Dentists Reluctant to Enroll in Federal Dental Plan; Seniors Encouraged to Explore Alternative Choices
Canada’s health minister convened with dentists on Thursday to discuss apprehensions surrounding the Canadian Dental Care Plan, as the Alberta Dental Association raised doubts regarding the enrollment of enough dentists to administer care when the plan commences for seniors in May.
Scheduled to kick off in May, eligible seniors will gain access to oral healthcare treatment through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with applications having been open since December for individuals aged 87 and above. Subsequently, eligibility has been extended to additional age groups, with those aged 70 and older eligible to apply this month and those aged 65 to 69 able to enroll in May.
Dr. Jenny Doerksen, president of the Alberta Dental Association, expressed lingering concerns regarding the lack of clarity from Ottawa regarding the plan’s specifics. She, along with representatives from dental associations nationwide, met with the federal health minister to seek answers.
The primary contention arises from the requirement for dentists to sign contracts to participate in the program, coupled with concerns regarding increased administrative burdens. While dentists support the concept of a national public dental care plan, they deem the current plan flawed due to the absence of defined terms and conditions in the contract.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Holland described the meeting with dentists as “productive,” affirming the government’s commitment to collaborate with oral health providers to streamline services under the CDCP.
However, Dr. Doerksen expressed continued uncertainty regarding the rollout of the Canadian dental plan, highlighting the lack of clarity on its impact on patients, practices, and staff.
Meanwhile, Laura Woods, an independent dental hygienist, has been advising seniors to consider alternative oral health care providers, such as hygienists, who are engaged in the program. She emphasized the importance of educating seniors about the available options and the scope of services offered by independent hygienists.
Jeannette Provo, the executive director for Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre in Calgary, expressed disappointment over the reluctance of dentists to participate in the plan, citing its potential benefits for older adults. However, she acknowledged the need for more clarity for dentists before full participation.
To qualify for the plan, individuals must not have existing dental insurance, have an annual adjusted family net income below $90,000, be Canadian residents for tax purposes, and have filed tax returns from the previous year. Eligible Canadians aged 70 and older have received letters prompting them to apply to the CDCP, with a provided code for phone applications.
The national program, gradually rolled out, will eventually cover one-quarter of Canadians, starting with seniors. In the interim, a dental plan has been in place to cover children under 12 years old.
