Quebec’s Order of Hygienists President Jean-François Lortie says the province is experiencing a shortage of at least 1,400 hygienists, Global News on July 24, 2024.
Lortie also highlighted the difficulty in filling the gap, noting that only about 300 hygienists are licensed in Quebec each year.
“If you haven’t seen a dental professional in the last five, 10, or 15 years, it’s going to be hard to find a place that will be able to see you,” Lortie warned.
This shortage is not unique to Quebec as it is affecting other regions amid an aging population nationwide.
A 2023 survey conducted by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) revealed that around 500,000 dental appointments were canceled due to “staffing unavailability” over a two-month period. This amounts to approximately 3 million cancellations per year, equating to about 100 to 120 cancellations per dentist annually.
The CDA noted an increased reliance on temp agencies to fill positions and a reduction in the number of available appointments as a result.
Impact of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Professionals in the field expect the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to increase the number of patients, particularly those in dire need of dental care, in already understaffed regions such as Quebec.
Since its launch on May 1, the CDCP has begun covering seniors aged 70 and older, with the latest expansion in late June to include adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate and children under 18. The plan aims to progressively extend coverage to all eligible Canadians by 2025.
For more from Global News, please click HERE. For more from the CDA survey, please click HERE.
