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Dentists across Canada could see up to 9 million new patients as a result of the government’s new universal dental-care program, the report says, but it cautions that new policies are needed. The recommendations include using existing dental offices, addressing staffing shortages so people don’t have to endure long wait-lists, ensuring that treatment costs are fully covered, and undertaking a survey on oral health.The association also wants the government to explore incentivizing employers so they continue to offer dental insurance to workers.
Universal access to dental care is set to be fully implemented by 2025. Children under the age of 12 who are from lower-income families currently eligible to receive a children’s dental benefit through the Canada Revenue Agency.