Canadian Dental Care Plan by Peri Hayes
Dr. Nehal Al Tarhuni is the Principal Dentist and Owner of Port Stanley Dentistry, as well as Dutton Dentistry and Fastbraces, “My biggest passions,” she reveals, “Are dentistry, community service and philanthropy. As a dental student, I put together dental outreach missions abroad and served in many since.” Nehal has immersed herself in international relief missions, supported communities through local initiatives and organized her free Dental Care Days -- “serving the most underprivileged in my communities,” as she states. As of May 1st, Canadian residents aged 70 years and above are eligible to have their oral health care covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). As well, seniors 65–69 years of age may register online. Coverage includes basic services: cleanings, dentures, exams, extractions, fillings, root canals and X-rays. “The coverage,” Nehal offers, “Does not yet include orthodontic treatment, such as braces and crowns -- but that will start rolling out in the fall, according to the government.” More complex services, such as partial dentures, will require federal pre-authorization of payment -- with available coverage in November of this year. This is subsidized dental care, Nehal emphasizes: “The average exam and cleaning visit to find out what work could be needed is covered at a good rate of around 90%, making the balance the patient has to pay out of pocket minimal so if that is an issue, they can get their teeth cleaned, see what needs to be done and get an estimate before making a decision. If, at that point, cost is prohibitive, they can talk to their dentist about payment plans or doing the work in segments -- if it’s not an emergency. Meanwhile, the Ontario Dental Association is continuing to engage with the government — and so should individual citizens — to advocate for true, full coverage and full subsidy for services.” While discussing her business and the CDCP, Nehal enthuses, “I enjoy helping people; I find true purpose in doing that, freeing people from pain, and giving them
confident, beautiful and healthy smiles. CDCP is just a first step towards equitable access to oral health care, which is a universal human right and a necessity for every Canadian.” Nehal’s ambitions include continuing to engage with local politicians and government representatives, as she is interested in exploring ways in which this program can be advanced to cover more Canadians. Port Stanley Dentistry is located at 286 Bridge Street, operating Monday to Friday with variable hours. Pa- tients are welcome to book an appointment, as well as to learn more information by calling 226-658-2891, emailing portstanleydentistry@gmail.com, walking-in, or connecting with a representative through their website at portstanleydentistry.org. For further details, explore the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental- care-plan/guide.html.
JUNE 19 - JULY 13 THEY’RE FOUND IN TREES Tweet, Tweet...... everybody’s chirping about Norm Foster’s new comedy about bird watching!
Birders, William and Mitchell sit under the same tree every day and discuss birds, life, loss, and ladies’ underwear. Then along comes Paula! Will three be a crowd?
www.psft.ca 519-782-4353 Get Your Tickets
PortStanleyFestival FestivalTheatre
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • June 2024 Page 3
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