MONTREAL, April 4, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - This morning, the Ordre des dentistes du Québec made an important announcement concerning the issue of access to oral healthcare. Following extensive discussions with stakeholders in the field of dentistry, the Order decided to create a Committee on Access to Oral Healthcare.
The committee will hold vast, province-wide consultations on questions related to access to oral healthcare, conduct an in-depth analysis of the situation and suggest concrete, fact-based solutions. It will present its findings in April 2014, to mark Oral Health Month.
The Committee on Access to Oral Healthcare will be chaired by Dr. Peter C. White, a Director with the Ordre des dentistes and a well-known professional practising in the Gaspé. He will be joined by Dr. Paul Allison, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University, and Dr. André Lavallière, consulting dentist with the Direction de santé publique of the Eastern Townships. The Committee will also benefit from the expertise of two other members, one of them representing the public, and will consult groups of citizens and special interest groups. Members of the general public will be invited to contribute to the Committee's work through the Order's website and other activities to be announced later.
"I was very pleased to accept this mandate from the President of the Order," said Dr. White. "With the support of Drs. Allison and Lavallière and others who will join us in these consultations, we hope to be able to make significant improvements to our dental healthcare system."
The President of the Order, Dr. Barry Dolman, added: "Quebecers enjoy healthcare that, while not perfect, ranks among the best in the world. Our system is now faced with growing problems of accessibility, however, especially when it comes to oral healthcare. The committee we have introduced this morning is the result of a proactive approach by members of the Board of Directors of the Order, for whom improving access to care is a priority."
At present, an estimated 30% to 50% of Quebecers do not visit a dentist on a regular basis, for economic, social, geographic and cultural reasons. "The Order sees the Committee's work as a way of boosting access to care for this proportion of the public, without sacrificing their right to a diagnosis and treatment plan established by a dentist, the only professional capable of doing so," concluded Dr. Dolman. "We hope that large numbers of Quebecers will take part in these consultations and in so doing, will help improve everyone's oral health."
About the Ordre des dentistes du Québec
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec represents over 4,800 dentists. Its mission is to ensure the quality of dental services by maintaining high professional and ethical standards, and to promote oral health among Quebecers.
SOURCE: Ordre des dentistes du Québec
Victor Henriquez, SFi public relations, 514 377-1102, [email protected]
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