A “Primary Care Provider” plays an important role in health of everyone in a community. Primary care providers are in a position to promote a healthier lifestyle, and to act as a coordinator for further care, acting as an entry point into the larger health services system (for example, through referrals to specialty areas). Primary care providers create connections between the health fields, which are now known to be not as separate as previously thought. They hold a position to include patients in decision-making, and open opportunities for prevention of disease, health promotion, and detection of disease.(1) They are a source of regular, continuing care.
Dental hygienists are primary care providers.(2) They focus on oral health care, the prevention of oral disease, health promotion, and education of clients. They recognize the connection between oral health and overall health. They increase access to oral health care for the general public, and empower people to take control over their own oral health.(2) Unfortunately, dental hygiene, along with dentistry, is not covered by MSP in Canada.(3) Being that dental hygienists play an important role as a primary care provider, access to care would only increase if the Canadian government would recognize the profession for its worth in disease prevention, and health promotion, as well as the connection between oral health and overall health.
References
1. Starfield B, Shi L, Macinko J. Contribution of primary care to health systems and health. MILBANK Q 2005; 83(3):457–502.
2. Monajem S, Integration of oral health into primary health care: The role of dental hygienists and the WHO stewardship. INT J DENT HYG 2006; 4(1):47-51.
3. Leake JL, Why do we need an oral health care policy in Canada? J CAN DENT ASSOC 2006; 72(4):317a-j.