Denturists, dental hygienists, assistants back dental care plan despite dentists' criticisms

A group of oral health-care providers have banded together against what they call misinformation about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) being spread in part by the associations representing dentists.

"I don't understand how dentists are saying it's an administrative burden when they haven't even registered or tried to submit a claim," said Kelly Mansfield, president of the Canadian Dental Assistants' Association. "We're not seeing any issues."

The national associations for dental assistants, hygienists and denturists say their professions have had positive experiences overall with the program, which started covering seniors on May 1.

The groups plan to offer an online information session this Tuesday for dental professionals. They hope to dispel what they call myths about the CDCP and encourage more dentists to sign on.

Dental associations, which represent dentists, have continued to raise concerns about the national insurance program. Many of their associations' presidents — dentists themselves — have said they will not sign up to treat CDCP patients through their own clinics.

The $13-billion Canadian Dental Care Plan helps cover the cost of dental procedures for low- and middle-income residents who don't have private insurance plans.

Health Canada says just under 50 per cent of all oral health care providers have now signed up for the program — 12,000 in total. They include dentists, independently practicing hygienists, denturists and dental specialists.

Health Canada said it could not give CBC News a breakdown by provider type, but other oral health associations say they are seeing high rates of participation compared to dentists.

About 70 per cent of eligible independent hygienists are taking part, said Sylvie Martel, director of dental hygiene practice at the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association.

"We embrace the program," she said. "It's not perfect, but it is helping so many vulnerable Canadians that have never stepped foot in a dental clinic before.

"We hear so much misinformation, so much of the negative. Dentistry is the one that is probably providing more of that negative message."

Martel said dental associations have argued the program is complicated, time consuming and an administrative burden.

"What we've heard from our members is, really ... it is no different than processing a dental claim from another dental insurance company," she said.

Denturists are also signing up at a higher rate than dentists, with about 80 per cent of them participating, said Denturist Association of Canada president Jaro Wojcicki, who runs a denture clinic in Penetanguishene, Ont.