Dentistry

This Antimicrobial Awareness Week: CDA, Choosing Wisely Canada to launch webinar, toolkit for dental professionals

by Oral Health
WHO’s 2025 report shows rising antibiotic resistance—South-East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean have the highest rates, with about one in three lab-confirmed infections resistant in 2023. (iStock)

As part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18-24), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) said Monday, in collaboration with Choosing Wisely Canada, is promoting the responsible use of antibiotics in dentistry. The initiative aims to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A webinar is scheduled for Nov. 20, alongside the release of a … Read more

Green Party urges more P.E.I. students to pursue dentistry amid growing ‘shortage’

by Oral Health
Dental Students training

A Green Party MLA in Prince Edward Island is calling for more local students to pursue dentistry as a career to address a growing shortage of dentists, CBC reported. “There is a shortage, unfortunately, of front-line health-care practitioners across the board, and dentists are no exception,” said Borden-Kinkora MLA Matt MacFarlane. With Dalhousie University in … Read more

U.S. report: Some dentists ‘unnecessarily’ removing ‘perfectly fine’ teeth amid $5B boom in implant industry

by Oral Health
The investigation noted that the U.S. dental implant market, worth more than $5 billion, has grown by 6% annually.

Amid a boom in the implant industry, some dentists in the United States are removing teeth that do not need to be extracted, according to a one-month investigation by CBS News and KFF Health News. KFF, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues, found several instances where dentists extracted healthy teeth unnecessarily. … Read more

‘A lot more cavities to fill’: U.S. dentists react to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s fluoride stance, nomination as health secretary

by Oral Health
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.

American dentists are reacting to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. Kennedy, a vocal critic of water fluoridation, has linked it to health risks. Republican Representative and former dentist Mike Simpson joked that eliminating fluoride in water would be “good for the dental profession,” adding, “A lot more cavities … Read more

U.S. hygienists reject ADA resolutions allowing non-licensed practitioners, including foreign-trained dentists, to perform services

by Oral Health
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U.S. hygienists are voicing their concerns on social media after the American Dental Association (ADA) passed resolutions allowing unlicensed practitioners to perform dental hygiene services. Recently, the ADA voted on and passed Resolutions 401, 413, and 514B, which would remove faculty-to-student ratios in dental hygiene programs and allow dental students and foreign-trained dentists to practice … Read more

Board promises ‘smooth continuity’ to 325,000 federal retirees as dental plan switches on Nov. 1

by Oral Health
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325,000 federal retirees saw their dental plan switch to Canada Life. (iStock) Some federal pensioners faced issues, including denied medications, 16 months after their health insurance switched from Sun Life to Canada Life. Now, as Canada Life takes over the Pensioners’ Dental Services Plan (PDSP) for 325,000 federal retirees on Nov. 1, the Treasury Board … Read more

Transforming cleft care: non-profit, dental giant use portable scanners to reach remote communities

by Dina Al-Shibeeb
A child smiles after undergoing cleft surgery provided by Smile Train as a toddler. (Photo: Smile Train) A child smiles after undergoing cleft surgery provided by Smile Train when he was younger toddler. (Photo: Smile Train)

A healthcare worker taking a digital scan of a child’s cleft-affected mouth and teeth in a remote mountainous area is no futuristic vision—it’s reality. This scenario is possible thanks to two global leaders in their fields. Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of dental products and technologies, and Smile Train, the largest cleft-focused organization globally, that … Read more

Remote Prince Rupert dentists pioneer federal dental care program in northwest B.C.

by The Canadian Press
CDCP covers an average of $730 per user through services like cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals and screenings for diseases like oral cancer

Seven dental care providers in Prince Rupert were among the first to join the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP), setting a precedent in northwest B.C. “Prince Rupert dentists were the first ones to sign up in significant numbers, and I just think it really showed some positive momentum and leadership for the rest of the region,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley … Read more

‘Fewer patients’: More appointments available at Manitoba dental college since launch of Canadian dental plan

by The Canadian Press
The newly named University of Manitoba Dr. Gerald  Niznick College of Dentistry operates seven teaching clinics at their 790 Bannatyne location. (Photo from university's website)

The last time Martin Samoiloff finished his appointment at the Manitoba Dental College, he was pleasantly surprised to be told that the whole treatment was free.  Samoiloff had recently turned 65, and was now covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan, recently offered to seniors without dental insurance and a family income under 90,000 a year. The newly named University of … Read more

Report: Health spending to hit record $372 billion this year as dental, pharmacare plans expand access

by Oral Health
One of the infographics from National Health Expenditure Trends, 2024 by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information released a report Thursday projecting that health-care spending in the country will reach a new high in 2024, totaling up to $372 billion, or about $9,054 per Canadian. This year’s health spending is estimated to represent 12.4 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product, with the Canadian dental and … Read more

Winnipeg’s only publicly funded dental clinic continues with its $30 flat rate after renovations

by Oral Health
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The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) unveiled recent renovations at the SMILEplus dental clinic, located in Machray School, on Wednesday morning. This clinic, the only publicly funded dental clinic in Winnipeg, offers a $30 flat rate for services exclusively to children. CHVN Radio reported that the renovations to the Saving Mouths in Income Limited Environments … Read more

Scientists develop first 3D lip models from cells to enhance treatments for severe mouth injuries

by Oral Health
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For dentists focused on oral and maxillofacial health, pediatric dentistry, or aesthetic treatments, a breakthrough study offers new hope. Scientists have developed the first 3D lip models using immortalized lip cells, a milestone that may lead to better treatments for severe lip injuries. The research, published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, describes the … Read more

Balanced Pharma secures rights to new non-opioid pain relief drug for global dental market

by Oral Health
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Balanced Pharma Incorporated (BPI) announced Tuesday its acquisition of rights to Enduracaine Dental, a new non-opioid injectable pain relief drug intended for post-surgical use in dentistry. The company aims to introduce the product into the U.S. market, where non-opioid pain relief for dental surgeries, including wisdom tooth extraction, is valued at $1.4 billion. Enduracaine Dental … Read more

Ongoing debate over fluoride in tap water reportedly enters U.S. presidential race

by Oral Health
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.

As Americans prepare to vote, an unexpected public health issue—fluoride in tap water—has surfaced in the U.S. presidential race. Recently, the long-standing debate over fluoride in tap water may have gained traction as a possible policy stance for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. On Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Trump’s administration would advise removing … Read more

Student-led clinic at Georgian College offers affordable dental care in Barrie

by Oral Health
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The Georgian College Oral Health Dental Clinic in Barrie, Ontario, is the latest to offer affordable dental care, particularly for those ineligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The clinic has students from the Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene and Denturism programs offering preventative and therapeutic oral health care to members of the community. Lisa Buchanan, the college’s director of clinics … Read more

Align Technology opens 2025 research awards with $300,000 in grants

by Oral Health
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Align Technology Inc. has launched its 2025 Annual Research Award Program, offering up to $300,000 to support clinical and scientific dental research at universities globally. Now in its 15th year, the program provides one-year grants to faculty working on research to advance patient care and knowledge in orthodontics and dentistry. “Each year, we see a … Read more

Federal dental plan expands services Nov. 1 after ‘milestone’ of helping more than one million Canadians

by Oral Health
Clinical assessments collected in the 2022–24 Canadian Health Measures Survey reveal stable rates of tooth decay and rising gum inflammation. (iStock)

Starting Nov. 1, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will expand to include additional services after helping more than one million Canadians access dental care, the Government of Canada announced on Thursday. “Today marks an important milestone as we continue to expand the claims process. This next step will help ensure more people with complex … Read more

‘Staffing shortage’: Toothio raises $5M to meet demand for dental staff across the U.S.

by Oral Health
the dental sector is grappling with a workforce shortage

Toothio, a Phoenix-based digital staffing marketplace for the dental industry, has raised an additional $5 million in funding to hire dental hygienists, assistants, and office staff for dental offices across the United States. The funding round was led by NVP Capital and Craft Ventures. Rho Capital, Marketplace Capital, Roosh Ventures, Burst Capital, Revere Partners, Karman … Read more

Spooky sugar: Oakville dental office offers kids cash for candy; U.S. company lists sweetest Halloween treats

by Oral Health
U.S. company QR Code Generator found that Pixy Stix is the most sugary treat on its list of 100 candies.

Kids with excess Halloween candy can participate in the SmileGrove Dental cash-for-candy exchange in Oakville, located in the Greater Toronto Area, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 8, Inside Halton reported. “It’s an opportunity for children to bring their excess candy to our dental office,” said Dr. Karen Man, a dentist at SmileGrove. For some experts, … Read more

Study: Direct composites outshine zirconia resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses for single missing anterior teeth

by Oral Health
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A recent study reveals that direct composite restorations are more effective than zirconia resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs) for addressing single missing anterior teeth. The study highlights that direct composites are less invasive and can often be completed in a single visit. The research followed 45 eligible patients over a mean observation period of 21.9 … Read more