Manitoba dentists, represented by their association, are expressing concerns over the implementation of a new federal dental program, fearing it may restrict patients’ ability to freely choose their dental care providers.
Daron Baxter, President of the Manitoba Dental Association, emphasized the need for a system that allows all healthcare providers to efficiently administer the Canadian Dental Care Plan on behalf of their patients. The $13-billion federally funded program aims to provide dental insurance to residents earning less than $90,000 annually, who do not have private coverage.
Starting July 8, oral health-care providers can bill Sun Life Canada insurance directly for services rendered, without formally enrolling in the program. However, to participate fully, dentists must register with the provider network to file claims through Sun Life.
Baxter expressed concerns that the program could potentially separate patients from their preferred dentists if the dentists choose not to participate. He criticized the system for limiting patients to a restricted list of oral health-care providers, undermining their freedom of choice.
Currently, Sun Life lists 52 family dentists in Winnipeg participating voluntarily in the program. The initiative currently applies to seniors aged 65 and over, children under 18, and adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate.
Statistics on claims and patient eligibility under the program, which launched in May, were not available at the time of reporting.
The Manitoba Dental Association and Baxter have urged the federal government to reconsider the requirement for exclusive administration through Sun Life, advocating for a more flexible approach that preserves patients’ autonomy in choosing their healthcare providers.
Efforts to obtain comments from Health Canada regarding these concerns were unsuccessful as of Wednesday.
Baxter underscored that while dentists are eager to participate in the program, they insist on a model that supports patient access to care. He highlighted that the claim-by-claim billing system provides some flexibility but cautioned that without broader participation, the national dental plan could face significant challenges.
“We have some dentists registered and others not, creating barriers for patients,” Baxter noted.