Seniors in Canada aged 70 years and older have been granted coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) since May 1. However, despite this positive development, only around 9,000 oral health care providers have signed up to provide care under the plan.
Dental hygienists are expected to play a crucial role in the implementation of the plan, especially for seniors whose dentists have not enrolled in the program. Ron Bedu, a 77-year-old resident of Calgary, expressed his excitement about being able to access the Canadian Dental Care Plan, particularly as a low-income senior.
Bedu shared his positive experience of receiving care from an independent hygienist instead of a dentist this month. He praised the professionalism and quality of care provided by dental hygienists, emphasizing their importance in the healthcare system.
In Alberta, changes to the Health Professions Act have allowed patients to see dental hygienists without the need for supervision by a dentist since 2006. This has led to the establishment of stand-alone dental hygiene practices, offering a range of services including oral health assessments, X-rays, scaling, and teeth cleaning.
Despite the positive feedback from patients and providers, provincial dental associations have raised concerns about the CDCP, citing unnecessary terms and conditions imposed on dentists. The participation of a larger number of oral health professionals, including independent dental hygienists, is seen as crucial to the success of the plan in providing preventive oral health care services to seniors.