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.”
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