CDA Releases Policy PaperWith Guidance for the Federal Government’s Investment in Dental Care On February 28, 2023, CDA released Bridging the Financial Gap in Dental Care: Building a sustainable and effective federally funded program, a policy roadmap for the federal government as it seeks to enhance access to dental care for all Canadians. “Canada’s historic investment in dental care comes at both an exciting and challenging time for the oral health profession,” said Dr. Lynn Tomkins, CDA president. “Dentists understand the challenges our patients face more than anyone. By sharing our profession’s unique experiences and CDA’s Main Recommendations: A federally fundedprogramshouldpromote the delivery of dental care primarily through the existing network of dental offices, supplemented by public clinics, as needed. Public dental care programs should remain a payer of last resort, after any privately funded coverage. A federally funded program must be designed to complement and improve the care that Canadians have through existing federal, provincial and territorial programs. Program design should ensure that administrative procedures do not impact or delay the provision of care to patients. The federal government should address human resource challenges and staffing shortages in the oral health sector. Any federal dental care formula should ensure the cost of treatment provided to patients is fully covered. 11 Issue 2 | 2023 |
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