Canada is facing a significant dental assistant shortage that could impact the number of patients dentists are able to see, according to a recent report. Lynn Tomkins, president of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), spoke about the issue, stating that the shortage was happening even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tomkins also mentioned that with the introduction of the Canadian Dental Benefit, more patients may be seeking dental care, which could cause a backlog if dental offices do not have proper staffing. She emphasized that the shortage of dental assisting is the number one issue for dentists across the country.
“Dentists have had to alter their hours, in some cases reduce their hours because they don’t have the support staff, just like operating rooms and hospitals. They don’t have the nurses, you can’t do the treatment,” said Tomkins.
The shortage of dental assistants in Canada is causing major concern in the dental industry, as it could impact the overall oral health of Canadians. Dental assistants play an important role in the dental office, providing support to dentists, preparing and maintaining dental equipment, and helping patients feel comfortable during their visit.
According to the CDA, the dental assistant shortage is affecting both private and public dental offices across Canada. The association is calling for immediate action to address the issue, including increasing funding for dental assistant education programs and providing incentives to attract more people to the profession.
The CDA is also urging dental offices to consider offering flexible working hours and competitive salaries to attract and retain dental assistants. Tomkins added that addressing the shortage of dental assistants is critical to ensuring Canadians have access to timely and quality dental care.
In conclusion, the shortage of dental assistants in Canada is a growing concern for the dental industry, and it may have a significant impact on the overall oral health of Canadians. Immediate action is needed to address this issue, including increasing funding for education programs and providing incentives to attract more people to the profession. Dental offices should also consider offering competitive salaries and flexible working hours to attract and retain dental assistants.