Tag: press release

The CDCP isn’t free from cost and red tape

TORONTO, Feb. 8, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Dentists know that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a major opportunity to provide oral health care to millions of people who have been unable to access the care they need. However, seniors and other eligible Canadian residents signing up for CDCP are going to be surprised when they find out their care won’t be free. They might also be unaware they might have to change dentists or try to find a new one.

Dentists are also unclear about what they’re being asked to sign up for and they don’t know how to answer questions about the federal government’s plan.

Now that more details of the CDCP have been released, it’s time for the federal government to answer the big questions Canadians have. Patients will be surprised to know:   

• Am I getting free dental care? No – patients may pay out-of-pocket for services and fees that aren’t covered under the federal government’s new dental benefits plan, including 40 to 60 per cent co-payments for families who earn more than $70,000 per year. Where government reimbursement does not cover the full cost of care, some patients will pay the balance.
• Can I choose my own dentist? Maybe not – patients will have to search for dentists who agree to participate, despite the unclear terms and conditions set by the government.
• Will it be easy to get the care I need? Maybe not – dentists expect there will be a lot of red tape that may delay care and not make this a smooth process. Unlike other dental benefits programs, the CDCP has inserted processes that get in the way of how patients can access essential oral health care, and the relationship they have with their dentist.

The federal government has not answered other critical questions: How will they protect existing work, school and/or group dental benefits? How will the CDCP work with other publicly funded dental programs, including provincial programs? Without addressing these legitimate concerns, how do they expect people to know what this will mean for their dental coverage and what they should do next?

Based on what the government has announced about the CDCP, the dental associations don’t know if dentists will choose to participate in the CDCP. How can dentists provide informed consent and agree to participate in the CDCP without answers to their questions? We understand that many general practitioners and dental specialists have already decided not to participate.

Health Canada has rushed out a massive program under unreasonable timelines. While dentists were consulted and provided advice on building a sustainable dental program, it was at the 11^th hour for the provincial and territorial dental associations across Canada and we still see major gaps and flaws that have yet to be addressed.

As experts in oral health care, the dental associations, representing over 25,000 dentists across the country, have pointed out that the CDCP does not meet most of the principles of A Proposed Framework for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This is a historic investment, so it is critical that the federal government truly gets it right.

Quotes:

“Dentists and taxpayers alike need the government to address the gaps we have identified and questions we have raised. I don’t want any patients to be taken by surprise when they come to my practice. It’s not dentists’ fault that the program doesn’t meet the promises the federal government has made to Canadians.” – Dr. Jenny Doerksen, President, Alberta Dental Association

“Given the proven relationship between oral and general health, this plan is an unprecedented opportunity to improve the overall health of Canadians. However, as a dentist who cares deeply for my patients, I’m extremely concerned about the government’s lack of clarity and collaboration in this plan. Without clear information, dentists cannot make an informed decision on whether or not to participate. This plan cannot succeed if it is carried on the backs of oral healthcare providers; it must be sustainable for patients, dentists, and taxpayers.” – Dr. Rob Wolanski, President, BC Dental Association

“The federal government has the responsibility to create a plan that supports and enriches the systems currently in place. There is a window of opportunity to make the necessary changes to ensure access to quality oral health care for all Canadians and we implore the government to take action. In 20 years, the makers of the CDCP may have moved on, but many of us will continue to practice dentistry. We look forward to a future where the quality and access to care improves over time, not worsens.” – Dr. Daron Baxter, President, Manitoba Dental Association

“New Brunswick dentists care deeply about our patients. We know that dental care can be costly. This plan has followed the design of the federal NIHB program, which is not well respected by dentists across our province. That plan imposes a lot of administrative burden on dental clinics, is not easy to access or administer, and does not cover the full costs of providing treatment. As a result, many dentists do not participate in the NIHB plan and I fear they won’t be able to participate in this program either. It is important that patients receive simple, clear messaging from Health Canada and that patients maintain the right to choose their own dentist. New Brunswick dental clinics are already extremely busy and are experiencing shortages of labour. The CDCP should be easy to use and administer, should cover all treatments needed and should cover the full costs of those treatments.” – Dr. Joanah Campbell, President, New Brunswick Dental Society

“The federal government needs to clearly explain what this program really is, and what it is not, so that patients can make informed decisions about their care. We are always supportive of increased access to oral health care, but it must be done right. This plan has to be sustainable for patients, dentists and the government and in our opinion, it is not at this time.” – Dr. Shane Roberts, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association

“The federal government has launched a program that is rushed and says that these issues will be resolved later. There is a long history of poorly structured and funded government dental programs in some jurisdictions. I’m concerned about whether the government will fix the problems with the CDCP or existing plans any time soon, if ever.” – Dr. Steven Partyka, President, Northwest Territories & Nunavut Dental Association

“Canadians need to be told how, exactly, the CDCP will work alongside the many existing provincial and territorial programs. This clarification would go a long way towards making sure patients feel comfortable seeking dental treatment when they need it.” – Dr. Juli Waterbury, President, Nova Scotia Dental Association

“This program is just not ready to go yet. While we appreciate that Minister of Health Mark Holland and his officials finally sat down with us, it hasn’t been a negotiation, just a discussion. A program without patient autonomy, an unrealistic expectation that care will be free, and with a bunch of red tape that stands in the way of care isn’t nearly enough progress.” – Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President, Ontario Dental Association

“The CDCP had the potential to benefit millions of Canadians and required thoughtful planning and smooth implementation. Developing a national oral health plan is a monumental task that should include all stakeholders rather than a process without meaningful consultation of the provincial and territorial dental associations. Unfortunately, the need to meet seemingly unrealistic deadlines has won out over sound policy, resulting in a program that does not live up to the promises made by the federal government.” – Dr. Matt Shaffner, President, Dental Association of Prince Edward Island

“The College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan applauds the initiative of the Federal Government to increase access to oral health care for Canadians. Unfortunately, dentists remain in the dark on specific details of the plan, and how the plan will affect their patients, staff, and businesses. Registrants should wait for further details about the CDCP to be released, so they are able to make a properly informed decision whether to register.” – Dr. Derek Thiessen, President, College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan

“The YDA welcomes all initiatives to bring accessible dental care to our community, however the federal government needs to ensure that the new CDCP will work with and not against existing territorial dental programs such as the Yukon Dental Program that was launched last year. We welcome further conversation in integrating the CDCP within the wider framework to ensure existing programs are not disrupted.” – Dr. Kenny Liu, President, Yukon Dental Association

Media contact:

Oliveah Numan

onuman@sussex-strategy.com  

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In just a few weeks, the federal government is expected to announce the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Dentists want to help the government develop a plan that will work well for patients, dental care providers, and taxpayers alike.

This week, dental associations across Canada are sharing their collective expertise with all Canadians. A Proposed Framework for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is now available for anyone to read. This comprehensive and actionable framework for a strong dental care program is based on data, research, and input from dental experts across regions and specialties. It is a collection of the advice the associations have offered the government over the past few months.

Dentists believe a strong CDCP should:

• Safeguard access to dental care by respecting the current workplace, school, and/or group dental insurance system
• Allow each patient to choose their own dentist in their community
• Ensure people can access the dental care they need without having to deal with needless administrative delays and red tape
• Work with existing government dental programs so people can get the most out of the dental care they’re entitled to
• Fairly compensate the dental professionals who deliver the care

In addition to the Proposed Framework, dentists urge the government to implement a coordinated plan to increase skilled labour for dental offices. There are already serious shortages of dental hygienists and dental assistants across Canada. The CDCP will dramatically increase staffing demands in dental practices. Without enough of these skilled professionals, patients could face delays in getting the dental care they need.

Until the federal government can deliver a strong CDCP, dental associations recommend at least a temporary expansion of an initiative that is already working for Canadians: the Canada Dental Benefit. This is a fixed-dollar amount that a patient can use to be reimbursed for dental-related expenses. Nearly nine out of 10 Canadians support the Canada Dental Benefit, and public surveys suggest that most would support an oral health spending account as a permanent solution.

A Proposed Framework for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is now available on the websites of Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations, including nsda.org.

Quotes:

“We all want the same thing — a successful and sustainable Canadian Dental Care Plan. 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.” — Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky, President, Alberta Dental Association

“As oral health providers, BC dentists welcome the opportunity that the Canadian Dental Care Plan offers to raise the oral and overall health of Canadians, especially those facing financial barriers. The CDCP’s long-term success is premised on addressing patient needs while being fair and sustainable.” — Dr. Rob Wolanski, President, British Columbia Dental Association

“This dental program has the opportunity to benefit the oral health of Canadians! This can make a real difference for so many. We hope the government can benefit from the united work our provincial and territorial dental associations have provided to make this program a success!” — Dr. Scott Leckie, President, Manitoba Dental Association 

“Dentists are your partners in oral health and the provincial and territorial dental associations are continuing to do what we can to help the federal government enhance access to care for Canadians through the CDCP.” — Dr. Shane Roberts, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association

“The dentists of Canada pride themselves on the high quality of oral health care they provide to Canadians. We want to see this historic government investment provide the same high quality of care made accessible to our more vulnerable populations.” — Dr. Juli Waterbury, President, Nova Scotia Dental Association

“The CDCP could become one of Canada’s greatest achievements in public health, but only if the government gets it right. Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations have worked hard to help the government create a CDCP that Canadians can be proud of.” — Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President, Ontario Dental Association

“As Saskatchewan’s oral health providers, we welcome the opportunity that the Canadian Dental Care Plan offers to raise the oral and overall health of all Canadians, including those facing financial barriers. We are hopeful that the plan’s design will be successful and sustainable for patients and dentists alike.” — Dr. Derek Thiessen, President, College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan

Media Contact:

Katherine Howska

khowska@sussex-strategy.com

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