The National Dental Plan is in effect as of today for Canadians age 70 and older, but not all in the field of oral health have signed on.
Dr. Shane Roberts, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, says his members don’t have a lot of detail at this point but they do have concerns. For example, they’re uncertain as to the amount of paperwork that will be involved.
Dr. Roberts says they also worry about the patient experience as it’s imperative that the patient speak with their dentist so that they will know what to expect when it comes to out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s estimated that fewer than 70 oral health care providers out of roughly 280 in the province have signed on to the plan, and most of them are in urban areas.
He says there are two things in the plan which are very important.
“You have to see a provider. You cannot get reimbursed directly from Sun Life. And out-of-pocket will likely come to 15-20 per cent of the bill, not including the co-pay fee,” he says.