After a thorough review and consultation process, it has been decided that the provincial Children’s Dental Program will remain available to Islanders of all incomes, registration fees and co-pay amounts will not be changed, and government will provide coverage for families without private insurance, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“We’ve listened to Islanders and we’ve heard their concerns, and this decision will ensure that every child in Prince Edward Island has access to dental care,” said Minister Currie. “Our diagnostic and treatment services will continue to be available all across the province, with both private and public dentists.”
Effective November 1, 2012, the program will provide coverage to all Island families without private insurance – using the payer-of-last-resort payment model – with the current registration fee of $15 (to a maximum of $35 per family) and the parent contribution of 20 per cent on treatment services.
“In Prince Edward Island, we continue to have one of the most comprehensive Children’s Dental Care Programs in the country,” said Minister Currie. “We know that oral health is an important component of our overall health and well-being, and that starts at childhood.”
Health PEI dental hygienists and assistants will continue to provide free preventative care in schools and other sites. For more information on the Children’s Dental Health program or to find a public clinic, call 1-866-368-5460.
BACKGROUNDER
Children’s Dental Care Program:
• Parents can choose to enroll children for diagnostic and treatment services at either a private dental office or a public health clinic.
• Diagnostic and Treatment Services include examinations, x-rays, fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, etc. Children and adolescents aged 3-17, whose family do not have private dental insurance, are eligible. There is an annual registration fee of $15 to a maximum of $35 per family. Families are also expected to pay a 20 per cent parent’s contribution on treatment services. Families with a net income of less than $30,000 can apply for an exemption to the parent’s contribution.
• Preventive Services including oral health education, cleaning and topical fluoride application, and dental sealants are provided by Dental Public Health staff in preventive clinics and/or in many schools across the province. All children aged 3-17 are eligible, whether they are registered in the Children’s Dental Care Program or not. There is no cost to parents.
Services covered:
• Most basic dental services are covered.
• Diagnostic - annual examinations, radiographs as required.
• Treatment - fillings, extractions, root canal treatment.
• Emergency - basic emergency services for relief of pain or infection.
• Preventive - annual cleaning and fluoride, oral health education, sealants.
Public Clinic Locations:
Toll-free: 1-866-368-5460
Charlottetown - St. Jean's Clinic: 902-368-4918
Sherwood Clinic: 902-368-4920
Summerside Health Centre: 902-888-8145