The Conservatives have questioned many aspects of the National Dental Care Plan that the Liberals and New Democratic Party have put forward. They are concerned that the plan – which is aimed at helping low and middle-income families to receive dental care – will increase inflation and worsen Canada’s economic situation. They have suggested the dental care plan should be quashed, though due to the support for the plan, it is likely that it will go ahead as scheduled.
The Conservative Party have questioned certain elements of the National Dental Care plan, which is gathering momentum ahead of its initial rollout in the next few months.
The Conservatives have voiced their opinion that the dental plan – which is aimed at helping low and middle-income families to receive dental care – will increase inflation at a time when a cost of living crisis is developing [1].
They have argued that the plan should be quashed. However, with the Liberals and New Democratic Party (NDP) in support of the plan, it is unlikely that it will be annulled
The current situation of the dental plan:
In March 2022, the Liberal Party, in conjunction with the NDP, announced the creation of a new national dental care plan [2]. This was part of the supply and confidence agreement between the NDP and the Liberals.
The Liberal Party have committed to spending $5.3billion over the next few years on the plan. The full rollout is due by 2025. The plan is aimed at those with a household income of below $90,000 [2].
However, the nature of the dental plan and its lack of direction or strategy has led to it being shrouded in controversy. In fact, the NDP have threatened to end their supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals unless the dental plan goes ahead.
Finally, an update came a few weeks ago. The Liberal Party announced that children from low and middle-income families under the age of 12 will be the first to benefit. All of the facts weren’t made clear, but it was a step in the right direction.
Moreover, the most recent update revealed that for every child under the age of 12, low and middle-income families would receive $650 per year towards dental care [2].
The Conservative Party’s Reaction
However, the dental plan hasn’t proven to be universally popular. The Conservative Party has led the disapproval of the plan [1]. They are not the only ones either.
One of the main concerns is the timing of this plan. Given that energy prices are soaring, the cost of living is increasing and gas is expensive, there have been some suggestions that this isn’t the right time to be launching this plan [1].
The Conservatives have argued that the dental plan is going to make Canada’s already fragile economy worse by increasing inflation [1]. They believe government spending should be lowered at this time, rather than having a large initiative being launched.
Conservative MP Michael Cooper has been among the most vocal in his opposition to the dental plan. Cooper argued that “the bill offers measures throwing some money here, throwing some money here, all in a desperate effort by a desperate government to make it appear that it is doing something – anything – to address the cost-of-living crisis” [1].
Moreover, MPs from the Bloc Quebecois Party have also raised concerns [1]. They have argued that there is a lack of clarity on whose jurisdiction dental care should fall under [1]. For example, in Quebec, the health system already covers the dental needs of children under the age of 10 – leading to questions on how this plan might be implemented there [3].
Bloc MP Marie-Helene Gaudreau spoke on behalf of her party by saying that the party may “vote against a bill” [1]. However, this is not because they don’t agree with it, rather “out of a concern about respecting jurisdictions”, Gaudreau said [1].
The Conservatives are pushing for an amendment that would result in the bill being quashed. However, with the Liberals and NDP holding a majority, their amendment is unlikely to gain the support needed for it to be annulled
What this means
The dental plan has certainly been a source of discussion for some time. However, the fact that some concrete plans have been put forward shows that it is on the right path.
But opposition remains. It is certainly a difficult time for Canadians due to the cost-of-living crisis. This has led to some believing inflation will worsen, causing further problems. However, many will see the dental plan as a way of saving money whilst improving the oral health of their children.
While the dental plan is going to be expensive to rollout, it should result in long-term benefits to the oral health of Canadian citizens. Moreover, it should put less strain on the healthcare system in the long-run. As each week passes, we get closer to the unveiling of the plan
Thinking points…
1) Many people reacted to the announcement of a national dental plan with excitement. But while it may be tempting to think this means it isn’t as important to look after your oral health as before, this is incorrect! It is still very important to have excellent oral hygiene, as this can help to prevent treatment to be needed. One of the most important aspects of this is to attend regular dental check-ups – as a dentist will be able to provide you with an overview of your oral health. We recommend that you make an appointment soon!
2) What are your thoughts on the dental plan – do you think it is a positive or a negative idea? Why not discuss this with a friend or family member? Feel free to share this article with them to see what they think. It may offer you an idea of what others are thinking, which is interesting given what a complex topic it has become.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca
References
[1] Osman, L. (2022). Rent support, dental cheques would be ‘eviscerated’ by inflation: Conservatives. Available: https://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/politics/rent-support-dental-cheques-would-be-eviscerated-by-inflation-conservatives-1.6093953. Last accessed: 6th October 2022.
[2] Tunney, C. (2022). Liberals agree to launch dental care program in exchange for NDP support. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeu-jagmeet-singh-deal-government-1.6393021. Last accessed: 6th October 2022.
[3] Saint-Arnaud, P. (2022). Quebec reaches agreement with dentists for providing care covered by RAMQ. Available: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/quebec-reaches-agreement-with-dentists-for-providing-care-covered-by-ramq. Last accessed: 6th October 2022.
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