Dentists can bill for federal dental plan patients without signing up for program, government says

Dentists have told CBC News that Ottawa's requirement that they sign a contract made them reluctant to participate in the new public dental care plan.

They also said the contract requirement made some oral health providers refuse to participate in the public dental care plan.

Starting in early July, oral health providers can bill Sun Life — which manages the dental care program — for services on a claim-by-claim basis without signing up for the CDCP.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Health Minister Mark Holland said he thinks the "vast majority of dentists are going to participate" in the program.

Dr. Jenny Doerksen, president of the Alberta Dental Association, said there is still some hesitation with the program following the new announcement and there are questions about how the portal to submit claims will work.

In its announcement, the federal government also said that more than 5,000 oral health providers have "agreed" to treat CDCP clients.