Canada Dental Plan: Lifeline for Single Mom's Teeth

A single mother from Prince Albert is experiencing severe pain from her wisdom teeth, with the necessary surgery estimated at $3,000, a cost she cannot currently bear. She hopes the recently expanded Canadian Dental Care Plan will cover her procedure. This federal plan now extends benefits to individuals aged 18 to 64, provided their adjusted family net income is below $90,000 and they lack private dental insurance.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is designed to make dental services more accessible, potentially saving eligible Canadians an average of $800 annually. The plan covers a range of services, from basic care like cleanings and fillings to major treatments such as crowns and extractions, depending on income level. Over 95,000 residents in Saskatchewan have already been accepted into the program, with millions more nationwide.

While the plan is a boon for many patients, dental professionals in Saskatchewan report a significant increase in patient volume, attributing it to the new coverage. However, dentists are also experiencing an added administrative burden, with claim submissions requiring extra time and pre-authorization for major procedures. This influx has also led to a decrease in patient visits at the University of Saskatchewan's student dental clinics, impacting training for future oral health providers.