While many Canadian citizens anticipate the rollout of the new national dental care plan, dental care providers face multiple uncertainties.
The rolling out of the plan by the federal government in May 2024 has left some dental care professionals, including dentists and hygienists questioning its potential success. Some are unsure whether to opt into the plan.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan was first announced in Dec. 2023. Its aim is to improve access to dental care across the country, addressing a critical need for many Canadians.
Dental care providers have the option of opting into the program, but some are seeking information to decide whether to participate, as the federal government has not provided the offices providing this plan with everything they need to know.
Dental care providers say they have yet to receive all the information about the new plan, which has left many dental offices at a standstill on their decision to opt in or out of the plan.
Connie Collins, a Durham College alumni and registered dental hygienist with 27 years of experience, says many dental care providers are “leaning towards not opting” into the plan because they don’t have the required information about how it will work.
Susan Duke, a resident of Port Perry, Ontario, and certified dental assistant with 29 years of experience expressed her concerns: “I have a feeling it’s going to be a low percentage, and depending on how things go, more may enroll, but I think it will be slow in the beginning.”
Among the concerns raised by dental professionals are potential treatment delays due to the government’s estimate approval process and uncertainties regarding provider compensation.
According to Collins, the risk is that patients might experience worsening conditions if treatment approval lags.
The President of the Ontario Dental Association, Dr. Brock Nicolucci, said in a statement released on Feb. 8, 2024, that he feels the plan has fallen short and that the program is “not ready to go.” He said the program hasn’t offered enough information, leading patients to have “an unrealistic expectation that dental care will be free.”
The President of the Canadian Dental Association, Dr. Heather Carr, said in a statement on Feb. 12, 2024, that the federal government has “not incorporated several of the CDA’s policy recommendations,” despite having previously discussed the plan.
She said some of the policies that have been reviewed include “ensuring that administrative procedures do not impact or delay the provision of care to patients, and ensuring the cost of treatment provided to patients is fully covered.”
Another concern raised by providers relates to compensation uncertainties. Connie Collins pointed out that dentists and hygienists are in the dark about the timeline for receiving payments for post-treatment.