The Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association is receptive to the idea of a national dental care program, and believes the best place for the federal government to start is with the programs already in place.

Dr. Michelle Zwicker, owner of Bay Roberts Dental Clinic and the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, says she was surprised by Tuesday’s announcement between the federal Liberals and the NDP, but they are supportive of improving access for vulnerable populations.

Zwicker believes the best way to improve services across the country is by enhancing the current programs in place.

In this province, there are three: a program for kids under 13, one for low income adults, and a surgical program.

Zwicker says those programs are “excellent,” but there are people who fall through the cracks.

She says increased support would help them bolster those programs and help more people, but ultimately they will have to wait and see what the details of the program are.