Rising costs may keep Canadians from dental care: Vancouver clinic

A new report from Statistics Canada shows that almost one in four adults experience persistent pain in their mouth, and a Vancouver dentist’s office says inflation may be the cause.

Statistics Canada published a report on self-reported oral health problems Wednesday. It says adults aged 18 and older were more than twice as likely as children and youth aged 0 to 17 to report mouth problems – either in the form of having oral pain or avoiding certain foods.

Among Canadian adults, 24 per cent reported persistent pain in their mouths, with lower-income families disproportionately affected.

The executive director of the Strathcona Community Dental Clinic, Erin Riddell, says people have been putting dental care on the back burner by spacing out their appointments or only coming when absolutely necessary.

“In past years, [we] have found that [patients] would come for a cleaning twice a year… but then they’re finding that they need to adjust their finances and budget,” said Riddell, adding that those patients often reduced their visits to once a year. 

“Others also would even shy away from paying for the cost of cleanings completely, and they would only come if they have major tooth pain.”

Riddell says the clinic follows the BC Dental Association Fee Guide and only charges their patients what’s needed for the treatment. 

On average, she explained, an exam and full set of xrays — not including a cleaning — can cost around $250 at a private clinic; meanwhile, at Strathcona, the cost goes down to about $150 for someone without dental insurance or a care plan. 

Unfortunately, Riddell says inflation has also hit the dental industry. She says the clinic has seen its largest increase in fees from the BC Dental Association, due to cost of materials and supply chain issues. 

“The fees have truly doubled in the last ten years.” 

Riddell says dental problems can increase in severity if not treated properly. 

She says a small cavity with a neglected filling can turn into a larger matter that needs a root canal. But even those initial costs for the simpler treatment can be too costly for some.

“Just the fear alone of what it would cost may even stop somebody of low income from even going to get a simple exam.”