Good oral health is recognized as a basic human right, yet oral disease remains a major public health concern despite many conditions being preventable. That鈥檚 because there鈥檚 a direct association between oral disease and the social determinants of health, such as income, education, job insecurity, food insecurity, geographic location and more. Disparities in access to oral health care are leaving many Canadians without the care they need to prevent and treat conditions like tooth decay and loss, periodontal disease, infections and more.
On April 21st from 6:30 to 7:30 ADT, 国民彩票鈥檚 Faculty of Dentistry is hosting , an panel discussion that will address the current oral health care issues facing Canadians across the lifespan, from children under the care of government to aging populations in long-term care facilities.
Dr. Rebecca Affoo and , the co-leads of 国民彩票's Healthy Populations Institute鈥檚 flagship project will moderate this session. Panelists include:
- , assistant professor with the Faculty of Dentistry and associate chief of dentistry at the IWK Health Centre
- Dr. Carolyn Mitchell, assistant professor with the School of Nursing and primary health care nurse practitioner with the Nova Scotia Health Authority
- , professor and associate dean of research, Faculty of Dentistry
- Dr. Brandon Doucet (DDS鈥�19), dentist with Pasadena Dental and founder of
- Floyd Prosper, dental therapist, Eskasoni School Dental Therapy Clinic
Increased risk in vulnerable populations
Dr. McNally spent 10 years as a dentist in private practice before embarking on an academic research career. Throughout her practice, she recognized that a decline in oral health was connected to a decrease in someone鈥檚 ability to care for themselves as they aged. This observation shaped her research interests.
鈥淭he mouth is four cubic inches that is often not considered a part of overall health,鈥� says Dr. McNally. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 interested in how oral health can be the canary in the coal mine that helps us identify other systemic health concerns.鈥�
Even a moderate amount of frailty in an older adult can impact how well they can brush their own teeth. She says patients whose oral health suddenly deteriorates after a lifelong record of good oral health is a red flag for a number of conditions associated with aging, such as frailty or dementia.
People with special needs and intellectual disabilities are another group that can have difficulty practicing their own oral health care. Dr. Doyle is the clinical director of the Special Smiles program with the Special Olympics, where she arranges for on-site dental screening, education, and fluoride applications at the games.
鈥淚n that particular population, 1-2 in every 10 ath