Change Benefits Families with Private Dental Coverage

Families with a private dental plan no longer have to cover co- pay costs for services under the Nova Scotia Children's Oral Health Program. Health Minister Jamie Muir announced today, Oct. 7, that the province will now pick up those costs. The regulation is amended to ensure that people with private insurance don't have to pay more than those without private insurance.

"We will now pick up the portion of the cost that is not covered by dental insurance plans -- and continue to cover the costs of care for children whose families don't have private insurance," said Mr. Muir. "We want to encourage families to take their children see their dentist during the early years. This is the time to establish good oral hygiene habits."

Government announced as part of its 2002-03 budget that it would no longer pay for dental services under the Children's Oral Health Program for families who have private dental plans. As a result of today's change, government will reimburse people who have cost-shared for children's dental services under the program, retroactive to May 1.

The Nova Scotia Children's Oral Health Program benefits children up to the end of the month of their 10th birthday. The program provides diagnostic, preventive and restorative services, as well as a variety of public-health initiatives to help educate children and families and to promote good oral health.

Anyone with questions about the regulation change should call Quikcard Solutions, which administers the Children's Oral Health program. The organization can be reached at 902-832-3253 or, toll-free outside metro, at 1-888-846-9199.