Expert: Canada’s first-ever national oral health survey
Preliminary results of the Canadian Oral Health Survey (COHS), released August 27, highlight disparities in insurance coverage and indicate dental visits have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. Residents of Quebec were the least likely to have dental insurance, while Albertans were the most likely. The COHS is Canada’s first-ever national oral health survey. (Statistics Canada)
Here is an expert from McGill University who can comment on this topic:
Paul Allison, Full Professor, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
“These data provide a solid baseline before the roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, but they are just the starting point. The findings raise important questions: What type of oral health professional people consulted. Was it a dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist or denturologist? And why did they seek care? These details are crucial for understanding the full picture.”
Paul Allison is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences. He is co-chair of the new National Oral Health Research Strategy, launched in June. His areas of expertise include access to dental care, inequalities in oral health care and health-care policies.
paul.allison [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)