Factors Relating to Canadian Dental Service Utilization and Access

Abstract: This is a 10 page paper discussing factors relating to dental service utilization in Canada. While Canadians enjoy a universal health care system regulated by the Canada Health Act, dental care (except for dental surgery in hospitals) is not covered by the network of territorial and provincial health insurance plans. Because of this lack of free coverage, financial barriers are often those which prevent utilization of dental services in Canada. However, financial barriers are not the only factors preventing access to dental services. Various studies have found that dental care utilization is also affected by health and illness factors especially in the growing senior population, reluctance to seek out new dental professionals, regional access, regional and cultural beliefs regarding dentistry as preventative and not necessary care, in addition to language and cultural barriers. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

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Catagory:

Subcatagory: Canadian Studies

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