REVISED
To: Dr. Erika Paterson
From: Olivia Fournier
Date: June 20th, 2022
Subject: Proposal for Determining Effectiveness of Subsidised Dental Programs in Ontario, Canada
Introduction
In Ontario, Canada, there are 7 subsidised dental care programs for residence assistance, each with its own set of qualifiers and limitations. The dental programs are used for services done at a private dental office, such as cleanings, restorative work, denture, crowns, bridges, tooth removal, and in some cases, orthodontics. The programs look at the individual’s yearly income, health, and age to determine eligibility.
These 7 programs are:
-OSDCP: Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan
– HSO: Healthy Smiles Ontario (children under 17)
-ODSP: Ontario Disability Support Plan
– OW: Ontario Works Dental Coverage (income and employment support for temporary financial need)
– IFHP: Interim Federal Health Program (for resettled refuges)
– NIHB: Non-Insured Health Benefits (First Nations people and Inuit)
– VAC: Veteran Affairs Canada
These services are free of charge to the participant if they qualify. They cover both preventative and restorative care, as well as dentures in some cases with prior approval. The 4 main programs to be evaluated are NIHB, ODSP, HSO and OSDCP due to their popularity and the use within my practice.
Statement of Problem
These programs do cover certain procedures and preventative care; however, they have also been the cause of frustration for many patients. As mentioned previously, these programs have limitations, and sometimes the patient requires more aid than what is given. This leads to a gap in healthcare which can be stark. A dental program is not one-size-fits-all and should not be provided as such. Unfortunately, funded coverage is often provided in this way. By determining the level of success through evaluating the individual who are in these programs, we can evaluate the shortcomings of the dental care allowed.
Proposed Solution
By creating a universal dental care plan for individuals who need help, are uninsured, are under a certain age or seniors, these funded systems could be better and more thorough for all individuals who need care. In integrating a more community-based system that is more widely accepted at dental offices, there will be better care available to these individuals as well. I plan on introducing the proposed plan after determining the short comings of the current dental care programs to the Honourable Patty Hajdu who is the current minister of health, as well as the NDP and Liberal government coalition for finding a solution for a universal dental care program.
Scope
To assess the acceptance and efficacy of the 4 main subsidized dental care programs in Ontario through the knowledge gained by interviewing current dental patients participating in these programs. I will be asking questions about 4 areas of research.
– Ease of the application process.
– Use of the program for restorative and preventative work.
– Knowledge of the program.
– If the program provides enough for their dental needs.
Methods
My primary data sources will be through interviewing or providing questionnaires to participants in these programs who are currently dental patients that I see in my clinic. They will remain anonymous and will be asked for their consent first regarding their participation. I will also be looking into responses from the 4 working dentists at my clinic to see their views regarding the programs and their experiences in working with them.
Second sources will be publications regarding these programs and overall functionality.
My Qualifications
I earned my accreditation of Registered Dental Hygienist in 2020 from John Abbott College and am graduating in 2023 from the BDSc program from the University of British Columbia. When in college I did a stage in Mistassini, Quebec doing early childhood education with their dental program. I also just started my 3rd year working in a private dental clinic where we see many patients from subsidized dental programs.
Conclusion
Action needs to be taken to determine the efficacy of these subsidized dental programs, as there have been so many complaints and inadequate dental care for their needs. By addressing the 4 main areas of inquiry, I can determine needs and well as what should be doe next to improve on the programs available. With your approval for my topic, I will begin assembling questions and compiling my panel of patients.
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