Sunday, June 29, 2025

The Dental Plan Is a Scam: A Letter to Canada’s Leaders

Dental Plan Is a Scam – A Personal Appeal for Real Change

To:


cc:




From: Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita, Vancouver BC
Re: Dental Plans That Don’t Work for the People Who Need Them Most

Dear Elected Officials and Relevant Agencies,

Let’s talk about the so-called Canada Dental Benefit and the BC Healthy Kids Program — because from where I’m standing, it’s not working. Not for me, not for my friends, and not for the countless Canadians who fall between the cracks of government promises and real-life poverty.

I’m writing as someone who has been forced to choose between feeding my child and taking them to the dentist. I’m writing as someone who watched her back teeth break off over the course of two years and was told by the ER that they “couldn’t help.” I’m writing on behalf of my friend who’s missing a front tooth and has to wait until September for coverage to reset — 

Your plan doesn’t help people like us. Why?

Because dentists rarely — if ever — accept only what’s covered.
Because we’re expected to pay upfront or cover the “difference.”
Because $20 or $200 more is a dealbreaker when you have nothing.
Because there’s no enforcement, no oversight, and no dignity in how this care is delivered.

And don’t be fooled: it’s not just about appearances. Dental care is health care — tied to heart disease, diabetes, mental health, and nutrition.


Reflective Questions for You, the Decision-Makers:

  • Why is there no regulation forcing dentists to fully accept the government plan with no upcharges for people in financial crisis?
  • Why isn’t emergency dental care available at hospitals or clinics without gatekeeping?
  • Why aren’t mobile or community-based dental programs mandatory in low-income neighbourhoods?
  • Why do benefits expire or reset instead of being flexible, like a health account?
  • Where is the transparency in dental pricing? Can Canadians see a breakdown of costs and decide who is profiting?
  • How many Canadians (especially those unhoused, disabled, or on income assistance) are living in pain, shame, or infection risk because of dental neglect?
  • Who monitors the quality and safety of tools and practices in clinics that serve people on public plans?

My Suggestion for Real Change:

  1. Enforce public plan acceptance. Make it mandatory for dentists to accept full payment through public plans — with no extra charges.
  2. Public dental clinics in every region. Staffed by salaried professionals who focus on care, not profit.
  3. Portable dental health accounts. Let unused funds roll over. Let people use them when emergencies arise — not just when bureaucracy allows.
  4. Create a dental ombudsman. Someone to oversee complaints, standards, and equity.
  5. Fund mobile dental units. Reach seniors, unhoused people, and rural residents.

I believe many of you entered public service to make a difference. I’m asking you now — prove it. Fix the system. And most of all, listen to people like me, who’ve lived the consequences of this broken system for far too long.

Sincerely,
Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
Vancouver, BC

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