Overview
According to the National Geographic magazine, Gaspésie region was one of the top 20 destinations in the world in 2011, the only one in Canada. This region is well-known for its beaches, countless outdoor activities and its famous Rocher-Percé. In addition to offering spectacular views, Gaspésie gives you access to a unique quality of life and a flourishing professional practice.
Gaspésie has one of the lowest dentist to population ratios in the province of Québec (ODQ, 2010). To date, there is no established specialist in the area which restricts access to dental care.
Distribution of dental professionals
Dentists are mostly located in the cities of Percé, Gaspé, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and New Richmond. The few dentists who are established outside of these centers are however situated relatively close to those cities. In the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, it seems that the distribution of dentists would be sufficient because of the small size of the territory.
In 2011, patients had to wait an average of six months for an appointment or had to travel hundred kilometers for treatment (Radio Canada, 2011). The situation is improving very slowly. The cities of Gaspé, Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and New Richmond are the regions that are most affected. As a result, their clinics are overflowing.