It is an assumption by many that Canada has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. But do they really? There are numerous health services in Canada which should be part of the universal care nonetheless are not. These include but are not limited to: dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and prescription drug coverage. This report will solely focus on why basic dental care should be a part of the Canadian universal healthcare. Dental care is predominantly delivered in the private sector on a fee-for-service basis, with approximately 62.6% of Canadians paying for care through employment-based insurance and 31.9% through out-of-pocket expenditures and only a small amount of the Canadians, 5.5%, are qualified for public funding through government assistance programmes (Ramraj and Quinonez, 2012). It was seen that by 2009, dental coverage affordability became a problem not just for the low income families but also impacted middle-income earners as a result of their lack of, or decreased access to comprehensive dental insurance (Ramraj, 2013). It is stated by the World Health Organization that universal health care coverage should reassure access to necessary care and protect patients from financial hardship, and that the governments are obligated to …show more content…
promote universal coverage for any necessary health care services (Morgan et al. 2015). The lack of affordability can lead to declining oral health as well as other diseases. Poor oral health has a great impact on one’s life as it is a vital part of a human being. Yet it is neglected as a part of the universal health care which should be accessible as basic human rights. In Canada, general physician and hospital services are funded publicly through the Canadian healthcare system known as the “Medicare”. However, the costs of Medicare does not include dental care and are becoming increasingly apparent as Canadians have to finance their own oral health. The costs of and demand for dental care have increased greatly in Canada, while incomes have remained nearly stagnant over the past 25 years (Ramraj, 2013). When adjusting for inflation, total per capita dental care expenditures rose from approximately $6 in 1960 to close to $50 by 2008 ($360 in current dollars), an increase of approximately 730% (Ramraj, 2013). These affordability issues are leading to Canadians not being able to correctly care for their oral health and acquire the adequate treatments needed. Ramraj (2013) found that average household spending on dental care among middle-income household grew from approximately $394 in 1978 to $538 by 2008. Another study by Duncan and Bonner (2013) shows that income-related inequities exist even in the presence of dental insurance coverage and good dental hygiene practices. These finding suggest that having access to dental care has become very difficult for not just the low-income but the middle-income families. Hence, having universal access to basic dental care is a necessity. Oral disease is one of the most common public health issues worldwide with significant socio-economic impacts, and yet it is frequently neglected in public health policy (Jin et al. 2016). The mouth is a critical part of a human being used for communications, consumption and mastication. Just like many health problems, oral health can cause limitations in an individual’s activity, participation in the workforce, quality of life and mental health (Duncan & Bonner, 2014). With the inability of afford or have proper dental care when needed can lead to more deteriorating condition such as oral cancer. The oral data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2010 (Murray et al, 2012) show that caries, periodontal disease, edentulism, oral cancer and cleft lip/palate collectively accounted for 18 814 000 disability-adjusted life-years; and the global burden of periodontal disease, oral cancer and caries increased markedly by an average of 45.6% from 1990 to 2010 in parallel with the major non-communicable diseases like diabetes by 69.0% (Jin et al, 2016). Oral health is an important aspect of general health and so by warranting equity in oral health care is as vital as providing equity in other of health issues. In the article “Why was dental care excluded from Canadian Medicare?” by Carlos Quiñonez, one of the reason was that “[T]he recurrent theme throughout the evening [was] that the individual bears the chief responsibility in practicing adequate dental hygiene and diet control, so as to protect his dental health”.
While this is a very valid argument, ultimately we are all responsible for our own oral hygiene, one could argue “What about individuals seeking free medical help for lung cancer caused by smoking cigarettes or free bariatric surgery for unhealthy eating leading to obesity?” Just like all these unhealthy habits are treated under the universal care- dental care should also be
included. One personal story is when I was at the dentist’s office 2 years ago, one dentist told me that I needed a root canal surgery on one of my molars and so just like anyone I trusted a professional and let him drill through my tooth. As the years went by, the molar he worked on started to have pain which progressively got worse. So now, me not living in the same area where I initially got my root canal done had to seek another dentist. This dentist did not specialize in Ortho-dentistry and so referred me to one. After this orthodontist looked at my tooth (which cost me $150 for just 10 minutes consult), told me that it would cost $1500 to have it re-treated. So we can see that there are situations in which an individual is having to pay for oral care unfairly due to an expert’s mistake though it should be treated without any charge. But who is to argue against that? The vision is to have people of Canada get the appropriate oral care they deserve. One can agree that not everyone can afford the dental care delivered by the private sector and even having insurance does not guarantee complete coverage of all services. The inability to access proper dental care can lead to severe dental disease which has been linked to chronic medical illnesses, as well as to functional, social and psychological limitations (Duncan & Bonner, 2014). Lastly, Oral health is just as important as other health and should be given equal importance. Given these discoveries, it is a wise decision for Canada to spruce up and make dental care a part of the universal healthcare policy.
The health care system in Canada today is a combination of sources which depends on the services and the person being treated. 97% of Canadians are covered by Medicare which covers hospital and physician services. Medicare is funded at a governmental and provincial level. People of First Nation and Inuit descent are covered by the federal government. Members of the armed forces, veterans, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are also covered by the federal government. Several services such as dental care, residential care, and pharmaceutical are not covered. The 13 provinces have different approaches to health care; therefore, it is often said that Canada has 13 healthcare systems (Johnson & Stoskopf, 2010). The access to advanced medical technology and treatment, the cost of healthcare, and the overall health of Canadians fares well in comparison with other countries such as the United States.
In Canada, access to health care is ‘universal’ to its citizens under the Canadian Health Care Act and this system is considered to the one of the best in the world (Laurel & Richard, 2002). Access to health care is assumed on the strong social value of equality and is defined as the distribution of services to all those in need and for the common good and health of all residents (Fierlbeck, 2011). Equitable access to health care does not mean that all citizens are subjected to receive the same number of services but rather that wherever the service is provided it is based on need. Therefore, not all Canadians have equal access to health services. The Aboriginal peoples in Canada in particular are a population that is overlooked and underserved
Across Canada some communities lack access to dental care because there is no oral health care provider in those areas.8 Rural and remote communities are particularly affected by shortage of dental professionals. In fact, these communities are served by only 13% of dentists or dental specialists.9 Communities that are experiencing a shortage of oral health care professionals, often rely on the service of physicians or nurses who may not have the required skills, knowledge and training in oral health care. 10. Dental service is often not available in most remote and rural communities across Canada, which means many residents would have to travel for long distances to access
In the Dental Hygiene field, many challenges come about every day and during different situations. Every day there are new challenges and unusual situations that occur in the dental field, but one challenge that continues to come about and has been a big dispute over the years is the ability to provide beneficial information about oral health care for the underprivileged. For the individuals that are not fortunate enough to pay to have services done in the dental office, lack the knowledge of how important good oral health care is. They do not receive the one on one conversations explaining the significance of taking care of your teeth and gums that the patients who can afford to make appointments and receive essential services do. That
My college plans include attending a two-year college and then pursing a degree in dental hygiene. I believe that I will have a great opportunity to give back to my community with my chosen career. As a dental hygienist, there would be many ways to help young and old alike. The time that I would volunteer would enable me to become more involved in the life of our community.
Jeffrey Simpson, “The Real Problem with Canadian Health Care,” National Post, accessed February 14, 2014, http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/10/04/jeffrey-simpson-the-real-problem-with-canadian-health-care/.
It's important for any high school student to have an idea or plan of what they want to pursue in the near future. Most students want to go into the medical field, become a professional athlete, a lawyer, etc. Many talk about becoming a dentist, but not a dental assistant. Simply because they feel like it's not that big of a title of being a dental assistant as compared to a dentist. Little do they know dental assistants play a big role as well in the office. A dental assistant does many tasks and duties that help benefit the dentist and also the patients.
Due to Canada having free health care, many people see it as a positive economic system. All citizens are treated equally, which leaves them to be undeniable through any type of health care treatment (Lindenberg, 2012). No matter what the medical problem is, a clinic/hospital will ensure that that patient will receive the proper medical attention needed. Citizens receive a more enhanced treatment by doctors for a smaller price. For example, if a patient comes into a health clinic with something as little as a broken bone or stitches they will receive excellent care for an affordable price or even better, no price at all (Public Healthcare Service, 2014). Individuals have the luxury of accessing any hospital or medical clinic with no hassles. This means they have a variety of choices as to where they can go for medical services without being denied treatment. They also receive great benefits on prescription drugs and other medical products. If they’re not free, they’re much cheaper than other countries such as the United States (Public Healthcare Service, 2014). ...
The Canadian Alliance Party’s plan is to make several policy developments to benefit Canada’s health care. They believe it will serve the security and well-being of all Canadians. The last party involved in this issue is the NDP Party who indicate that they are fighting hard for a better health care system in our economy. The NDP Party states that the income of a family should not dictate the quality of health care. Canada’s health care system is gradually growing to be a major concern in today’s society, providing Canadians with the standard of care they deserve.
The introductory of Canada’s health care system in the mid-20th century, known as Medicare, led the country into the proud tradition of a public health care system, opposite to America’s privatized health care system in the south. Though Canada’s health care system still holds some aspects of a privatized system, it is still readily available for all citizens throughout the nation. After continuous research, it is clear to state that public health care and the association it has with welfare state liberalism is by far a more favourable option for Canada, than that of private health care and the association it has with neo-conservatism. To help understand why public health care is a better and more favourable option for Canada, it is fundamental
Martins (2008), concludes that “universal health care is extremely important to all” (p.429). But, a study conducted in Canada, on the accessibility of health care in a universal health care system, found that “20% participants had an Ontario health insurance number but were not in possession of their health insurance card… which almost all health providers require to be presented at each visit” (Hwang et al., 2010, p.1455). This shows that it is not a fact of inaccessibility but it shows that the health care systems are not being advertised as they should be. Only 40% of veterans were found to have insurance (O’Toole et al., 2007, p.447). But the study also showed that 90% of the vets were eligible for coverage.
Dentistry as a profession over the years has evolved rapidly in light of new scientific evidence. Rapidly evolving science and technology have implemented changes within dentistry as evidenced by new standards and guidelines being produced by nationally recognised associations including National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), Faculty of General Dental Practice (FGDP) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in Scotland, in provision of new scientific evidence. The latest standards and guidelines produced, endorse everyday clinical practice through evidence based dentistry (REF). All dental professionals as part of continued professional development are expected to keep to date on relevant guidelines and knowledge related to their practice (REF). This is supported by the General Dental Council who state all clinicians must maintain their professional knowledge and competence throughout their working career (REF).
Healthcare is a necessity to sustain society. Dentistry is an area of healthcare that I feel extremely passionate about because access to proper dental care is limited, especially in the underserved communities. As an African American, I want to become a dentist and healthcare provider in the hopes of helping patients and adding to the diversification of the field. With a growing minority population in the United States, it has become apparent that there is a shortage of black dentists. This is problematic because underrepresented minorities are in great need of access to culturally connected dentists who understand their clinical needs as much as their lives and their challenges. I believe that when the profession includes a range of ethnicities
The Canadian healthcare system is a socialized system that offers universal coverage to all Canadians at a cost, it is not for free. It is publicly funded and administered on a provincial basis. This means that each province collects money for healthcare from taxes. On average, each Canadian pays about $6,000-$9,000 per year- which is not that much different from the American private healthcare. The federal government collects the taxes then distributes money to each province based on the needs. The major requirement of the Canada Health Act is that all provinces, which do get federal money to deliver healthcare, have transparency and accountability, be universal and portable. This means that a Canadian living in one province can move to another province and still have the same medical coverage. The type of medical services provided is left to each province. While most of the basic health care is covered, plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons and certain other rehabilitation services are not covered. It is important to know that in this system there are often very long delays to get surgery or to see
... three quarters of all public expenditures for dental care in Canada is associated with treatment in a private dental facilities, where public insurance is billed as a third-party payer (9). However, only 30% of dentists deal with public insurance (8). The delivery method causes problems between dental service providers and public insurance. Public vs. private setting for dental care is also important to consider due to the disparity that exist with oral health and its access. Low-income and high-risk children (i.e. Aboriginal children) are unable to acquire dental care suffering medically and socially since they cannot afford the cost. Additionally seniors, individuals in long-term care, the homeless etc. are also in this category. Thus, sometimes delivering would be more appropriate in private dental setting, while in others, a public setting would be more ideal.