A coalition of oral health professionals is challenging perceived misinformation about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), according to CBC reports. They aim to counter concerns raised by dental associations and encourage more dentists to participate.
Kelly Mansfield, president of the Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association, criticized claims from dentists about administrative burdens, stating, “I don’t understand how dentists can call it burdensome when many haven’t even registered or submitted a claim. We haven’t encountered issues.”
National associations representing dental assistants, hygienists, and denturists have reported positive experiences since the CDCP began covering seniors on May 1.
To address concerns and dispel myths, these groups will host an online information session on Tuesday, facilitated by the Canadian Health Coalition.
Despite positive feedback from many providers, dental associations continue to express reservations. A significant number of association presidents have not signed up their clinics to treat CDCP patients, despite Health Canada reporting that nearly half of all oral health providers, including 12,000 professionals, have registered.
Sylvie Martel, director of dental hygiene practice at the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, emphasized that approximately 70% of eligible independent hygienists are participating. “While the program isn’t perfect,” Martel said, “it is helping vulnerable Canadians who previously lacked access to dental care.”
Jaro Wojcicki, president of the Denturist Association of Canada, noted that around 80% of denturists are participating, despite some additional verification requirements. He stressed the importance of accountability with taxpayer funds but praised the program for faster reimbursements compared to private insurance.
Wojcicki acknowledged challenges when dentists opt out, affecting shared patients. He urged providers to conduct independent research rather than relying solely on association viewpoints.
The Canadian Dental Association attributed much of the confusion to the federal government’s lack of program clarity, causing extra work and patient uncertainty.
Association president Joel Antel recognized efforts by Ottawa to streamline the CDCP and expand coverage. He hoped these changes would encourage more dentists to join the program, emphasizing that participation is a personal decision for each practitioner.
Brandon Doucet, founder of the Coalition for Dental Care, likened current dentist opposition to the resistance faced by doctors during the introduction of universal health care in the 1960s. He cautioned that without increased dentist participation, the program’s future could be at risk, potentially vulnerable to dismantling efforts.
A spokesperson for Conservative health critic Stephen Ellis criticized the Trudeau government’s handling of the CDCP, calling it flawed from inception and questioning its management.