Dental Governance & Regulations

Hygienists urge government to continue investing in affordable oral health care amid CDCP uncertainty

by Oral Health
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The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is calling on the federal government to continue investing in affordable, preventive oral health care, the organization said Thursday in a statement. Citing an “ongoing cost-of-living crisis” and tariff threats from the Trump administration, the CDHA said federal investments in oral health care in Canada have “positive impacts” on … Read more

Singh warns of possible cuts to dental care as NDP faces polling drop

by Jesmeen Gill, The Canadian Press
Pharmacare and the national dental-care program were key parts of the supply-and-confidence deal that saw the NDP keep the minority Liberals in power for more than two years.

Jagmeet Singh says he’s “absolutely” the right person to lead the New Democrats into the next election despite the party’s drop in the polls. A recent Leger poll puts the NDP at just 14 per cent support — and suggests that support would drop to 12 per cent with Mark Carney as Liberal leader. At … Read more

Utah close to fully banning fluoride in water, stripping cities’ ability to decide

by Kenya Hunter, The Canadian Press
Utah appears to be the first state ready to put a full ban on fluoride in public water systems under a bill that doesn't allow cities or communities to decide whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral.

Utah appears to be the first state ready to put a full ban on fluoride in public water systems under a bill that doesn’t allow cities or communities to decide whether to add the cavity-preventing mineral. A bill sponsor and an organization opposed to fluoridating water said Utah’s proposal would set a precedent in the U.S. — … Read more

Florida lawmakers push three-year dental certification to ease dentist shortage

by Oral Health
Quebec’s Order of Hygienists President Jean-François Lortie has reported a shortage of at least 1,400 hygienists in the province.

Described as experiencing a “dental crisis” by its local press, Florida lawmakers introduced House Bill 21 on Feb. 11 as a solution: a three-year dental therapist certification, contrasting with the usual eight years required to become a dentist. The bill, expected to cost about US$156,108 to implement, would authorize dental therapists to provide services under … Read more

Canadian government expands student loan forgiveness to bring more dentists and hygienists to rural areas

by Oral Health
There was a significant difference in spatial accessibility scores between rural and urban areas, with 1 dentist for every 3850 people in rural areas and 1 dentist for every 1470 people in urban areas.

Under a new federal initiative taking effect Nov. 1, dentists and dental hygienists who work in underserved rural or remote areas for five years could see up to $60,000 and $15,000, respectively, in student debt forgiven. “Providing student loan relief to health care and social service professionals working in rural and remote communities will not … Read more

After Arkansas rejects fluoride ban, here are bills shaping the debate across the U.S.

by Oral Health
The report, based on an analysis of previously published research, marks the first time a federal agency has determined — “with moderate confidence” — that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids.

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won Senate confirmation as U.S. Health Secretary on Thursday, some states are engaged in political debates over whether to ban fluoride in drinking water, with Arkansas recently rejecting a bill to prohibit its use. Kennedy made headlines when he took to social media, describing fluoride as “industrial waste” that lowers … Read more

StatCan: Cost a ‘major barrier’ to accessing dental care for 24% of Canadians

by Oral Health
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Cost remains a “major barrier” to accessing dental care, Stats Canada reported Wednesday, citing data from the Canadian Oral Health Survey (COHS) for fiscal 2024. The data shows that about 24 per cent of Canadians aged 12 and older avoided visits to an oral health professional due to cost slightly in the past 12 months, … Read more

Navigating online interactions as a health care professional: Guidelines for dentists

by Josh Koziebrocki, founder of Koziebrocki Law
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In today’s digital landscape, a dentist’s online conduct can have significant implications, extending well beyond the walls of a clinic or office. Professional, ethical, and legal obligations for dentists also apply to their online activities. Inappropriate behavior online, whether on personal accounts or professional pages, can harm patients, tarnish a professional reputation, negatively impact public … Read more

Changes, challenges, opportunities and the CDCP

by Julian Perez, Chief Legal Officer at Dentalcorp; Michelle Budd, DDS, Patient Safety Consultant at Dentalcorp
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The CDCP has arrived. Most dentists are participating. Now what? The practice of dentistry is constantly evolving, especially as it relates to new technologies and techniques. The pace of evolution is only speeding up, and this trend requires oral health professionals to adapt their practices to keep up with the changes. In contrast to advancing … Read more

An updated guide to complaints at the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario

by Josh Koziebrocki, LLB, BA (Hons)
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Dentists routinely receive complaints from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). When these notices arrive, it is likely that dentists are unfamiliar with the process and are understandably concerned. The RCDSO typically states that a complaint was filed against the dentist regarding their conduct or actions and a copy of the complaint … Read more

Alberta’s Premier Wants Province Out of Federal Dental Care Plan by 2026

by Oral Health
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Adriana LaGrange, Alberta’s Minister of Health, expressed her province’s intention to opt out of the newly introduced Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as reported in a late June Op-Ed. The federal government officially launched the $13 billion CDCP on May 1 to provide dental coverage to Canadians who do not have dental insurance and have … Read more

Dental Care Providers Can Now Treat CDCP Patients Without Officially Signing Up

by Oral Health
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As of July 8, 2024, oral health care providers can now see patients registered for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), even if not officially registered themselves. After months of feedback from disgruntled dental professionals, the federal government has implemented this change in the hope that more dental providers will take part in the plan … Read more

CDA Welcomes Federal Government’s Changes to the CDCP

by Oral Health
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The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) recently showed their support for the federal government’s changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The CDA and the provincial/territorial associations have voiced their concerns about the CDCP and advocated for changes to be made since it’s announcement. Now that more details about the program have been shared and … Read more

Ontario Dentist Accused of Malpractice for Allegedly Installing Unapproved Devices

by Oral Health
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National Post recently reported on the case of Dr. Hisham Kaloti, an Ontario dentist who is being accused of medical malpractice and battery for installing unapproved equipment in patient’s mouths. Multiple lawsuits have been filed on behalf of former patients who have dealt with many complications since receiving their veneers and crowns. The devices were … Read more

CDCP Expands to Adults with a Valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate and Children Under 18

by Oral Health
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As of June 27, 2024, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). With this expansion, approximately 1.2 million more people will have the opportunity for improved oral health, according to the Government of Canada. This is made … Read more

Alberta to Opt Out of Canadian Dental Care Plan for 2026

by Oral Health
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced that the province plans to opt out of the federal dental care plan by 2026. The reason behind this decision is that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is essentially a duplicate of the coverage already available in Alberta. She still wants to negotiate for the province’s share of … Read more

Ontario Increases Eligibility for Seniors Dental Care Program

by Oral Health
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The Ontario government is increasing access and eligibility for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program, to ensure more low-income seniors are receiving the health care they need. Beginning August 1, 2024, the annual income eligibility threshold will be increased from $22,200 to $25,000 for single Ontarians aged 65 and over … Read more

Health Minister Claims Conservatives are Trying to Sabotage CDCP, Dental Associations Deny

by Oral Health
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The Canadian Press reported that Health Minister Mark Holland is accusing the Conservatives of trying to sabotage the new federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Holland spoke about the issue at a news conference in Ottawa where he said he thinks Conservatives are contacting the dental associations directly, getting them angry and turning them against … Read more

Canada Launches Second Stream of Funding to Improve Access to Oral Health Care

by Oral Health
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The Government of Canada launched the second stream of funding under the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF), with the goal of improving access to oral health care in rural and underserved areas of the country. The OHAF is a grants and contributions program led by Health Canada that was designed to complement the Canadian Dental Care … Read more

Kelowna Dentists Provide Free Services for Kids Without Access to Care

by Oral Health
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A group of Kelowna dental professionals donated their time and services to help kids without easy access to dental care. East Meets West, a children’s charity organization, and Access Dental office partnered to give around 60 kids dental cleanings and checkups. The project is called Smile 24 and allows dentists, hygienists, and other staff to … Read more