This is how many dentists have actually signed up for Canada's new dental program
A new Canadian dental care program is offering the hope of care to millions, but while 1.7 million people have signed up for the plan, only about 5,000 dentists have done the same.
“I just assumed my dentist would enroll. Why wouldn’t he enroll?” Alexandra Morton told CTV News Toronto.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“The benefits sound great, but why does it have to be with a participating provider? Why can't it be with my own dentist?"
However, some associations representing dentists have concerns about the plan's terms and conditions and claim too many details haven't been worked out.
“We haven't seen the details yet, and as we know the devil is in the details,” Dr. Brock Nicolucci, President of the Ontario Dental Association, said in an interview on Monday.
Dentists also have concerns about added paperwork, the fee structure, and the plan’s terms and conditions, Nicolucci said.
"We are trying to work this out with the federal government, but again these are concerns that we have raised and we are still not there yet,” he said.
Dr. Joel Antel, President of the Canadian Dental Association, echoed similar concerns to Nicolucci in a separate interview with CTV News Toronto.
"People are coming into the dental office and some feel they are going to have whatever they want done for free and that just isn't the case,” Antel said.
“To be fair,” he continued, “this is a very ambitious undertaking that would normally take years to roll out and the [government] is trying to do it in months."
In January, federal Health Minister Mark Holland told CTV’s Power Play, the Liberal government was working with dentists to address their concerns.
"They are not going to get everything they want and we are not going to get everything we want. That's the nature of negotiations," Holland said.
As for Morton, she was told if her dentist won't take part in the program, she should find one who will, but she doesn't want to switch.
"He has all my information and knows the work that has been done on my teeth. I don’t want to switch and that’s my biggest beef," Morton said.
The federal government has said that dentists can provide services under the new dental care plan without officially signing up. For information on who is eligible under the plan you can check the government's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will not run for Liberal leadership
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will not run in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, he announced on social media Sunday morning.
Former PM Chretien says Liberal party must move back to 'radical centre'
As the Liberal party searches for a new leader, former prime minister Jean Chretien says it's time for the party to move back to the "radical centre" to help its electoral fortunes.
Are there U.S. military bases and American troops in Canada?
The U.S. military has more than 165,000 troops deployed in over 170 countries and territories, including Canada.
'Everything is on the table': Joly won't rule out cutting off energy exports to U.S. in face of Trump tariff threat
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is not ruling out any countermeasures when it comes to dealing with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump — his threat of significant tariffs on Canadian imports, in particular.
Royal treasures hidden since Second World War recovered from cathedral
Historical treasures hidden for decades have been uncovered in the crypts of a cathedral, with items including burial crowns and insignia belonging to Medieval European rulers.
Toronto still trying to get students ‘back on track’ with vaccinations after COVID-19 pandemic
Toronto Public Health has begun sending out letters to Grade 11 students who are behind on their routine vaccinations, warning that they could face suspension if they do not comply.
'Thankful for the rest of my life': Woman's final goodbye with father captured on video at Winnipeg airport
One woman is expressing her deepest gratitude to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after the staff helped her retrieve the security footage of her final moments with her father.
New Canadian joins the navy, fulfilling his father's dream
Onboard a warship with 250 personnel, if you take the time to listen, you’ll discover a sea of inspiring stories.
As Biden joins the former presidents club, here are some ideas for his retirement to-do list
U.S. President Joe Biden is about to have a lot more free time. He need look no further than past presidents for ideas on what to put on his retirement to-do list.