Young Mother’s Struggle for Dental Surgery Highlights Care Gaps

A 23-year-old single mother from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, is grappling with severe pain from her wisdom teeth but lacks the funds for necessary surgery. After three years of discomfort, Alexis Wintonyk faces a daunting decision: to undergo surgery costing approximately $3,000 or continue living in pain. Following her recent layoff from her job as a server, Wintonyk is unable to afford the procedure, which has left her feeling hopeless.

“I was able to get one pulled, but the others are complicated, so I’ll need surgery,” Wintonyk explained. The financial burden is overwhelming, especially as she cares for her three-year-old daughter. “It was devastating. I was really upset. I’m in a lot of pain, and over-the-counter solutions only provide temporary relief,” she added.

Wintonyk’s situation is not unique. Although she was previously employed, her income disqualifies her from provincial social assistance dental care programs, which limits access to necessary treatments. She is now applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which expanded earlier this year to include adults aged 18 to 64, alongside children and seniors previously eligible for coverage.

According to the federal government, all Canadians with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 are eligible to apply. Applicants must have filed a 2024 tax return and lack dental insurance. The program aims to alleviate costs for essential dental care, potentially covering oral surgeries when recommended by a qualified health provider.

Impact of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is estimated to save eligible Canadians an average of $800 annually on dental services. It covers varying percentages of basic oral health care, including dental cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Dr. Raju Bhargava, president-elect of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan, noted that the plan has contributed to an increase in patient volume among dentists, with many individuals returning to care after years of neglect.

Despite its benefits, dentists have reported increased administrative burdens due to the plan. Some practices experience an additional hour of work daily to handle claims and obtain preauthorization for major dental procedures. “It’s a necessary evil that we do on the patient’s behalf to meet their oral health needs,” said Dr. Bhargava.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan has also highlighted the importance of oral health in preventing systemic health issues. “Poor oral health can significantly influence conditions like cardiovascular disease and strokes,” Dr. Bhargava stated. Regular dental visits are vital, as they can prevent the onset of severe health complications.

Challenges for Student-Run Clinics

In contrast, student-run clinics at the University of Saskatchewan have experienced a 36 percent drop in patient visits since the national plan’s implementation. The college recorded 19,581 patient visits in the 2024-2025 period, raising concerns about the impact on the training of future dental professionals. Dr. Walter Siqueira, dean of the college, emphasized that this decline could affect the training of students in various roles, including dentists and dental hygienists.

To address these challenges, the college is collaborating with the federal government and other educational institutions to find solutions. The federal ministry has also announced over $35 million in funding for 30 projects under the Oral Health Access Fund, aimed at enhancing training for dental students.

As of now, approximately 95,903 individuals in Saskatchewan have enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, contributing to the nearly six million Canadians benefiting from the program. The initiative aims to reduce pressure on emergency rooms and the broader healthcare system by promoting preventive dental care.

Saskatchewan provides some dental coverage for individuals enrolled in income support programs, including the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability and the Senior’s Income Plan, among others. As the Canadian Dental Care Plan continues to evolve, individuals like Wintonyk hope the program will expand further to ensure that essential dental care is accessible to all Canadians.