If it’s HPV-related, the good news is that the prognosis tends to be better. Those cancers respond better to treatment.” At the same time, early detection can also lead to a much better prognosis. “It’s hard for patients to see changes on their own, so when the dentist asks for a recall exam, the dentist is doing an oral cancer

screening as well,” she says. “A lot of patients don’t know that’s what we’re doing at those recall appointments.” That’s why it’s so important to keep up with those appointments regularly, adds Iwaszkiw. “If there are any very early signs, they can be caught and referred to the appropriate health-care provider to check or perform a biopsy if necessary.” To minimize risk, she recommends avoiding all forms of tobacco — including vaping and chewing tobacco — and avoiding or limiting alcohol intake. “It’s also important to make sure children are vaccinated against HPV. The vaccination is offered through Manitoba Health to all children in Grade 6,” she says. “That vaccine helps to protect against nine different types of HPV that can cause different types of cancer.”

“ Only about one-third of oral

cancers are diagnosed early because people aren’t doing regular checks for warning signs.”

— Dr. Darryll Iwaszkiw.

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Not everyone can see it, but your dentist can. ORAL CANCER ISN’T THIS EASY TO SPOT

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TOOTH FAIRY SATURDAY AIMS AT ELIMINATING TOOTH DECAY IN KIDS OF ALL AGES

that puts everyone at ease.” From there, the dentist or orthodontist will proceed with the examination. “Generally, things are good, but every now and then we find something that’s wrong,” he says. “The idea is to provide an informal atmosphere where kids can feel comfortable, and parents can ask questions about how to take care of their child’s teeth.” It also gives dental care providers a chance to dispense some great advice on how to maintain a young child’s teeth properly. “For example, some parents have asked if it’s appropriate to use a finger brush for a child that’s one or two years old,” notes Santos. “We tell them it’s often best to use a regular brush that has shorter bristles designed specifically for smaller mouths and teeth. Children should brush at least twice a day.” Then, there’s the matter of flossing. “The general recommendation is to start flossing when your child has two teeth that touch. Generally, that’s by age two or three, when kids get their baby molars, but can sometimes be sooner. We recommend that parents do it

for their kids until they can do it well enough on their own. The important thing is to get into a routine as early as possible.” There are also other good dental habits that parents can instill when kids are young, he adds. “To prevent tooth decay in early childhood, don’t let infants go to bed with sugary drinks. Enamel on a baby tooth is much thinner than enamel on permanent teeth, making them more prone to tooth decay. Sugar seems to be in everything now, so you’ve got to be very aware.” By the same token, brushing teeth and flossing should be the last task of the day. “We recommend that kids don’t eat or drink after brushing,” emphasizes Santos. “If your child is thirsty, give them only water to drink. Otherwise, all the good the brushing and flossing they did will be cancelled out.” This year, Tooth Fairy Saturday will be held on June 8. “Last year was the first year we were back to normal after COVID,” he says. “It’s one of the best parts of the Children’s Festival and is one its busiest days. Everyone has a great time while learning about how to maintain good oral health.”

BY TODD LEWYS I t’s been one of the Manitoba Dental Association’s (MDA) biggest kids’ oral health initiatives for more than three decades. Yet despite its light-hearted title, Tooth Fairy Saturday — long a staple at The Winnipeg International Children’s Festival — is a fun event that takes serious aim at preventing tooth decay in kids of all ages. “It’s an event that traditionally takes place all day on a Saturday, with dental and orthodontics screenings being provided for free,” says Dr. Richard Santos. “We usually see hundreds of kids. The idea is to provide a fun, positive experience of coming to the dentist that families will make a habit of in the years to come.” He adds that the idea is to make kids as comfortable as possible right off the hop. “We will sit with parents’ knee- to-knee and lay the child down between us if they’re younger, while we may have bigger or older kids sit in a chair with their parents next to them. That keeps them calm and allows the parents to take part in the screening. Doing

“ Tooth Fairy Saturday is about familiarizing families with dental care providers & helping them establish sound dental care habits.”

— Dr. Richard Santos.

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Tooth Fairy Saturday

Children of all ages are invited to meet the Tooth Fairy at The Manitoba Dental Association’s interactive tent on Saturday, June 8th! Dentists and Orthodontists will be on hand to provide quick dental screenings for kids. Get your teeth checked and receive a free gift bag with dental supplies to help keep your pearly whites sparkling! Join us and learn more about oral health care for children.

Proud Sponsor of Kidsfest June 6-9 at the Forks

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Tobacco, Chew, Vaping and Cannabis use • Smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, vaping, and cannabis can lead to oral cancer.

• Chewing tobacco, prevalent in sports, poses a high risk, with up to 75% trying it, mainly among males. • Smokeless tobacco delivers more nicotine than cigarettes, creating a strong physical dependency.

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YOUR MANITOBA DENTAL FOUNDATION VISION STATEMENT The Manitoba Dental Foundation serves as the unified centre of professional philanthropy for the dentists of Manitoba. administrative costs of our MDF is minimal. In 2019, the University of Manitoba Dental Students Association joined the Foundation Board. The Foundation raises funds through monthly and annual donations, holding annual fun(d)raising special events including three Smile Galas (2015, 2018 and 2022). Due to the COVID pandemic no events were held in 2020 and 2021. Our next Smile Gala event is planned for November, 2025 in collaboration with the 10th Anniversary of the Manitoba Dental Foundation

MANITOBA DENTAL FOUNDATION

Members of the dental profession have recognized an unmet need for oral health care. Dentists have and continue to provide `pro bono` dental care for those with limited access to improve their oral health. In February of 2013, a small group of dentists actively involved in organized dentistry in Manitoba initiated a discussion about the creation of an organization to formally address the improvement of oral health for the underserved, homeless and vulnerable in Winnipeg and Manitoba. A proposal to create a foundation was presented to the Manitoba Dental Association Board which was unanimously endorsed. A pathway to create this charitable organization was developed in consultation with other dental societies and groups in Manitoba including the Winnipeg Dental Society, University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association, Western Manitoba Dental Society and Northern Manitoba Dental Society. All of these groups endorsed the creation of a dental foundation. What followed was th creation of Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and the submission for and the Registered Charitable Status in 2015 of The Manitoba Dental Foundation Inc.

Since inception, the Foundation has raised over $270,000 plus an additional $100,000 for the Dr. Michael Cuthbert Endowment Fund and has provided grants in excess of $135,000 to organizations in Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie and Brandon, and also supported an oral health mission sponsored by the Mondetta Charitable Foundation. Please visit our website for more information :

A strategic plan was developed in 2016 for the Foundation which now forms the governance structure of it today. In 2018, an Executive Director was retained. Through collaboration with the Manitoba Dental Association, the

About your MDF (www.manitobadentalfoundation.ca or scan QR Code).

Grants and Awards Since Inception:

North Point Douglas Women’s Shelter

Ralph Maybank School

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Jeff Hein Vice President & Economics Committee Chair Manitoba Dental Association

Dr. Daron Baxter President & Board Chair Manitoba Dental Association

Dr. Jeff Hein Vice President & Economics Committee Chair Manitoba Dental Association

Dr. Daron Baxter President & Board Chair Manitoba Dental Association

The Value of Patient Choice Why the Freedom to Select Your Dentist Matters T he Government of Canada’s announcement that millions of people in Canada will soon have access to oral healthcare through the Canadian Dental Care Plan One of the primary benefits of choosing a dentist lies in the establishment of a personalized treatment approach. Every patient has unique oral health concerns, ranging from routine cleanings and preventive care to complex restorative procedures. The Value of Patient Choice Why the Freedom to Select Your Dentist Matters T

he Government of Canada’s announcement that millions of people in Canada will soon have access to oral healthcare through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) came as welcome news to many. As the voice of Manitoba dentists, Manitoba Dental Association has promoted the proven relationship between oral and general health for decades. The CDCP represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the overall health of Canadians – if it is done right. T he Government of Canada’s announcement that millions of people in Canada will soon have access to oral healthcare through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) came as welcome news to many. As the voice of Manitoba dentists, Manitoba Dental Association has promoted the proven relationship between oral and general health for decades. The CDCP represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the overall health of Canadians – if it is done right. However, we are concerned about several aspects of the However, we are concerned about several aspects of the government’s plan, particularly that many patients covered under CDCP will not have the freedom to choose their own dentist. The CDCP is designed in such a way that oral health providers (e.g. dentists) must agree to participate in the plan to be paid by government for the care they provide to eligible patients. Under CDCP rules, patients are not allowed to pay their dentist directly and then seek reimbursement from the government. While this means that CDCP-covered patients will not need to submit claims and seek repayment, it also means they will only be covered for dental care they receive from participating government’s plan, particularly that many patients covered under CDCP will not have the freedom to choose their own dentist. The CDCP is designed in such a way that oral health providers (e.g. dentists) must agree to participate in the plan to be paid by government for the care they provide to eligible patients. Under CDCP rules, patients are not allowed to pay their dentist directly and then seek reimbursement from the government. While this means that CDCP-covered patients will not need to submit claims and seek repayment, it also means they will only be covered for dental care they receive from participating providers. The result is that many people who have been seeing their dentist for years will be forced to find a different dentist, possibly hours away. providers. The result is that many people who have been seeing their dentist for years will be forced to find a different dentist, possibly hours away. As many people struggle to find a family doctor, they may also be forced to find a new dentist In the realm of healthcare, the significance of patient autonomy cannot be overstated. From selecting a primary care physician to choosing specialists, people cherish the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Dentistry, often overlooked in discussions of patient choice, is equally vital to overall well-being. The capacity to select one’s dentist holds profound importance, impacting not only oral health but also overall satisfaction and confidence in oral healthcare experiences. The relationship between a patient and their dentist is unique, characterized by trust, communication, and mutual respect. When patients have the freedom to choose their dentist, they can seek out professionals who align with their individual needs, preferences, and values. The relationship between a patient and their dentist is unique, characterized by trust, communication, and mutual respect. When patients have the freedom to choose their dentist, they can seek out professionals who align with their individual needs, preferences, and values. The relationship between a patient and their dentist is unique, characterized by trust, communication, and mutual respect. When patients have the freedom to choose their dentist, they can seek out professionals who align with their individual needs, preferences, and values. In the realm of healthcare, the significance of patient autonomy cannot be overstated. From selecting a primary care physician to choosing specialists, people cherish the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Dentistry, often overlooked in discussions of patient choice, is equally vital to overall well-being. The capacity to select one’s dentist holds profound importance, impacting not only oral health but also overall satisfaction and confidence in oral healthcare experiences. In the realm of healthcare, the significance of patient autonomy cannot be overstated. From selecting a primary care physician to choosing specialists, people cherish the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers. Dentistry, often overlooked in discussions of patient choice, is equally vital to overall well-being. The capacity to select one’s dentist holds profound importance, impacting not only oral health but also overall satisfaction and confidence in oral healthcare experiences. (CDCP) came as welcome news to many. As the voice of Manitoba dentists, Manitoba Dental Association has promoted the proven relationship between oral and general health for decades. The CDCP represents an unprecedented opportunity to improve the overall health of Canadians – if it is done right. However, we are concerned about several aspects of the government’s plan, particularly that many patients covered under CDCP will not have the freedom to choose their own dentist. The CDCP is designed in such a way that oral health providers (e.g. dentists) must agree to participate in the plan to be paid by government for the care they provide to eligible patients. Under CDCP rules, patients are not allowed to pay their dentist directly and then seek reimbursement from the government. While this means that CDCP-covered patients will not need to submit claims and seek repayment, it also means they will only be covered for dental care they receive from participating providers. The result is that many people who have been seeing their dentist for years will be forced to find a different dentist, possibly hours away. As many people struggle to find a family doctor, they may also be forced to find a new dentist

One of the primary benefits of choosing a dentist lies in the establishment of a personalized treatment approach. Every patient has unique oral health concerns, ranging from routine cleanings and preventive care to complex restorative procedures. Beyond clinical expertise, the interpersonal dynamics between a patient and their dentist significantly influence the overall treatment experience. Many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, often stemming from past negative experiences or trauma. In such cases, allowing patients to continue getting care from a dentist with whom they have a trusted relationship can make a world of difference. Beyond clinical expertise, the interpersonal dynamics between a patient and their dentist significantly influence the overall treatment experience. Many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, often stemming from past negative experiences or trauma. In such cases, allowing patients to continue getting care from a dentist with whom they have a trusted relationship can make a world of difference. Moreover, for individuals with specific cultural or linguistic backgrounds, choosing a dentist who understands their unique needs can enhance the quality of care received. Effective communication is essential in healthcare interactions, and having a dentist who speaks the same language or is sensitive to cultural nuances can facilitate clearer exchanges of information and foster trust. communication is essential in healthcare interactions, and having a dentist who speaks the same language or is sensitive to cultural nuances can facilitate clearer exchanges of information and foster trust. While CDCP represents an opportunity to increase access to oral healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, it must be done right and it must respect patient choice. If a CDCP-covered patient sees a dentist that has agreed to participate in CDCP, the dentist will be paid directly by government. However, if that dentist has opted not to participate in CDCP for various reasons, then the patient should be able to pay for the care they receive and be reimbursed from While the CDCP represents an opportunity to increase access to oral healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, it must be done right and it must respect patient choice. If a CDCP-covered patient sees a dentist that has agreed to participate in the CDCP, the dentist will submit claims directly to the government. However, if that dentist has opted not to participate in the CDCP for various reasons, the patient cannot seek dental care from that provider and use their CDCP coverage. Currently, Canadians with existing private and public insurance, as well as those who are uninsured, have the ability to seek care from their choice of licensed professional. This freedom of choice should be protected for all patients. Ensuring the CDCP parallels access to care of existing insurance will not only allow patient choice, but it will enable thousand of dentists to treat CDCP- covered patients. Given that some nine million people in Canada will be eligible under CDCP, and many will not have seen a dentist in years (or ever), reducing the barriers for dentists to provide care will be key to success. government. Enabling patients to pay and seek reimbursement is essential to give them freedom of choice, while also respecting that patients who are unwilling or unable to pay can choose a provider who has agreed to participate. This will not only allow patient choice, but it will also enable thousands of dentists to treat CDCP-covered patients. Given that some nine million people in Canada will be eligible under CDCP, and many will not have seen a dentist in years (or ever), reducing the barriers for dentists to provide care will be key to success. Ultimately, the ability to choose one’s dentist is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care. By empowering individuals to select their dentist, we can enhance the quality of oral healthcare delivery and promote positive outcomes for patients. Embracing patient choice in dentistry is not only a testament to respect for autonomy, but also a pathway to healthier smiles and happier patients. Ultimately, the ability to choose one’s dentist is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care. By empowering individuals to select their dentist, we can enhance the quality of oral healthcare delivery and promote positive outcomes for patients. Embracing patient choice in dentistry is not only a testament to respect for autonomy, but also a pathway to healthier smiles and happier patients. March 1, 2024 One of the primary benefits of choosing a dentist lies in the establishment of a personalized treatment approach. Every patient has unique oral health concerns, ranging from routine cleanings and preventive care to complex restorative procedures. Moreover, for individuals with specific cultural or linguistic backgrounds, choosing a dentist who understands their unique needs can enhance the quality of care received. Effective

Beyond clinical expertise, the interpersonal dynamics between a patient and their dentist significantly influence the overall treatment experience. Many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, often stemming from past negative experiences or trauma. In such cases, allowing patients to continue getting care from a dentist with whom they have a trusted relationship can make a world of difference. Moreover, for individuals with specific cultural or linguistic backgrounds, choosing a dentist who understands their unique needs can enhance the quality of care received. Effective communication is essential in healthcare interactions, and having a dentist who speaks the same language or is sensitive to cultural nuances can facilitate clearer exchanges of information and foster trust. While CDCP represents an opportunity to increase access to oral healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, it must be done right and it must respect patient choice. If a CDCP-covered patient sees a dentist that has agreed to participate in CDCP, the dentist will be paid directly by government. However, if that dentist has opted not to participate in CDCP for various reasons, then the patient should be able to pay for the care they receive and be reimbursed from government. Enabling patients to pay and seek reimbursement is essential to give them freedom of choice, while also respecting that patients who are unwilling or unable to pay can choose a provider who has agreed to participate. This will not only allow patient choice, but it will also enable thousands of dentists to treat CDCP-covered patients. Given that some nine million people in Canada will be eligible under CDCP, and many will not have seen a dentist in years (or ever), reducing the barriers for dentists to provide care will be key to success. Ultimately, the ability to choose one’s dentist is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care. By empowering individuals to select their dentist, we can enhance the quality of oral healthcare delivery and promote positive outcomes for patients. Embracing patient choice in dentistry is not only a testament to respect for autonomy, but also a pathway to healthier smiles and happier patients.

March 1, 2024

April 2024

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