Federal politicians are giving seniors the impression that the government’s new dental program means free dental care when it doesn’t, says the Dental Association of P.E.I. — and the group says that is already causing problems.
Frustration and confusion over the Canadian Dental Care Plan, announced late last year, has P.E.I. dentists turning away from the program, the association said. When it surveyed its members recently, it got 36 responses, representing about half of the association’s members, and 32 of those dentists said they would not sign up for it.
“When the prime minister or the minister of health or [NDP Leader Jagmeet] Singh stands up and tells seniors, in particular, that you are now eligible to apply for this plan and your treatment will be free, right off the bat that causes a major problem for all dental offices,” said association executive director Brian Barrett.
“Depending on your income level, that’s not true. It’s not free.”
