Opinion: The federal dental care plan benefits Albertans, like my mom

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To say that I am disappointed to read Health Minister Adriana LaGrange’s recent guest column attempting to justify her government’s callous decision to try to take Albertans out of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is an understatement.

This plan is already benefiting thousands of Alberta seniors. Seniors, people with disabilities and children under 18 with an annual adjusted household net income under $90,000 and without a private dental insurer can currently access the CDCP.

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I have seen firsthand the positive results of the new federal program. My 80-year-old mother is one of the many seniors who qualify for the federal program. For years, she postponed getting dentures, but eventually it was inevitable. She had to have oral surgery in preparation for dentures.

As a result of complications with her surgery, her initial dentures were ill-fitting, causing ulcers and great discomfort. This had a devastating effect on the quality of her life. For almost two years, she was unable to enjoy eating, surviving on blended food and a compromised diet — to say nothing of the constant pain that she suffered, slurred speech and how the teeth affected her appearance.

As soon as the Canadian Dental Care Plan was announced, she applied. The process was simple and she was immediately accepted into the program, along with my father, who also qualifies. Her denturist was pleased to accommodate her at her earliest convenience. My family is so pleased that she is able to enjoy eating again and her overall physical and emotional health and wellness have improved.

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The eligible provincial coverage for dentures would not be available for my mother for another two years. According to alberta.ca, “eligible seniors are provided up to the maximum of $5,000 of coverage every five years for selected dental services and procedures that maintain a reasonable level of dental health.”

Dental care is expensive and the plan would not fully cover the cost of her extractions and dentures. This would have had dire and detrimental consequences for her health and well-being. Waiting years for anything when you are a senior can seem like an eternity, especially when you are in constant pain.

This federal program is benefiting so many Canadians, not just seniors. Dental benefits improve overall health and will save money in the long run. Often children have to be admitted to hospital due to poor dental care. Early intervention does not happen if families have to choose between dental care and paying rent and buying groceries. Free dental care under this program is expected to save an average family at least $1,300 per year.

Personally, I am familiar with a single mom of five children. Under the new CDCP, she was able to begin dental care for all of her children. One of them was discovered to require significant care due to a rare condition that is now being treated. I am confident that hers is not an unusual story.

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While LaGrange argues that the Alberta government was not engaged in the process to get to the point of delivery, at a federal level, the CDCP was voted down twice. To say that the current government plans to opt out of the Canadian program by 2026 is unacceptable.

I am so grateful that my dear mother and many others have access to dental care now. It also seems to me that the most vulnerable people in Alberta have access to the program if they need it. To have a government play politics and pledge to take away this coverage feels offensive.

To see something that has been life-changing for my mom and so many others taken away leaves me sad and angry. Enough with the picking of endless fights with Ottawa, leaving Alberta folks without. I want a premier and a health minister who work to improve health care for all Albertans. Dental care is health care.

Linda Lindsay is a retired educator and administrator with Edmonton Public Schools.

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