The Smile Gap

As recently as fifty years ago, most people expected to lose their teeth as they aged. Today, many Canadians enjoy straight, white teeth and far more of them are keeping their teeth for the entirety of their lives. Yet these advances have not reached everyone. The Smile Gap examines the enormous improvements that have taken place over the past century. The use of fluorides, emphasis on tooth brushing, the rise of cosmetic dentistry, and better access to dental care have had a profound effect on the oral health and beauty of Canadians. Yet while the introduction of employer-provided dental insurance in the 1970s has allowed for regular visits to the dentist for many people, a significant number of Canadians still lack access to good oral health care.

Our Guest Speaker:

Catherine Carstairs, B.A., Dip. Ed., M.A., PhD

Dr. Catherine Carstairs is a Professor of History at the University of Guelph. She is the author of Jailed for Possession: Illegal Drug Use, Regulation and Power in Canada, 1920-1961 and the co-author of Be Wise! Be Healthy!: Morality and Citizenship in Canadian Public Health Campaigns.