Confusion remains among Canadians about who is, and isn’t, registered for the national dental care program.
When it originally rolled out, people 65-plus received a letter outlining their eligibility and providing them with an ID number that will qualify them for benefits.
Unfortunately says Nicole Kieley, a dental hygienist and owner of the Dental Hygiene Studio, she’s seeing patients who qualify, but who have not been notified, and must apply.
(Nicole Kielly via Dental Hygiene Studio.)
“When the 65-plus tier rolled out, they were sending out letters and cards, so I think there was an expectation that people were waiting for their letter in the mail. I actually saw two people last week in my chair who have been paying out-of-pocket for their care, and didn’t even realize they were actually eligible,” Kieley told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly. “Unfortunately, you can’t access care until you receive your actual ID number, and there is some confusion around the fact that people need to go ahead and apply for it, they’re not automatically covered.”
Information on the program, and how to apply, if necessary, can be found online.
