Alberta rejects the federal dental plan, aiming to expand its own programs for low-income residents
Alberta has decided to opt out of the federal dental plan, Premier Danielle Smith informed the Canadian government late Tuesday afternoon, as reported by CTV News.
In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Smith argued that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) infringes on provincial jurisdiction. She emphasized that new health programs should involve full collaboration with provinces and territories before any announcements are made. Smith stated, “Unfortunately, this did not occur.”
Alberta plans to maintain its provincial dental programs and negotiate an agreement for the province’s share of federal dental funding. Smith mentioned the goal to expand dental coverage for more low-income Albertans using this unconditional funding, with an expected opt-out by 2026 and a two-year negotiation timeframe.
Last December, Ottawa committed $13bn over five years for the CDCP. Canadians who filed a tax return last year, lack dental insurance, and earn less than $90,000 are eligible. The program currently covers children under 12 and seniors over 65, and it will expand to include all children under 18 and individuals with a valid disability tax credit certificate.
Hans Herchen, president-elect of the Alberta Dental Association, highlighted the increased paperwork and uncertainty about coverage. He noted that 60 to 70 percent of Alberta dentists have not signed up for the program, expressing concerns about misinformation and out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
“This is not a free program,” Herchen stressed, countering the perception that dental care would be entirely free under the plan. Joel Antel, president of the Canadian Dental Association, reported that dental offices spend significant time explaining the program to patients, taking away from clinical and administrative duties.
He also warned that the plan could limit patient choice, with individuals needing to check whether dental offices participate in the program.
Canada’s health minister maintained that dentists were consulted during the plan’s creation and assured that efforts are ongoing to increase participation. “We expect very soon to see most provinces, over half of oral health professionals, participating,” Minister Mark Holland stated.
According to Christopher Aoun, press secretary to Holland, more than two million seniors, including over 100,000 Albertans, have enrolled in the program.
“Albertans and Canadians deserve high-quality, affordable oral health care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan is delivering exactly that,” Aoun told CTV News Edmonton. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Alberta to ensure residents receive the dental care they need.
