Dental Care In Canada

POLICY ALTERNATIVES The universal principle of health care delivery is that, those with the most need should receive the most care. However, this is not being reflected in the access of dental care across Canada. When compared to other OECD nations, Canada ranks the poorest performers in terms of equity in dental care.3 Access to dental care is adversely affected by low socioeconomic status, and therefore any policy alternative proposed should help improve access to dental care in Canada, irrespective of the socio-economic status of the residents.

ALTERNATIVE 1: PROVISION FOR UNIVERSIAL HEALTH CARE

When cost is identified as barrier to care, public funding becomes appropriate and necessary. The increasing number of Canadians reporting cost

Urban areas provide better job opportunities, and therefore dental professionals are less likely to practice in many rural areas. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the Government could provide incentives to dental professionals in form of increased salaries and provision of more dental facilities in the rural areas. Also, the Government could provide funding for students to pursue dental studies. Recipients of these funding would be required to fulfill their practice commitment in a rural community across Canada. Additionally, recipients maybe required to work in an in-need area upon

Mobile clinics could improve access to dental care in vulnerable populations, however, this initiative doesn’t solve the existing problem. These mobile clinics could use the services of senior dental students, retired dental care professionals and current registered dental care professionals. Basic treatment like tooth examination and cleaning could be offered on the mobile clinics to children, seniors and other vulnerable populations. These mobile clinics would help to increase and promote awareness which is very important in the prevention of dental diseases among Canadians.

Toronto launched a mobile dental clinic in 2012, which provide service to children under 18 years old. This program was funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and is one component of the Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program. Some of the services for children and youths including regular check-ups, x-rays, fillings and more, to promote and maintain good oral health.2 Toronto is one of five Ontario public health units that received funding for a MDC. This program has helped to improve access to dental care thus a similar model can be adopted in other