Your World Tonight

Dental plan but no dentist visit, synagogue attack, is it time to stop the time change, and more

Oct 2, 2025
Tom Perry, a CBC National reporter specializing in defense, dives into crucial issues affecting Canadians. He discusses the shocking reality that many enrolled in the federal dental plan are still avoiding dental visits due to balance billing. Perry also explores the implications of a recent synagogue attack in the UK during Yom Kippur, reflecting on rising anti-Semitism. Lastly, he examines the newly established defense investment agency aimed at streamlining military procurement, shedding light on the urgent need to accelerate processes in Ottawa.
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INSIGHT

Dental Plan Uptake Masked By Extra Charges

  • The federal dental plan covers 5.2 million people but nearly half have not visited a dentist yet.
  • Balance billing and clinic-specific fees leave patients unexpectedly paying extra despite federal coverage.
ANECDOTE

Sunday Shifts To Handle New Patients

  • Ottawa dentist Min Pham opened his clinic on Sundays to handle influx from the program.
  • He charges only what the federal government reimburses so some patients leave without paying anything.
ANECDOTE

Patients Face Extra Tests And Fees

  • Shelley Rose Charvet was approved but found it pricier to use the plan than to pay out of pocket.
  • Louise Hunick says her dentist added a $50 annual admin fee for program patients.
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