The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has voiced their pleasure at recent changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The changes have been implemented by the Federal Government following dentists raising concerns about the plan. These changes should have a positive impact. However, the CDA have noted that further improvements are needed in the future.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has released a statement to voice their pleasure at the Federal Government’s recent changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].
These changes have addressed some of the concerns that had previously been raised by dentists. The government have acted upon these concerns.
However, the CDA has pointed out that further changes are needed. These changes have the potential to improve the CDCP. This will mean that eventually, the focus will be on what is most important – providing excellent care to patients.
Initial concerns for the CDA
The CDCP assists low- and middle-income families with dental costs. It continues to be rolled out, with more and more people becoming eligible for the plan over time. Eventually, it will be rolled out to all eligible Canadian residents.
The plan has already attracted over 2 million people to sign up – showing its popularity. However, there have been several problems in the first few months.
The CDA went on record previously to discuss some concerns that they had. These included concerns on how the plan would work, and how much they would be compensated by the government for the services provided [2].
At the time, the then-President of the CDA Heather Carr spoke of how dentists “really want to care for their patients,” but that there were a lack of details on how the plan would work in reality [2].
Throughout disputes over the details of the CDCP, the CDA have made it clear that their goal has always been for access to care to improve for people without dental benefits [1].
CDA Statement
The aforementioned statement mentioned that the CDA “welcomes the federal government’s recent changes to the CDCP, which address key concerns of dentists” [1].
Over the last few months, the federal government have been improving the plan – which the CDA has recognized.
The changes that have pleased the CDA include simplifying the terms and conditions that providers must agree to, and providing clarity on which treatments will be covered by the plan.
These changes will allow dental clinics to better address the needs of their patients. Therefore, this should result in a positive improvement in patient experience.
Moreover, the CDA are hopeful that these changes could encourage more dental clinics to participate in the CDCP. But they have noted this will be down to individual dentists to decide [1].
There have certainly been some improvements, with the federal government seemingly acting on the concerns of the CDA. But more work is needed.
The need for further improvements
The CDCP is a very complex project. Therefore, further improvements will be needed going forward, but recent changes offer encouragement for the short to mid-term.
Dr. Joel Antel – the recently appointed new CDA President – has said that “while acknowledging the progress made so far, there is still work to be done in the medium to long term to benefit Canadians over time” [1].
Antel has confirmed that the “CDA will continue advocating for these changes and looks forward to working in partnership with the federal government” [1].
The CDA has pointed out that one urgent area for improvement is the federal government’s public communication about the CDCP [1]. They believe that this has been an area which has been lacking.
For example, the CDA have pointed out that 61% of seniors have not heard about the co-payment requirement based on income for the CDCP [1]. This is very concerning – as it means some seniors are racking up expensive and unexpected bills – something that the CDCP is meant to stop.
Moreover, the CDA say that 60% of the public think communication about which services are covered by the CDCP is not clear [1]. This is making some people reluctant to sign up for the plan.
The CDA have mentioned that some dental offices are spending approximately an hour each day to explain the CDCP to patients. This time would be better suited to treating patients.
The CDA have argued that some changes are needed specifically to help seniors, children, and those with disabilities [1].
Summary
The CDA has consistently been in support of the CDCP. While they have requested changes and expressed discontent at times – this is mainly because they view the plan as a key moment in the history of oral health in Canada.
By getting the approach correct, it can contribute to a lasting legacy of strong oral health across Canada, and for future generations. Hopefully, more positive changes will take place.
The CDA also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the federal government, with the common goal of improving access to oral healthcare.
By seeing more improvements with the CDCP, we should see a positive boost in patient care and treatment outcomes.
Thinking points…
1) The rollout of the CDCP continues to take place. But it is not expected that the wider public will become eligible until at some point in 2025. Therefore, if you are planning on waiting to become eligible for the CDCP before going to the dentist, we strongly recommend against this! By getting regular check-ups, any problems can be identified, monitored and acted on. We recommend that you book a check-up soon!
2) One of the reasons for the CDCP’s existence is that many people find the cost of dental care too high. Therefore, you will be interested to know that here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which ensures that our prices remain fair, transparent and competitive. We’d love to see you at Savanna Dental soon, you can find out more about us here: www.savannadental.ca!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set 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] Canadian Dental Association. (2024). CDA encouraged by federal government’s changes to the CDCP, commits to working together for further improvements in the longer term. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/media_room/news_releases/2024/06_25_CDA_encouraged_by_changes_CDCP.asp. Last accessed: 6th July 2024.
[2] Osman, L. (2024). Dentists, hygienists still in the dark on details of federal dental-care plan. Available: https://www.cp24.com/news/dentists-hygienists-still-in-the-dark-on-details-of-federal-dental-care-plan-1.6750296. Last accessed: 6th July 2024.
