Young Mother Struggles with Dental Care Costs Amid New Plan

A 23-year-old single mother from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is facing significant challenges in accessing dental care for her painful wisdom teeth. Alexis Wintonyk has endured discomfort for over three years, but the situation has worsened to unbearable levels. With dental surgery estimated to cost around $3,000, Wintonyk finds herself unable to afford the necessary treatment after recently losing her job as a server.

“I was able to get one pulled but my others are complicated, so I’ll need surgery to get the other ones out,” Wintonyk explained. Despite her urgent need for care, she struggles to manage living expenses for herself and her three-year-old daughter. “It was devastating. I was really upset. I’m in a lot of pain, and over-the-counter solutions can only do so much — finding that out felt like a sentence,” she added.

The issue of dental care affordability is highlighted by Wintonyk’s current situation. Although she was employed, she does not qualify for provincial social assistance dental care programs. In a bid to secure the necessary treatment, she has applied for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which recently expanded its coverage to include individuals aged 18 to 64. Previously, only children and seniors qualified for assistance. As reported by the federal government, Canadians with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 are eligible to apply, provided they have filed a 2024 tax return and lack dental insurance.

Oral surgery is classified under major services that “could be covered” when recommended by an oral health provider. The plan aims to alleviate the financial burden on eligible Canadians, with an estimated annual savings of $800 on dental care services. Coverage varies based on income, including essential services such as dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

According to Dr. Raju Bhargava, president-elect of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan, dentists in the province have reported an increase in patient volumes, attributing this growth to the new dental care plan. Many patients who had not visited a dentist in years are now seeking treatment because of the benefits the plan provides. A recent survey indicated that nearly 100 percent of dentists in Saskatchewan are signed up to administer the program.

While the Canadian Dental Care Plan has increased access to dental services, it has also introduced challenges for dental practices. Dentists reported that the administrative requirements associated with the plan added approximately one hour of extra work to their staff’s daily schedules. “It’s a necessary evil,” said Dr. Bhargava, who emphasized that the additional workload is essential to meet patients’ oral health needs.

Oral health significantly impacts overall health, and neglecting dental care can lead to serious systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease and strokes. “One of the main preventative measures for strokes is actually getting your teeth cleaned,” Dr. Bhargava noted, underlining the importance of regular dental visits.

The University of Saskatchewan has also reported changes since the national plan’s implementation. The college’s student-run clinics have experienced a 36 percent decline in patient visits compared to the previous year, with 19,581 recorded visits in the 2024-2025 period. Dean Dr. Walter Siqueira expressed concern about the impact on students’ training, as reduced patient numbers could hinder the education of future oral health care providers.

In response to the challenges posed by the national dental care plan, the college is engaging with the federal government and other educational institutions to explore solutions. According to Health Canada, 95,903 residents in Saskatchewan have been accepted into the program, contributing to the nationwide total of nearly six million.

The federal ministry has also committed over $35 million in funding over three years for projects aimed at improving dental student training. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is seen as a vital step in easing pressure on emergency rooms and the broader healthcare system, indicating a growing recognition of the connection between oral health and overall well-being.

In Saskatchewan, some dental coverage is available for individuals enrolled in income support programs, including the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability and the Senior’s Income Plan, as well as for government wards and inmates in provincial correctional facilities.