Dentists across Canada, including those in Saskatchewan, have become a place for individuals who don’t have a family doctor to seek medical advice. In an interview with CTV News, Jeff Leger, CEO at 123Dentist, said dentists are able to flag several issues during a checkup, making them an essential touchpoint within the health care system for those without a family doctor. “Our dentists and dental teams are starting to play a role in helping redirect people to the appropriate care,” he said, noting 123Dentist operates a network of 14 clinics in Saskatchewan. “Part of the comprehensive exam is looking for detection of potential oral cancer. They don’t diagnose it specifically, but they identify areas that there may be some further investigation that’s required.” A recent study conducted by 123Dentist found more than one in five Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents, or 22 per cent of those surveyed, do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner they can see regularly, compared to 19 per cent in Canada. Ninety-five per cent of those surveyed in Saskatchewan and Manitoba say they would trust health information or advice from a dentist, with 16 per cent saying a dentist or hygienist spotted a possible health concern and advised them to see a doctor or specialist. The survey was conducted from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2026, and included a sample size of 1,509 adults living in Canada who are members of the Angus Reid Forum, with results for Saskatchewan and Manitoba reported together. Leger said the link between oral health and overall health is more important than people think, making routine dental visits vital. “Dentists don’t replace doctors or nurse practitioners, but they do play a role of helping people understand their oral health and how it impacts their whole-body health,” he said. “They could, in some cases, detect potential oral cancer. And also, we know that good oral health and reducing the inflammation in your gums can be linked to having incidents of heart disease or diabetes or dementia.” According to the study, about 46 per cent of Canadians surveyed received health care or advice from a dental team in the past year, compared to 30 per cent from pharmacists and 29 per cent from a walk-in clinic. Leger said he has noticed that more people are starting to understand the link between dental health and full body health, which is why accessibility to getting dental care is important. Across Canada, six in 10 Canadians surveyed who are enrolled in the plan say it let them get dental care they wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. “This is really compelling that people now feel supported and that didn’t have coverage before are now actually going to seek treatment for care,” Leger said. “So, I think it’s a great thing, and our dentists and our dental teams and hygienists are there to help support folks and make sure that they get the services that they need.” Despite the positive numbers, Leger said as more research comes out, it’s important to continue making people aware of the link between dental health and full body health. “We’re happy that we were able to help with this survey to get a good understanding of one, that Canadians understand that dentists can play a role in this regard. They know that there’s a link,” he said. “They’re not exactly sure how to articulate the link, and also link to that, we see that this new federal program has really driven more access to care, which we think is a is a positive thing.” “I think over time that will help by increasing by going to visit your dentist when you should and when you can, that you’ll actually be able to help stave off issues long term, and I think that’s really powerful, and it also proves out and supports the role our teams are playing.” With files from Daniel Reech
