BC Denturists Association says Seniors Hurt Most by Red Tape in the Ministry of Health

Nanaimo, BC (11/27/ 2019) – The Denturist Association of BC (DABC) believes that the government is simply going through the motions in modernizing the regulatory framework for Denturists. The association has worked with Ministry of Health for 20 years yet British Columbia has stalled in modernizing regulations. This hurts all BC citizens; however, seniors are the most negatively affected.

Most provincial Ministries of Health have concluded that Denturists have a positive safety record and are an integral part of the oral health care system in Canada. Other provinces have also assessed Denturists as increasingly important as the population ages and seniors require more dental care options.

Vancouver Island Denturist Allan Boos said, “The government is claiming that the review process is seeking public input but exactly how do seniors that are in a nursing home, elder care, hospital or residing in a hospice supposed to make their concerns known? The families of seniors in care know that nutrition needs are important to quality of life issues but these patients can’t even chew food

without immediate treatment.

How are these vulnerable people able to make written submissions to government bureaucrats? Seniors need a voice in these issues which are not being considered under the current process. Denturists visit these senior facilities and can perform safe, efficient and effective treatment immediately if regulations permitted.”

Seniors are not aware of government regulations, and this is a huge stumbling block for this process. Seniors are at a disadvantage because of mobility and resource issues. Many seniors live on a fixed income and the current regulation system requires these vulnerable people make more than one appointment with different oral health professions. This results in paying more than necessary for their treatment.

The Denturist Association of BC membership are specialist in dentures and can provide treatment plans and care which would eliminate duplication and reduce costs to seniors.

Alan Boos explained, “Denturists are not asking for government funding, nor are we asking to do the work of dentists or surgeons. Denturist are specialist in dental appliances. All requested procedures are non-surgical and promote collaboration with the entire dental care team.

Alberta Denturist have been delivering these services safely for over 15 years. The requested expanded services will not cost government anything but will save patients by reducing out of pocket costs by reducing overlap, allowing patients to realign or refit their modern dental appliances under one roof.”

The government regulation process is not serving the public interest especially for seniors. This is an urgent issue and one that could be solved quickly.

Denturist Allan Boos noted, “Denturist are asking for two things, removal of the prescriptions requirement for overdenture and partial dentures, and the ability to fit and dispense a screw retained dentures.

The people of BC especially seniors are the victims of government red tape and regulation. Most provinces in Canada have already expanded the Scope of Practice for Denturists.

British Columbia is lagging far behind the rest of Canada in modernizing the regulations for Denturist.”