Alberta dentists are caught in “limbo” as confusion persists over how the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is overlapping with the province’s existing coverage and when Ottawa’s program will end for Albertans. “Without a time frame, our dentists are in limbo with respect to knowing how to encourage patients, which plan to utilize. Should … Read more
The American Dental Association is pushing back against claims from the Trump administration that Tylenol could be linked to autism, stressing that peer-reviewed science shows acetaminophen is safe. “Acetaminophen is well studied and proven to be safe for use in pregnancy and is one of the few medicines available to pregnant individuals for pain relief … Read more
A U.N. political declaration on noncommunicable diseases, negotiated over months and backed by most member states, failed to win formal endorsement Thursday after the United States blocked its adoption by consensus at a high-level General Assembly session. Shortly after its release, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Washington would formally object, arguing the … Read more
Ontario is consulting on expanding the scope of practice for several regulated health professionals, including dental hygienists and denturists, to improve access to care. Deputy Premier and Health Minister Sylvia Jones said Wednesday the proposal would allow a range of regulated health professionals — including dental hygienists, denturists, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors and chiropodists — … Read more
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is warning employers — particularly large health-care organizations and staffing firms — to review their noncompete and restrictive covenant agreements to ensure they are not overbroad or unjustifiably restrictive. FTC Chair Andrew N. Ferguson sent letters to several health-care employers and staffing companies on Sept. 10, urging them to examine … Read more
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will continue to back national social programs such as dental care, child care and pharmacare, even as tough spending decisions loom in the fall budget. Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton on Thursday, Carney acknowledged the upcoming budget will require difficult trade-offs but stressed that affordability … Read more
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has pulled back a government report warning of links between cancer and even low levels of alcohol consumption, The New York Time reported. The sidelined report, titled the Alcohol Intake and Health Study, warned that even one drink a day increases the risk of liver cirrhosis, … Read more
In May 2024, the American Dental Association (ADA) issued a warning about what it referred to as “veneer techs” — unlicensed individuals promoting veneer placement on social media — cautioning that dental procedures are irreversible and should only be performed by licensed dentists. Despite this warning, on Aug. 20, Florida police arrested 35-year-old Emely M. … Read more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finalized guidance for manufacturers of dental bone grafting material devices, with the goal of reducing reliance on animal studies. The document outlines recommendations to help manufacturers comply with special controls for these devices and increase transparency around animal testing. “The guidance also provides recommendations that may aid in … Read more
A Winnipeg dental clinic has filed a lawsuit against a former patient over allegedly defamatory online reviews following a June tooth extraction. The reviews, posted on platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Yelp, allegedly contained false statements meant to damage the clinic’s reputation. The legal action, filed in the Court of King’s Bench, seeks damages … Read more
Two groups—the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) and Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions (DAMS Inc.)—have submitted a petition urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban mercury-containing dental fillings. Also known as silver fillings or dental amalgam, the material contains approximately 50 per cent mercury by weight. The groups described their … Read more
An Alberta dentist facing criminal sexual assault charges has received a partial reprieve from the province’s top court, which found his professional college acted “unreasonably harsh” when it cancelled his practice permit, the Edmonton Journal reported. Dr. Shouresh Charkhandeh, 43, was charged in 2024 with four counts of sexual assault and one count of threatening … Read more
A Halifax judge is expected to rule Nov. 20 on whether retired pediatric dentist Dr. Errol Gaum, 82, is guilty of assaulting four former patients when they were children. The earliest allegation dates back to 1970. Gaum appeared in Halifax provincial court Monday for closing arguments in a trial that began in May. He originally … Read more
As reports mount over high rejection rates and paperwork delays in the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), Health Canada says it is working to improve processing times and support dentists. On July 6, Canadian Affairs reported that Lindy Vanamburg, director general of the Oral Health Branch at Health Canada, said 49 per cent of … Read more
Abstract The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now approaching its first anniversary of patient care. This paper is a brief analysis of some current design and operational flaws diminishing the success of the plan. The paper evolves from a more comprehensive document submitted to Health Canada in fall of 2024.1 The CDCP provides access … Read more
Hudson’s Bay employees have been told they won’t receive severance pay — and they’ve also lost their health, dental and life insurance benefits, The Canadian Press reported. A law firm representing the workers says that because of the company’s significant secured debt, it’s unclear whether employees will be able to recover anything owed to them … Read more
After 14 years without fluoride in its water supply, Calgary will officially reintroduce the mineral on Monday, June 30. “Fluoride will be reintroduced into Calgary’s drinking water,” the City of Calgary’s Water Services department said in a statement. “Health Canada, Alberta Health, and Alberta Health Services support the practice of Community Water Fluoridation as a … Read more
Czech police have detained a family of three accused of running a fake dental clinic without licences or training, a case that’s made international headlines amid a reported rise in bogus clinics in the country. According to a police statement released Wednesday, dozens of people were treated at the unlicensed clinic, which operated out of … Read more
With a shortfall in the dental workforce continuing to leave millions without care, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) is calling for urgent reforms to speed up registration for foreign-trained dentists in the United Kingdom. “We need to unlock the barriers preventing the 6,000 fully trained overseas dentists in the registration queue from practising in … Read more
Some dentists are questioning the long-term sustainability of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) as more than two million people have received care under the program, out of at least four million approved. The Prince Edward Island Dental Association remains concerned about the program’s viability, its president Matt Gilchrist told SaltWire this week. “Providers are … Read more