Health Minister Vows to Address Discrepancies in Dental-Care Standards for Hygienists
The federal health minister expresses skepticism towards the justification used to deny independent hygienists equal reimbursement for the same services dentists’ offices provide under a new national plan.
Although reimbursement rates differ from province to province, the dental program pays considerably less for a cleaning performed at a private hygiene clinic compared to one done in a dentist’s office.
Health Minister Mark Holland mentions that the discrepancy was carried over from a federal benefit program for First Nations and Inuit.
Mr. Holland states that he is investigating the issue, and the CEO of the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association reports that he has committed to achieving pay parity after a recent meeting.
However, no timeline has been provided for when this change will be implemented, leaving independent hygienists earning less in the interim.
The dental program began accepting claims earlier in the month, with 25,000 seniors having received care through the program thus far.
Related Stories
