UNINSURED CANADIANS WANT NATIONAL DENTAL PLAN

The new Canadian Dental Care Plan does not affect me, as I am lucky to have a private plan. However, I am outraged that Nova Scotia’s dentists, through their association, dare to scuttle one of the most significant health programs introduced since Medicare.

Given that unhealthy teeth and gums are connected to health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, this program has the potential to reduce demands on the health-care system.

The dental program is one that uninsured Canadians, especially seniors, need and want. While not perfect, the New Democratic Party and the Liberal Party found ground to bring legislation forward and introduce the beginnings of a comprehensive dental care program for Canadians.

Now, with weak arguments, Nova Scotia’s dentists want to scuttle the program before it begins. They are not thinking about Canadians and their needs.

The dental association says Nova Scotians were misled that this would be a free program. Not so. The application notice explains participants will pay some of the cost, depending on income.

The association demands that patients be able to choose their dentist. Nova Scotians who haven’t been able to afford a dentist are more concerned about being treated by a dentist than choosing the dentist.

It further says that patients shouldn’t have to deal with administrative red tape and delays. These are issues that can be worked out as the program is implemented.

Nothing is perfect in the beginning, and dentists can be part of resolving problems in this area.

Perhaps the crux of the issue is that dentists don’t want a public dental program and don’t like the fees and the conditions the program sets, even though they will no longer have to worry about whether they are paid for their services, as the government is paying.

This program is too important to the quality of life and well-being of Canadians to allow the dentists to scuttle it. Let’s speak up. Support the program and insist dentists take part, either voluntarily or through legislation.

Patricia Hyland, Dartmouth