The federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan, which allows qualifying patients to see dentists at a low cost, is reportedly having an unexpected impact on dental schools across Canada. At the University of Manitoba’s College of Dentistry, students typically gain experience by providing low-cost dental care to uninsured or under-insured patients. With the introduction of the care plan, these patients now have more alternatives for dental care, reducing the learning opportunities for students. The UManitoba College of Dentistry is working to attract more patients and has informed the federal and provincial governments about the issue so they can find a solution. Dean of the Dr Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry Dr Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis expressed hope that the governments would provide financial support to enable institutions to offer cost-free care.
