January 20, 2010 – Ottawa – For the first time in recent history the state of Canadians’ oral health has been formally studied in communities across the country. This significant undertaking will result in the publication of the Canada Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Oral Health component which will shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of Canadians’ oral health and therefore on the state of oral health care in Canada.
“Canada has one of the best oral health care systems in the world,” said current CDA president Dr. Don Friedlander. “Most Canadians have access to care, but we believe that all Canadians, regardless of their employment, health, gender, race, place of residence, age or socioeconomic status, should have equitable access to the oral health care they need, including a dental examination, diagnosis and treatment plan by a dentist. The oral health component of the CHMS study could point to gaps in our system that may require a collaborative effort to address these needs.”
The CHMS Oral Health comprehensive report is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010. This initial data has been released in January as preliminary findings:
www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100113/dq100113a-eng.htm
www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/82-625-x2010001-eng.htm
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is the national voice for dentistry, dedicated to the advancement and leadership of a unified profession and to the promotion of optimal oral health, an essential component of general health.
CDA Contact:
613-520-5013
media@cda-adc.ca
www.cda-adc.ca
More details about the Canada Health Measures Survey can be found at:
www.statcan.ca/english/concepts/hs/measures.htm
www.statcan.ca/francais/concepts/hs/measures_f.htm
Information on the Office of the Chief Dental Officer can be found at:
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/ocdo
www.santecanada.gc.ca/bdc
