New program creates backlog for denturists

A provincial program that makes dental care more accessible for people on low incomes is causing problems for denturists and their patients.

Steve Browne, president of the Denturist Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, said the Adult Dental Program has caused a huge backlog of patients for denturists in the province.

Browne has been a denturist in St. John's for 13 years, and said his patient load jumped 40 per cent last year when the program came into effect.

"Just trying to deal with the influx of the patients, I mean, patients are phoning wanting to get in, we can't get them in," he said.

"We're just doing the best we can do — I know I'm booked up for a couple of months."

He said there are only 25 denturists practising in Newfoundland, and none in Labrador.

"I know some clinics are booked up until 2014, so I mean it's been tough, but we're doing our best to keep up with it," Browne said.

Georgina Mercer has seen the impact first hand. She's had dentures for 25 years, and has never had to deal with such long wait times before.

"I was blown out of the water. I've never had a problem before," Mercer said.

"You call in, and within two weeks or a month you would have an appointment, but not any more."

Mercer said she got an appointment at Browne's clinic within two weeks, but only because someone cancelled.

She doesn't qualify for the dental program, but agrees the idea behind it is beneficial for the 98,000 people in the province who do.

"I think it's an excellent idea, but I think they need more [denturists]," she said.

"Once again, what's happening is you’re getting a bigger influx of patients, and still the same number of dentists and denturists," Mercer said.

Browne said allowing patients to access the program free of charge may have been the cause of the problem.

"I don't know if it ever should be free. I believe there should be some onus on the patient, maybe 20 per cent of the fee," Browne said.

He said that would slow down the number of patients calling in, but still allow for everyone to get the dental care they need.