The president of the Canadian Dental Association, Dr Heather Carr, does not believe the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is moving along with its intended momentum.
Less than a month before the plan’s rollout, a CBC News report quoted Carr as saying: “I’m hearing that the sign-up is slow. I do not think it’s as high as we would hope in order for this plan to be successful.”
It was also reported that Health Canada does not provide an official sign-up figure.
Meanwhile, one concern being cited is the anticipated impact on paperwork.
Dr Rob Wolanski, B.C. Dental Association president, reportedly noted: “My staff have told me in no uncertain terms they don’t want to do the program because they just cannot handle the extra burden that comes with it.”
Additionally, in Ottawa, it was highlighted that dentists were consulted at the last minute.
CBC News quoted Ontario Dental Association president Dr Brock Nicolucci as asserting: “The dentists were brought in at the 11th hour. Why did we start so late, and are we rushing in a program that maybe we should be putting the brakes on?”
The CDCP will take effect in May for services not requiring preauthorization and which are submitted electronically.
The government said services requiring preauthorization will be available starting in November, while orthodontic services that would improve oral health outcomes for eligible clients will become available next year.
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