Following Health Minister Kamal Khera’s announcement Saturday to expand the final phase of the federal dental care plan—originally expected to launch earlier this year—the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) welcomed the move.
Speaking in Newmarket, Ont., Khera announced the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64. She said about 1.7 million Canadians have received dental care under the program, and the government expects an additional 4.5 million people to become eligible.
“The broader issues of access to oral health care and the financial burden of oral diseases and conditions on the health care system must be addressed.” CDHA president Alexandra Sheppard.
While the CDHA praised the government’s commitment to “affordable, accessible and preventive oral health care,” it also highlighted the economic benefits, particularly amid rising health care costs and an aging population.
“The broader issues of access to oral health care and the financial burden of oral diseases and conditions on the health care system must be addressed,” said CDHA president Alexandra Sheppard. “As primary care providers, dental hygienists treat oral diseases and offer preventive therapies. They see first-hand the direct, positive impact of investments in oral health care by the federal government. That’s why we applaud Minister Khera’s announcement today.”
ER visits for dental-related issues
In Ontario alone, emergency room visits for preventable dental issues were estimated to cost at least $31 million in 2017. From 2001 to 2015, more than 70,000 visits were made to physicians in the province for dental-related issues.
In late February, the CDHA urged the federal government to continue investing in affordable, preventive oral health care.
‘Preventive health care’
Khera echoed the CDHA’s sentiment during her announcement, emphasizing the program’s role in helping Canadians who cannot afford a visit to the dentist.
“It’s not about cleaning teeth. It’s about preventive health care, which is saving lives while also saving money for Canadians,” she said.
The next phase of the CDCP rollout will begin May 1, when applications open for Canadians aged 55 to 64. People aged 18 to 34 can apply starting May 15, followed by those aged 35 to 54 on May 29.
