Rising Oral Health Service Costs: How Is It Affecting Patients And Dentists?

Economic factors affect the way of our lives significantly, especially because they can reduce our access to oral health services and dental care Canada.

The rising oral health service costs have been affecting the dental sector significantly. Both patients and dentists in Bridgeport are experiencing various barriers because of economic factors. 

Let’s look at how the rising dental care costs are affecting oral health patients.

Rising Oral Health Service Costs Are Limiting Dental Care: Proven By Canadian Oral Health Survey

The Canadian Oral Health Survey (COHS) was the first oral health study targeting specifically dental patients in Canada. Its results have helped prove that rising oral health service costs are reducing access to dental care in the country. Here’s a breakdown of the survey’s findings:

1. Canadians Avoided Visiting Dentists From 2023 to 2024 Due To Oral Health Service Costs

In the last few years, Canadian dental care costs have risen significantly. This directly impacted the number of visits people made to the dentist’s office.

According to the COHS, about 24% of people stated they avoided visiting their oral health care expert due to increased appointment and treatment costs.

You may be apprehensive about visiting a dentist in Bridgeport because of financial reasons. However, keep in mind, people who have avoided dental visits in recent years have also suffered from more tooth problems than those who visited a dentist.

Making an informed decision is of utmost importance if you’re intending to neglect your oral health because of rising dental treatment costs.

2. About 38% Of Women Are Significantly Affected By Rising Dental Prices

A large number of women have been more affected by the rising oral health service costs than men. The COHS results stated that about 38% of young women aged 18 to 34 report cost as a barrier to dental treatment.

Increased dental prices are also one of the reasons why young women avoid visiting their dentists regularly. This is especially true for females who aren’t eligible for government dental programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan. (CDCP).

3. Racialized Canadians Also Visit The Dentist’s Office Less Often Due To Oral Health Service Costs

A key finding of the Canadian Oral Health Survey is that nationwide, racialized residents face greater cost barriers than non-racialized citizens.

The COHS showed that 33% of racialized Canadians avoid visiting a dentist in Bridgeport and other areas because of high oral health service costs. 

Meanwhile, only 21% of non-racialized Canadians state cost barrier as their reason to avoid visiting the dentist’s office. If you fall in the former group, you may also be experiencing a similar problem.

Avoiding dental treatment because of cost issues may seem a good idea in the short term, but a Canadian study has proven that foregoing suggested treatment contributes to poor oral health in the long run.

Does Having Insurance Affect Your Dental Treatment Cost?

Dental insurance affects the ability to receive oral healthcare significantly. Most people with good public or private insurance often visit their dentist due to affordable treatment and checkups.

For example, Healthy Smiles Ontario has made routine dental checkups and procedures such as tooth extraction affordable for families with teenagers.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is another government program that covers people from low-income families. All these government insurance policies cover partial or complete oral health service costs, depending on your procedure and participating dentist.

If you’re apprehensive about opting for dental care Canada due to rising oral health service costs, you can consider applying for a government dental program if you’re eligible.

How Are Rising Oral Health Service Costs Affecting Dentists?

The increase in dental treatment costs is affecting dentists in Canada significantly. Professionals are facing a decrease in appointments because patients are cancelling their bookings or avoiding treatment altogether. 

Other ways in which rising oral health service costs affect dentists in Kitchener-Waterloo, Bridgeport, and other areas include:

• Greater overhead costs for maintaining the dental office, while earning less due to a reduced number of appointments

• Difficulties in maintaining staff salary, leading to a small team and limited dental offerings

• Pressure to make decisions that may prioritize cost-effectiveness over quality dental and patient care

While the rising dental prices have affected the quality of treatments in some parts of Canada, most dentists are still offering optimal patient care. 

For example, KWC Dental in Bridgeport has an extensive team of dentists, nurses, and anesthesiologists to offer you dental implants, tooth extractions, and sedation dentistry procedures.

FAQs

Why Is Dental Work So Expensive In Canada?

Dental work in Canada is expensive because of the high budget oral healthcare sector requires for optimal patient care. If dentists stop charging the minimum payable amount for a specific procedure, they may not be able to acquire good-quality treatment materials. Overall, you’ll suffer more as a patient because the dental care results may not last long with cheaper treatment.

Who Is Eligible For Free Dental In Canada?

Dental care Canada is not free, but you can reduce the cost of your dental examination or surgical treatment with a government insurance plan. The most beneficial plan currently for Canadians is the CDCP because it offers federal coverage for all age groups.

What Is The Impact Of Poor Oral Health On A Patient's General Health?

Poor oral health and avoiding dental treatment due to cost reasons will directly affect your general health. You may face an increased risk of developing cardiovascular conditions because of teeth or gum diseases such as periodontitis. People are also more prone to diabetes if they have poor oral health. All these comorbidities lead to a loss of quality of life and mental well-being.

Get Affordable Oral Health And Dental Treatment At KWC Dental

Oral health service costs are increasing at a fast rate in Canada, but KWC Dental’s ability to provide you with quality dental care is unaffected by it. We offer routine dental checkups, tooth implants, CBCT scans, teeth polishing, and other essential dental services to patients in Bridgeport.

You can rely on our skilled team to offer you a satisfying patient experience because of their rigorous training background. Contact us today to book a dental appointment and enjoy competitive dental prices that make oral health services relatively affordable.