Seven dental care providers in Prince Rupert were among the first to join the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP), setting a precedent in northwest B.C.
“Prince Rupert dentists were the first ones 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 a outspoken advocate 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 the health of our teeth is part of our overall health, and I’ve spoken to so many people who haven’t been able to visit a dentist in years because they don’t have insurance, and they can’t afford the cost,” said Bachrach.
In six months of implementation, the plan reached its one millionth user milestone on Nov. 1. It paid an average of $730 per user, covering services such as cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals and screenings for diseases such as oral cancer.
This month, additional services were added to it. Patients will now be able to receive services such as the initial placement of partial dentures and crowns, as well as treatment requests for CDCP patients with exceptionally high needs or complex conditions.
Each request will be thoroughly assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if the recommended course of treatment by the oral health practitioner meets the clinical criteria for coverage under the CDCP.
Additionally, the CDCP has begun to accept paper claim submissions for services covered under the program.
‘Especially in rural and remote areas’
“This is an important step to provide 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 in targeted measures to address oral health gaps among these vulnerable populations and to reduce non-financial barriers to accessing care.
“More than 22,340 oral health providers nationwide, or 89 per cent of active oral health providers in the country, are providing care to Canadians covered under the plan…” said Employment and Social Development Canada in a Nov. 1 news release.
In 2024, individuals aged 65 or older, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023, and children under the age of 18 can apply for this dental program. All remaining residents in Rupert will be able to apply starting in 2025.
CDCP helped seniors
Dr. Gursimran Brar is a family dentist in Prince Rupert.
“The plan has helped a few seniors in my practice to access care. I would hope to see more individuals, seniors, children and citizens with no dental benefits to apply for the program,” she said.
Brar states the CDCP also has its limitations, and people must consult their dentists to discuss these further.
“Our hope is that every dentist operating in the northwest comes on board with the program so that every single person who needs care can get it,” said Bachrach.
“We know that 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’m going to keep pushing the government to adapt the program to meet their needs.”
(The article is by Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Prince Rupert Northern View)
