Released on March 5, 2019
Saskatchewan residents now have access to expanded insured dental services thanks to a new agreement between the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS) and the Ministry of Health.
The new and expanded insured services under the Ministry of Health include cleft lip and palate treatment services for infants, children, and adolescents, expanded coverage for dental extractions for cancer patients, and specialized dental consultations for medical patients.
“This new agreement is a win for patients, dental specialists and surgeons,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said. “I want to thank the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan and our officials in the Ministry of Health for their diligence and collegiality throughout the negotiation process.”
Coverage for these services under this new agreement will mean more patients get the help they need when it is required. The new agreement provides a two per cent increase to dental surgical and specialty fees in 2019-20. The new fee schedule takes effect April 1, 2019.
“Dentists and Dental Specialists are proud to be able to offer Saskatchewan residents improved comprehensive and focused services, especially those that impact infants, children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate deformities, as well as patients who are undergoing cancer radiation treatment or stem cell transplants,” College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan Vice-President Dr. Craig Humber said.
The total cost for fee increases and the expansion of insured services as part of the agreement is approximately $200,000. The new agreement covers the period ending March 31, 2020.
Approximately 3,000 Saskatchewan patients receive insured surgical interventions and treatments each year. About 1,300 additional patients will benefit from the new and expanded services under the new agreement.
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For more information, contact:
Shelley Svedahl
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: Shelley.Svedahl@health.gov.sk.ca
Jerod Orb
College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-244-5072
Email: cdss@saskdentists.com