This question is for your Canadian readers over 65. On May 1, the new Canadian Dental Plan for Seniors was supposed to become active, and the 65 to 69 cohort could apply. I submitted my application, but my present dentist is indicating he’s not going to participate.
I live walking distance from four dental clinics who are also not willing to participate. I’m finding that established dental practices are not intending to participate, mainly because the paperwork involved is quite substantial and onerous. The practices who are participating seem to be new practices trying to establish a patient base by any means available.
I have been with my present dentist for over 25 years and have no desire to change. But why should I pay for services that are now supposed to be covered by the new Canadian Dental Plan? Research shows this dental care plan has been in the making for several months already, and that different groups are eligible to apply at different times. It is also clear that participation is not mandatory.
Why a dentist would or would not want to participate is multi-faceted, according to a few dentists with whom I spoke. However, I am not a dentist, so I don’t have any skin in the game. My advice would be to speak with your dentist with whom you have a relationship — after all, this is a relationship advice column — and find out if this new dental plan will make a difference to your care, if your specific dental needs will benefit from this plan, and/or if your.