Don't call it insurance: What dentists want you to know about the federal dental plan
CTV
The federal government's newly unveiled vision of what it bills as a comprehensive suite of dental benefits looks a lot like typical insurance coverage, right down to the ID card patients would hand over at the dentist's office. But industry advocates say the new program isn't the same as the insurance coverage.
The federal government's newly unveiled vision of what it bills as a comprehensive suite of dental benefits looks a lot like typical insurance coverage, right down to the ID card patients would hand over at the dentist's office.
But industry advocates say the new program isn't the same as the insurance coverage Canadians typically get from their employers -- and patients need to be crystal clear about some important differences.
"I just don't want people thinking it's a free program," said Dr. Brock Nicolucci, president of the Ontario Dental Association.
"We don't have any of the details yet, and if people start giving up their dental insurance that they worked hard for ... I would be very upset for people."
The federal program is set to start accepting enrollment applications this month from qualifying seniors over the age of 87. Enrollment eligibility will slowly expand over the course of the next year to include all seniors, children under the age of 18 and people with disabilities.
The program was developed at the behest of the NDP as part of a political agreement to secure the opposition party's support for the government on key votes.
The plan is intended for low- and middle-income people who don't already have access to insurance.
