More than half of Canadians skipping health care such as dental, survey suggests
The Canadian Dental Care Plan has recently expanded to include all eligible age groups, but a new survey reveals that 35 per cent of Canadians have been skipping or reducing dental visits due to cost concerns. Conducted by the Canadian digital insurance company PolicyMe in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute, the online survey of 1,500 adults from May 9-12 sheds light on the impact of financial barriers on access to dental care.
According to the survey, dental care emerged as the most commonly delayed health service, with more than half of Canadians citing cost as the primary reason for postponing appointments. Andrew Ostro, CEO and co-founder of PolicyMe in Toronto, noted that many individuals are forgoing dental care due to affordability issues, particularly young adults aged 18 to 34 who were the most affected demographic.
Dr. Paul Allison from McGill University’s dental faculty explained that younger adults may prioritize other aspects of their health over oral care, especially since they tend to be healthier overall. However, the survey also revealed that 47 per cent of Canadians aged 55 or older have also delayed seeking healthcare.
Cost remains a significant barrier to accessing dental care, as highlighted by the experience of Verlaj Bains from Toronto. Bains shared how he had to forego treatment for tooth sensitivity due to the high cost of dental procedures. In Canada, employer coverage is the primary source of insurance for most individuals, with out-of-pocket expenses accounting for a significant portion of dental care expenditures.
Generational differences in insurance coverage were also highlighted in the survey, with 20 per cent of Gen Zers and 21 per cent of baby boomers reporting being uninsured. This lack of coverage can leave individuals vulnerable to financial strain when seeking healthcare services.
Dr. Carlos Quiñonez from Western University pointed out that the rise in gig work may contribute to delays in seeking healthcare, leading some individuals to seek low-cost care at dental schools. Quiñonez emphasized the importance of addressing financial barriers to ensure that everyone has access to essential dental services.
The implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan aims to make dental care more affordable for up to nine million Canadian residents. As the plan expands to include all adults aged 18 to 64, it is expected to alleviate the financial burden of dental care for many individuals. However, concerns about employer-provided insurance coverage and access to dental care remain prevalent among Canadians.
Overall, the survey underscores the need for comprehensive and accessible dental care options to ensure that all Canadians can maintain good oral health without facing financial barriers. The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a step towards addressing these issues, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that everyone has access to quality dental care.
