5. Gaps
1. Vulnerable populations: access in regions to free dental
treatment for those “falling through the cracks”:
– Low income
– New Canadian/Immigrants/Refugees
– Homeless & vulnerable
2. Long Term Care/Seniors
3. People Facing mental/physical challenges
(e.g. People on Assured Income for Disability)
4. Cultural Competency/Safety
5. Maternal and Early Childhood
6. Community Water Fluoridation
Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful
6. What do you want our Coalition to look like?
Currently:
• Increased & diverse membership: more multi-
sector, with more representation from all levels of
government for a well-rounded perspective.
• Culturally competent/safe
• Networking capacity
• Educational
• Our strength will be in our numbers and having a
common message coming from many different
sectors.
Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful
7. What are we agreeing upon, by being in the
Saskatchewan Oral Health Coalition? We
agree that:
• We must raise public consciousness to make oral
health a priority.
• We will achieve this by serving as advocates.
• We are willing to each serve as a resource to the
group: to inform, educate and update on relevant
issues, so that all members may reach a common
level of understanding.
8. What are we agreeing upon, by being in the
Saskatchewan Oral Health Coalition? We
agree that:
• Raising awareness of potential stakeholders about
oral health issues, so that more people may be
willing to get involved, and promote coalition to
the public.
• Supportive of each of our initiatives, including
SOHC and partners work initiatives/projects.
• Involve more front line workers.
9. What are we agreeing upon, by being in the
Saskatchewan Oral Health Coalition? We
agree that:
Currently (continued):
• We leave our own individual agendas “at the
door”.
• There is a need for a Provincial Dental Officer.
• We need to encourage other agencies/groups at
executive level (with funding) to be engaged in oral
health issues.
10. What are we agreeing upon, by being in the
Saskatchewan Oral Health Coalition? We
agree that:
• We need to engage between bi-annual meetings
(Ad-hoc meetings).
• We need to advocate for curriculum assessments
at institutions that train/educate oral health
professions.
• We will promote SOHC in a positive manner
(billboards, ads, social media)
Collaborative ~ Diverse ~ Leaders – Proactive - Respectful
11. Ad-Hoc Groups
Advocacy
May not be a stand alone group, but is part of
all ad-hoc groups.
• Dental Insurance
• Those just above poverty line
• Family Health Benefits Adults
• Assured Income for Disability dental
coverage
• Direct billing for all who have insurance (no
payment upfront/reimbursement)
• Homeless and Vulnerable
• New Canadians and Refugees
12. Ad-Hoc Groups
Advocacy (continued)
• Provincial Dental Health Officer – expert
support
• Public Health dental clinics – free (no
charge) for those who require it and
have no ability to pay for it, available in
every health region; and/or dental bus.
13. Ad-Hoc Groups
Better Oral Health in Long Term Care
• Move forward regionally
• Engage Oral Health Programs in regions
• Oral health status data for Long Term
Care residents
• Survey with residents/families
14. Ad-Hoc Groups
Cultural Competency/Safety
• Education of SOHC members
(e.g. Saskatoon Open Door Society
offers Cultural Competency Training)
• Advocacy for people who are New
Canadians/Refugees, and require dental
care
15. Ad-Hoc Groups
Dental Day
• Saskatoon – YXE 2017
• La Ronge?
• Meadow Lake?
• Melfort?
• Moose Jaw?
• North Battleford?
• Prince Albert?
• Swift Current?
• Yorkton?
16. Ad-Hoc Groups
Education/Best Practice/Evidence
• Sugar consumption/harmful effects on
health – link with Dieticians of Canada.
• Those with insurance who are not using
it – how to improve.
• Food Security
17. Ad-Hoc Groups
Maternal/Early Childhood Oral Health
• Build on work with Saskatchewan
Prevention Institute
• Promotional campaign on importance of
baby teeth/prevention of Early
Childhood Caries
• April: National Oral Health Month.
SOHC to lead promotion/campaign
