Seven dental care providers in Prince Rupert were among the first to join the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP), setting a precedent in northwestern BC.
“Prince Rupert dentists were the first to sign up in significant numbers and I just think it really showed some positive momentum and leadership for the rest of the region,” said Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach, who has been an outspoken supporter. for the National Dental Program.
Five providers in Terrace, six in Smithers, two in Daajing Giids and one each in Houston and Fort St. James have also joined.
“We know that our dental health is part of our overall health, and I’ve talked to so many people who haven’t been able to see a dentist for years because they don’t have insurance and can’t afford the cost,” Bachrach said.
In six months of implementation, the plan reached the one millionth user milestone on November 1st. It paid an average of $730 per user, covering services such as cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals and tests for diseases such as oral cancer.
Additional services have been added this month. Patients will now be able to receive services such as the initial fitting of partial dentures and crowns, as well as treatment requests for CDCP patients with extremely high needs or complex conditions.
Each request will be thoroughly evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the oral health professional’s recommended course of treatment meets the clinical criteria for coverage under the CDCP.
In addition, CDCP has begun accepting paper claims submissions for services covered by the program.
“Especially in rural and remote areas”
“This is an important step in providing greater access to care for more Canadians – especially in rural and remote areas,” said Maryse Durette, senior media relations advisor, Health Canada. The Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF) is currently investing targeted measures address oral health gaps among these vulnerable populations and reduce non-financial barriers to accessing care.
“More than 22,340 oral health providers nationally, or 89 per cent of active oral health providers in the country, provide care to Canadians covered by the plan…” Employment and Social Development Canada said in a Nov. 1 news release.
In 2024, people age 65 and older, adults with a valid 2023 Disability Tax Credit certificate, and children under 18 can apply for this dental program. All remaining residents in Rupert will be able to apply from 2025.
CDCP helped the elderly
Dr. Gursimran Brar is a family dentist in Prince Rupert.
“The scheme has helped some elderly people in my practice to access care. I hope to see more people, the elderly, children and citizens without dental benefits apply for the scheme,” he said.
Brar states that CDCP also has its limitations, and people should consult their dentists to discuss them further.
“Our hope is that every dentist that does business in the Northwest will join the program so that every person who needs care can get it,” Bachrach said.
“We know there are some challenges in our region, especially a challenge around recruiting and retaining support staff for dental clinics, and I want dentists to know that I will continue to push the government to adapt the program to meet their needs. “
(Article by Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Rupert Northern View)
