The year 2024 has been an important one for dentistry in Canada, marked by groundbreaking studies, technological advancements, and evolving healthcare policies. With oral health increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of overall well-being, developments in the sector drew widespread attention and set the stage for future innovation.
Here is a look at the top 10 oral health news stories of 2024, ranked in descending order by viewership.
1. Ontario county ends provincial dental services for seniors amid CDCP expansion
Haliburton County announced the termination of its Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) in January 2025, citing the enhanced coverage provided by the federal CDCP. Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health and CEO of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, assured that clients are now accessing services through other providers under the federal program.
This shift underscores how federal policies are reshaping local approaches to dental care, reflecting broader trends toward centralized healthcare solutions if CDCP to continue.
2. Ontario expands eligibility for seniors’ dental care
Starting August 1, 2024, Ontario raised income eligibility thresholds for its Seniors Dental Care Program, enabling more low-income seniors to qualify for subsidized dental services. Individual limits increased to $25,000, while thresholds for couples rose to $41,500.
The move is expected to help an additional 150,000 seniors access dental care, complementing federal efforts through the CDCP.
3. AI completes world’s first fully automated dental procedure
Boston-based Perceptive made headlines with its AI-powered robotic dentistry system, successfully completing a fully automated dental procedure on a human. The milestone highlights how AI is transforming dental practices, improving precision, and enhancing patient experiences.
Dr. Chris Ciriello, Perceptive’s CEO, emphasized the system’s potential to democratize access to quality dental care.
4. U.S. hygienists oppose ADA’s licensing changes
The American Dental Association (ADA) sparked controversy by approving resolutions allowing unlicensed practitioners and foreign-trained dentists to perform hygiene services without passing licensing exams. Hygienists across the U.S. voiced concerns about patient safety and professional standards.
5. Minnesota dentist sued over excessive procedures
A Minnesota dentist faced legal action after performing over 30 procedures, including root canals, crowns, and fillings, in a single visit. The patient, alleging negligence and falsified records, is seeking $50,000 in damages.
6. Son charged with murder of prominent dental leader
The BC Prosecution Service charged Jackson Doyle with first-degree murder in the death of his father, Henry Doyle, a leading figure in Canada’s dental industry. The case remains under investigation.
7. Federal health minister criticizes dental providers over CDCP
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland expressed frustration with dental groups for their reluctance to embrace the CDCP. Despite initial resistance, over 10,500 providers have joined the program, serving more than 120,000 patients.
8. Will CDCP address gaps in provincial coverage?
Our exclusive data story made it into the top 10 most-viewed news stories. Our data analysis highlights disparities in Canadian provincial dental insurance coverage. Alberta already boasts the highest public dental insurance coverage in Canada, with 7.8% of its population aged 12 and older benefiting from provincial programs. In contrast, Quebec features Canada’s second-lowest public dental insurance rate (3.4%) and a below-average private coverage rate of 42.1%.
The article examines whether Canada’s new federal dental plan can address these gaps in provincial coverage.
9. ADA recommends NSAIDs for dental pain
The ADA updated its guidelines, recommending NSAIDs like ibuprofen as the first line of treatment for acute dental pain. The guidance also emphasizes minimizing opioid prescriptions to reduce addiction risks.
10. B.C. woman caught practising as hygienist without registration
Barbara Host, previously disciplined for unregistered practice, was found working without registration for a second time. She has now resigned permanently from the profession.
