Dental Care in Canada: the Need for Incorporation into Medicare

Authors

  • Elisabeth Kirsten McClymont Simon Fraser University

Abstract

Dental care was recommended within the 1964 Royal Commission on Health Services that helped to shape our current health care system but has yet to become a part of Medicare. This has left almost one third of Canadians without dental insurance, leading to poor health outcomes and stark inequalities. This commentary explores the medically necessary nature of dental services, the accessibility and comprehensiveness of dental services, and the monetary implications of the exclusion of dental services from Medicare. Evidence indicates that dental care should be incorporated into Canada’s existing Medicare system in order to improve overall health of our population, reduce inequalities, and take advantage of preventative measures.

Author Biography

Elisabeth Kirsten McClymont, Simon Fraser University

Undergraduate in Health Sciences

Published

2015-10-09