Canadian Oral Health Survey: Has The First Cycle Ended?
The Canadian Oral Health Survey (COHS) is the first oral health study conducted in the country to enhance care for dental patients. It collects data on the ability of Canadians to pay for their dentist’s visit, oral health services challenges, and more.
If you’re a dental patient, the Canadian Oral Health Survey results will directly affect the care you receive. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to get information about the COHS. Let’s look at everything about this survey and how it affects you.
What Is Canadian Oral Health Survey?
Statistics Canada partnered with Health Canada in 2023 to conduct the first Canadian Oral Health Survey. The primary objective of this study is to assess the current state of oral health in the country.
Some of the topics the COHS is covering through its questions include:
Patient awareness about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Oral health status of all ten provinces
Frequency of dental visits
Dental care Canada costs
Dental care statistics related to treatment accessibility, dental insurance, and more
This data will allow the government to identify strengths and weaknesses of dental policies, including the impact of the CDCP on dental care Canada.
Is The First Cycle Of Canadian Oral Health Survey Complete?
The reference period of the first Canadian Oral Health Survey is 2022 to 2024. Statistics Canada collected data from November 2023 to March 2024. This is called Cycle 1 of the COHS.
Currently, data collection is complete, and provisional results of the COHS have been updated on the Statistics Canada website. The latest information is being used by the government to enhance access to dental care and reduce treatment barriers.
What Are The Results Of The Canadian Oral Health Survey?
The preliminary Canadian Oral Health Survey results highlighted various things, such as a reduced number of overall dental visits, especially by adults. Let’s look at each provisional finding of the survey in-depth:
1. Children Visit Oral Health Experts More Often
A key finding of the COHS is that school-aged children make visits to the dentist more often than people of other age groups. Meanwhile, kids under the age of six are least likely to visit a dentist in Bridgeport or other areas.
Among adults, 75% of people aged 18 to 64 visited the dentist’s office in the last 12 months of the survey. These Canadian Oral Health Survey results were consistent with the past dental care statistics Canada.
2. Canadian Adults Are More Likely To Receive Dental Treatment With Insurance
One of the top points established by the COHS is that Canadians receive treatment more often if they have dental insurance, such as the CDCP. Meanwhile, those who don’t have insurance coverage are less likely to go to a dentist in Bridgeport and other areas.
The main reason behind this finding is that dental treatment is relatively expensive for people with low to moderate incomes. This is why they prefer to avoid accessing essential oral health services, such as a routine checkup, if they don’t have insurance.
3. Albertans Have The Greatest Insurance Coverage
Ontario residents top the list of approved Canadian Dental Care Plan applicants who have received care. Despite that, this is not the province with the most dental insurance coverage in Canada.
The dental statistics Canada under the COHS state that 77% of Albertans have oral health insurance, while coverage in Ontario is 67%. This difference is the reason why people in Alberta visit their dentists more frequently.
4. Dental Visits Have Decreased Overall
The overall finding of the Canadian Oral Health Survey is disappointing for dental professionals. People are visiting their dentists less frequently in the country.
This is why the number of dental visits has reduced to pre-pandemic levels. The main reason behind the decline is the lack of insurance coverage.
Other factors, such as available dentists, accommodation for patients, and waiting time for treatment, also affect this Canadian Oral Health Survey result.
How Does The Canadian Oral Health Survey Affect Dental Patients?
The COHS has been conducted to benefit dental patients the most by finding out problems in the Canadian oral health system and tackling them with new policies, insurance plans, and more. Here is how the COHS is affecting you:
1. Collects Data For Dental Care Canada Policies
Statistics Canada has collected data from households in all provinces of the country to establish dental trends. By using this data, the government intends to improve accessibility to dental care plans such as the CDCP.
The coverage of CDCP has also increased in 2025, with people aged 18 to 64 now eligible to apply to the plan. Other improvements will also be made in the future to increase the number of dental visits.
2. Identifies Barriers To Dental Treatment
Accessibility to dental care significantly affects a patient’s decision to seek treatment. You may not want to go out of province to get a dental procedure because of a lack of facilities or skilled professionals in your province.
The Canadian Oral Health Survey results are being used to develop solutions that will enhance accessibility to dental treatment. As a patient, you’ll benefit the most when the healthcare system implements new changes.
3. Emphasizes Dental Care Canada Improvements
The COHS findings directly influence policy reforms and resource allocation across Canada's dental healthcare system. Survey data helps identify gaps in preventive care, specialist availability, and emergency services.
This evidence-based approach ensures targeted improvements where they're needed most. Patients benefit from:
Enhanced dental insurance coverage options
Reduced wait times for essential treatment
Improved quality standards
The survey's recommendations guide future investments in dental care Canada to make it more accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs
What Is The State Of Oral Health In Canada?
The state of oral health in Canada is generally positive, with school-going children and adults aged 18 to 64 making dental visits often. However, there is still room for more adoptability because seniors and kids aged below six don’t visit the dentist often.
Does The Canadian Oral Health Survey Affect The CDCP?
The COHS does affect the CDCP because it contains questions that enhance awareness of the government dental plan. Data from the survey is also being used to implement new phases of the CDCP.
Who Is The Target Population Of The Canadian Oral Health Survey?
The target population of the Canadian Oral Health Survey is households with people aged 18 and above in all provinces of the country. This population is being targeted to understand how seriously adults are taking their oral health and the challenges they face while seeking treatment.
How Does The Canadian Oral Health Survey Benefit Dental Patients?
The survey collects data on oral health, access challenges, care needs, and insurance coverage. It is helping to form policies that improve dental care accessibility and monitor population oral health trends nationwide.
When Will The Next Canadian Oral Health Survey Take Place?
The date of the next Canadian Oral Health Survey has not been scheduled. However, it will not likely take place at least until 2027 as the final detailed results of the COHS are yet to be out.
Visit A Dentist In Bridgeport Now For Optimal Oral Health
As established by the COHS, dental visits by Canadians are decreasing. People are taking their oral health less seriously due to financial and other reasons.
If you haven’t visited a dentist in Bridgeport for a long period, this may be the right time. You can also apply to the CDCP before the dental visit, as applications are now open for people aged 16 to 64. Contact us today to book an appointment with our skilled dentist.