Research is another pillar of ACFD’s contribution. Canadian dental schools conduct a wide range of research, from traditional biomaterials science (like ceramics and adhesives) to interdisciplinary studies that cross into medicine and engineering. Some dental researchers are developing drug delivery systems for cancer treatment or studying the biological mechanisms behind oral and systemic diseases. Others work in dental public health, epidemiology, and health economics, fields that help shape how oral health care is delivered and understood in Canada. managing the unintended impacts of the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which has increased administrative workloads in dental schools and affected both student clinical experience and clinic revenues. ACFD is actively working with Health Canada to find long-term solutions that allow faculties to focus on teaching and patient care while adapting to the evolving policy landscape. Behind the scenes, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has been working closely with the ACFD to address the impacts of the CDCP on dental schools. These efforts from the CDA board and president reflect the quiet, but essential, collaboration that often goes unseen. It’s a reminder that Canada’s oral health community is at its strongest when we work together. The ACFD is a section at CDA’s Annual General Meeting, representing the academic community. Another pressing issue is the erosion of provincial funding for dental faculties. Rising costs for equipment and supplies, coupled with static or shrinking government support, are placing significant strain on programs that are already among the most expensive in the university system. ACFD is advocating for renewed provincial investment to sustain the quality of dental education without unduly burdening students, who already graduate with substantial debt. Curriculum renewal is also on the horizon. Faculties are reassessing what should be taught and how, incorporating emerging areas such as geriatric dentistry, special needs care, Indigenous and racialized health and digital dentistry. The goal is to modernize programs while ensuring graduates remain competent in traditional areas of practice. Finally, ACFD is overseeing the Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada Program, a pilot initiative that creates a new pathway for internationally trained dentists from non-accredited programs who are permanent residents in Canada. This program, currently being piloted at several universities, aims to provide a third-pathway to practising in Canada while maintaining rigorous standards of competency. Learn more about the ACFD at: acfd.ca How does your work touch the lives of dentists across Canada? ACFD’s influence extends beyond dental school walls through continuing education (CE), policy development, and leadership training. Many of the CE opportunities available to practising dentists are delivered by faculty members who belong to ACFD. The organization also nurtures the next generation of educators, ensuring that new faculty are skilled, effective teachers who can sustain the quality of dental education in Canada. ACFD and its members also play a key role in shaping policies and guidelines that affect dental practice. Faculty experts often collaborate with dental associations and government agencies to craft position statements, contribute to public health policy, and advance best practices in oral health care. One major initiative that connects academia with the wider profession is the Canadian Oral Health Summit, a national conference held every two years. In 2024, the summit was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and, in 2026, it will take place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This event brings together people from across the oral health care community to discuss research, policy, and public health. It’s a forum that fosters collaboration and helps align the academic and clinical branches of the profession toward common goals. What’s coming up for ACFD in the future? Looking ahead, ACFD is focused on addressing several key challenges and opportunities. One major priority is ACFD is actively working with Health Canada to find long-term solutions that allow faculties to focus on teaching and patient care while adapting to the evolving policy landscape. 13 Issue 6 | 2025 | News and Events
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