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Saskatchewan's school-based dental program staffed by dental therapists: a retrospective case study
Kavita R Mathu-Muju1, Jay W Friedman2, David A Nash3
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|November 19, 2016
Summary
The Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan (SHDP) successfully provided dental care to children via school-based clinics. Despite its popularity, political opposition led to its termination, highlighting the vulnerability of public health programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Health Policy
Background:
- Saskatchewan faced challenges with children's poor oral health and a dentist shortage in the 1970s.
- An alternative approach was needed to deliver essential dental care to pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the history and outcomes of the Saskatchewan Health Dental Plan (SHDP).
- To provide data on North America's only school-based dental therapist program for the scientific literature.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was employed.
- Reviewed published and grey literature, including Saskatchewan Health annual reports.
Main Results:
- The SHDP operated for 13 years, offering basic dental care in school-based clinics.
- The program was well-received by parents and achieved significant success in treating children's dental needs.
- The program was discontinued in 1987 by a new provincial government.
Conclusions:
- The SHDP demonstrated a successful model for school-based pediatric dental care.
- Publicly funded dental health initiatives are susceptible to political ideologies and external pressures.
