N.L. dental hygienist says fewer people taking advantage of expansion to federal plan than expected
Nicole Kielly says there's a misconception the Canada Dental Care Plan is primarily for seniors
A registered dental hygienist in Newfoundland and Labrador says not many people in the province have been taking advantage of a new federal dental-care program — and the problem might be they just don't know about it.
Nicole Kielly, owner of the Dental Hygiene Studio in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove, says she's had patients who weren't aware they now qualify for an expanded dental care plan.
"There's a misconception that it's a seniors' program. I think that people don't realize that the under-18s and the disability tax credit certificate holders also qualify," Kielly said.
"I think that there's a misconception that it was a seniors' program because that was what they spoke about so much when it first rolled out was the access to care for over 70, over 65. I think that definitely plays into it."
In June, the Canada Dental Care Plan extended eligibility in the program to children under the age of 18 and adults with a valid disability tax cedit certificate.
Kielly says she has had some patients with the plan look into eligibility but she expected a larger uptake in the program. When the program took effect earlier this year, the first cohort of patients received letters and ID cards, she said, but patients who have become eligible through phased expansions need to apply on the federal government's website.
It can then take up to three months to receive the ID card, she said.
"That's when we encourage them to call and find a provider and book an appointment."
Kielly says the plan can benefit many people in Newfoundland and Labrador, with dental care unaffordable for many families.
"A lot of people end up just accessing emergency care, which in the long run costs more really if you're looking at prevention versus treating," she said.
The plan covers an array of services like checkups and fillings, she said, but also includes complex dental procedures such as extractions, root canals and dentures.
"The part that I get really excited about is preventive dental care," she said. "They have access to coverage for dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, temporary filling, sensitivity treatments."
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With files from Newfoundland Morning
