With full details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan due to be released soon, dentists from a range of dental associations have provided recommendations about the plan. The associations believe that these recommendations will result in a plan that works for patients, dental care providers, and taxpayers.
The Canadian Federal Government is expected to reveal the full details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan within weeks. This is a long-awaited plan which has been months in the making.
In preparation for the announcement, Canadian dentists from a range of dental associations have been sharing their expertise, resulting in them creating a proposed framework for the dental plan, which seeks to provide advice to the government [1].
The dental associations believe that their recommendations will result in a plan that will work for patients, dental care providers, and taxpayers [1].
Background
The Canadian Dental Care Plan was first announced as part of the supply-and-confidence agreement between the governing Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP) following the last election.
After being beset by setbacks, a temporary measure was enacted in the form of a dental benefit, which launched at the end of 2022 [2]. This benefit offered financial assistance to the children of low- and middle-income families.
But the long-term goal has always been to create a full plan. Initially, children, teenagers, seniors, and people with disabilities will be prioritized. The aim is for the full rollout to take place by 2025 [2].
The recommendations
Dental associations across Canada have contributed to a document titled A Proposed Framework for the Canadian Dental Care Plan [3].
As dentists will be the ones that actually deliver the care, they are understandably very passionate. For example, all dental professionals share a common goal – they wish to see an improvement in oral health for Canadians.
The document provides their recommendations and a framework for what they believe to be a strong and successful dental care program. Their recommendations are based on data, research, and input from experts in the dental field [1].
The main recommendations are:
• To safeguard access to dental care by respecting and acknowledging the current dental insurance system
• To allow each patient to select their own dentist
• To ensure the public can access the dental care they need without having to deal with unneeded delays or bureaucracy
• Work alongside existing government dental programs to ensure the public get the maximum from the dental care they are entitled to
• Fairly pay the dental professionals that deliver the care [1].
These recommendations are important. The patient-centric approach outlined above can maximize the positive experience that patients could have.
As part of the recommendations, dentists also note that there are existing dental programs seen across various provinces. With this in mind, it is important that the plan complements these existing plans, rather than replacing them.
Moreover, the document suggests that it is important for the government to not rush into the plan. Instead, they suggest that the Canadian Dental Benefit could be temporarily expanded if needed [1].
Addressing a labour shortage
Aside from the above recommendation, the dental associations have also collectively asked for a coordinated plan to increase skilled workers for dental offices to be implemented [1].
This is because of a serious shortage of dental hygienists across Canada [1]. This can cause unnecessary delays for patients, and worsen their experiences.
By recruiting more dental hygienists, the hope is that there will be more appointments available, less waiting times, and the chance to provide excellent care for the Canadian public.
Quotes
Key figures from various dental associations have commented on the framework and advice. Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky, President of the Alberta Dental Association, has summed up the situation by stating “we all want” a “successful and sustainable” plan [1].
Yaholnitsky says that “the only way we reach our goal is if dentists and policy makers work together to create a plan that benefits patients, while respecting both providers and taxpayers” [1].
Meanwhile, Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President of the Ontario Dental Association, has looked at the bigger picture. He has mentioned that the dental plan “could become one of Canada’s greatest achievements in public health” – but this is contingent on the government getting “it right” [1]. This quote underlines the potential that the plan has.
What happens next?
Now that the various dental associations have commented on the situation, the hope is that the government will take their recommendations into account.
The next step is to wait for an official announcement from the federal government. This is expected to happen soon, and will hopefully be the catalyst for improved oral health across Canada.
Thinking points…
1) One of the main reasons for the dental plan is the need for more affordable dental care – with many people citing cost as a barrier to receiving care. However, here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means that our fees are transparent, reliable, and trustworthy! If you wanted to find out more about us, we recommend you take a look at our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca, and book an appointment with us!
2) On some online forums, there has been discussion among members of the public that they are in significant dental pain, but are waiting for the dental plan before getting treatment. If you are in a similar position, it is crucial that you seek help sooner! The longer that problems are left, the more severe and potentially irreversible they can become. Therefore, if you are in any pain, we recommend visiting your dental clinic right away!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
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. 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™! 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] GlobeNewswire. (2023). Canadian dentists to government: Here’s how to build a strong dental care plan. Available: https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/globenewswire_press_releases/canadian-dentists-to-government-here-s-how-to-build-a-strong-dental-care-plan/article_cf997071-e2c1-5405-b6b4-10388191544c.html. Last accessed: 24th November 2023.
[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 24th November 2023.
[3] Ontario Dental Association. (2023). CDCP Proposed Framework. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/cdcp-proposed-framework/. Last accessed: 24th November 2023.
