Question Period Note: Dental Care - Impact of the interim Canada Dental Benefit on existing oral health human resources

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• The issue of health human resources, including for dental care professionals, is one that is being closely monitored by the Government of Canada.
• We believe that, at this time, there are sufficient dental professionals to meet the additional demand from children who will be able to care get because of this benefit.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with stakeholders from each of the oral health care professions, including professional associations and independent experts, to promote awareness of the Canada Dental Benefit and discuss health human resources issues that need to be considered as part of the long term program

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• There are an estimated 90,000 oral health professionals practicing in Canada, including approximately 25,000 dentists, 30,000 dental hygienists, and 30,000 dental assistants.
• Although the Canadian Dental Association reported that 36% of dental offices have vacant positions for assistants, and the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association reported in 2021 that 28% of dental hygienists planned to leave the profession within the next five years, dental care experts consistently report that there is sufficient capacity among dentists except in some rural and remote areas.
• Rural, remote, Northern, and inner-city regions are most likely to experience a shortage of dental services currently. Specialist dentists, particularly those with expertise in the care of patients with complex needs, are also in particular demand.
• The interim Canada Dental Benefit, on its own, is unlikely to exacerbate these concerns in the short-term. The benefit will provide sufficient funding, in most cases, for a single visit each year and not all families will apply for or receive the benefit at once.
• In rural areas, the fact that the benefit could be used to access care by not just a dentist but also independently practising dental hygienists, will help facilitate access to care.