Jennifer Auld, denturist at Swiss Denture in Calgary:
“There’s been a lot of conversation lately about the future of dental care in Alberta. In a bold move, Premier Danielle Smith recently announced that the province plans to opt out of the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) by 2026. So, what does this mean for Albertans who rely on the plan for denture coverage, and what will dental care look like moving forward? Let’s break it down.”
Why Alberta Is Opting Out of the Federal CDCP
The CDCP, which is a federally managed program, was introduced to provide dental care coverage for uninsured families with household incomes of less than $90,000. It was designed to address gaps in access to dental care and has already seen over 100,000 Albertans sign up. However, Alberta’s government has taken issue with the way the federal plan operates, arguing that dental care falls under provincial jurisdiction. Premier Smith believes that Alberta is better equipped to manage the program independently, tailoring it to the specific needs of Albertans.
Alberta’s primary concern is the potential for overlap between the federal CDCP and provincial dental programs. The provincial government is eager to avoid a cluttered system, where multiple programs offer similar services. Instead, Alberta is aiming to secure federal funding that would have gone to the CDCP and redirect it toward an improved provincial program that enhances existing coverage and fills any remaining gaps.
The Federal Perspective: Why the CDCP Matters
From the federal government’s point of view, the CDCP is critical for addressing dental care needs across the country, including in Alberta. The program is meant to complement, not compete with, provincial initiatives by providing care to those who would otherwise struggle to afford it. The federal health ministry points to the fact that more than 100,000 Albertans have already enrolled in the program as evidence of its necessity.
That said, the federal government is open to negotiating with Alberta. According to Matthew Kronberg, a press secretary for federal Health Minister Mark Holland, the federal government is willing to discuss Alberta’s proposal to opt out, as long as Albertans continue receiving the same level of care they would under the CDCP. The goal is to ensure no one is left behind, even if Alberta moves forward with its own plan.
What Happens Next?
For the time being, the federal CDCP will continue to operate in Alberta as usual. Denture patients who are currently using the program to access dental care don’t need to worry about any immediate changes. The program, managed by Sun Life Financial, will continue to reimburse participating dentists and denturists for services, ensuring that Albertans can still receive care without out-of-pocket costs for eligible treatments.
Meanwhile, Alberta is actively negotiating with the federal government to secure its share of the funds allocated to the CDCP. According to Andrea Smith, spokesperson for Alberta Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, the negotiations will focus on determining who is covered by the federal CDCP, who is covered by Alberta’s own programs, and how to expand coverage for more Albertans.
Smith also emphasized that Alberta wants to avoid duplicating services and instead focus on enhancing the province’s existing dental care infrastructure. This could mean expanding services, such as adding orthodontic care or improving access to dental care in rural areas through mobile units and other initiatives.
What Could This Mean for You?
If Alberta successfully opts out of the federal CDCP, the province will need to ensure that its own dental care program offers the same or better coverage for denture patients. While we don’t know all the details yet, some key things to watch for include:
- Expanded Services: Alberta may use federal funds to expand its current programs, potentially adding coverage for orthodontics, dentures, any specialized treatments, or emergency dental care.
- Improved Access: Alberta plans to focus on improving access to dental care in rural and remote areas. Mobile dental units, which are already in use, could be expanded to reach more communities.
- Income Thresholds: The CDCP covers families with household incomes under $90,000. Alberta will need to decide whether to match this threshold or set its own eligibility criteria.
For now, if you’re enrolled in the CDCP, your coverage will continue as is. Any future changes will likely be gradual, and Alberta has committed to ensuring that no one loses access to care during the transition.
Reassurance from Swiss Denture in Calgary
Denturist Jennifer Auld at Swiss Denture in Calgary emphasizes:
“For patients receiving denture care under the current CDCP, rest assured that your access to safe, secure, and high-quality dentures remains intact, no matter the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
The process of ordering dentures through the Alberta CDCP is still safe and reliable. We ensure that our patients receive top-notch care, and this won’t change with the shift in dental care plans. You’ll continue to receive the same level of professional service and attention to detail that you’ve come to expect.
As Alberta navigates this transition, it’s important to stay informed and proactive. If you haven’t already, explore the dental care programs available to you and your family. Whether through the CDCP or Alberta’s upcoming plan, there are options to ensure your smile stays healthy for years to come.”
Make a Swiss Denture appointment today!
