Oral health experts have concerns about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which Health Minister Mark Holland wants to address to encourage more people to sign up as providers in the program.
The program is expected to start in May 2024. However, it is unclear whether enrollees will be able to see their oral health provider, as most are hesitant to enroll due to the current fee schedule and other factors. The guide shows that compensation for dentists is well below the provincial recommended guides, meaning dentists will be operating at a loss.
There are also concerns about the additional administrative tasks that dental practices will have to take on when they may lack staff capacity.
Holland embarks on a journey across Canada to meet with dentists and encourage them to register. He acknowledged that it is an ongoing process and may not be perfect immediately.
The Canadian Press reported: “He wants to reassure them that the program will be as seamless for them as working with any other private insurance company,” he said, adding that negotiations over fees are still ongoing.”
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