Media Inquiries

If you are interested in speaking with a BCDA representative, please email Cary Chan, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, or call 604-714-1988 or 1-888-396-9888.

Statements & Releases

2023:

• August 21, Announcement: BCDA Appoints New CEO, Quinn Mathiesen Newcomb
• March 28, Media Release: BC Dentists Applaud Expansion of Dental Care in Federal Budget
• March 11, Statement: BCDA Statement on Oral Health for Older Adults (updated June 22, 2023)

2022:

• November 7, Letter to Minister of Health: RE: Bill 36 – 2022: Health Professions and Occupations Act
• September 28, Statement: BCDA Statement on Truth and Reconciliation
• August 12, Statement: BCDA Responds to Proposed Board Composition of BC’s new Oral Health Regulatory College
• August 8, Media Release: BC Dentists Dismayed by Absence of Dedicated Seat on New Oral Health College Board
• August 4, Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau: National Dental Care Program
• June 13, Revised Statement: Position on COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers, Including Oral Health Care Professionals.
  The previous statement dated Sept. 24 2021 was amended by the BCDA Board of Directors.
• April 7, Statement: National Dental Care Program in Federal Budget 2022
• February 1, Statement: Due to Changes in Government Health Policy, BCDA files Claim to Protect Dentistry’s Investment in College Place Building

2021:

• November 1, Letter to the Editor: Comox Valley Record

  BCDA responded publicly to a Letter to the Editor in the Oct. 27 Comox Valley Record, in which a patient criticized a local dental practice for not disclosing the vaccination status of their staff. BCDA provided a written response to the publication, which is now on the newspaper’s website. The letter emphasized the stringent infection control procedures, and additional COVID-19 protocols BC dental teams are employing. View the original letter.

• October 15, Statement: Private Dental Offices Currently Excluded from PHO Order
  The BCDA supports the Provincial Health Officer’s order requiring all health professionals working within public health care settings, including dentists working in hospitals, long-term care facilities etc., to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 26, 2021.
  
  The order includes a notice that this will apply to health professionals and staff in private settings, including dentistry at some point in the future. Our position, as stated on September 24 is that all healthcare workers should be vaccinated to reduce the prevalence and harms of COVID-19 and bring an end to this pandemic.
  
  As oral health care professionals, it is our duty to protect the health of our patients and staff. While the dental profession’s established infection control measures are outstanding, it must do everything possible to reduce the severity of illness and bring the case count down, including being vaccinated against COVID-19.
  
  BCDA stands in strong support with the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Health, and College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia.

• September 24, Statement: Position on COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers, Including Oral Health Care Professionals
   
• March 10, Statement: BCDA Pleased with Dental Professionals' Inclusion in Phase 2 Vaccine Roll-out

  The BCDA is pleased with the BC Government’s decision to include community-based dentists and their clinical staff teams in Phase 2 of the vaccine roll-out. While all vaccine delivery is dependent on vaccine supply and logistical planning in each health authority, dentists in the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health authority regions have been invited to book vaccination appointments. Dentists have also been approved as vaccinators in the Provincial Health Officer’s February 23 Public Health Order.  

  BCDA has no position on which specific vaccine is used for dentists and their clinical teams, and appreciates the effort required by each health authority to deliver the vaccine roll-out as quickly as possible. 

  Dentists safely administer injections several times a day as a regular part of their practice and can competently support the government's immunization effort. Our members are pleased to contribute to this critical community service that will benefit all British Columbians.