The Fraser Institute has released a report on Canadian health care titled “Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada”, which details the increasing waiting times for surgery over each province and specialty in Canada. The conclusion of the report is not too comforting for those who must deal with the Nationalized Health system. We can argue the merits of a Nationalized health care system, but instead we will focus on how this affects those looking for elective care or care not covered by this system such as dental care.

The “good” news for Canadians is that dental procedures are not included in this system and the wait times are considerably less then for these types of procedures. Although with the social programs being how they are, eventually, dental could be included into the system, thereby making it another bureaucratic government nightmare.

You might think that “nightmare” is too harsh a word, but understanding how bad the delays are, you might decide on using something even more extreme:

  • From referral by a general practitioner to consultation with a specialist. The waiting time in this segment increased from 9.4 weeks in 2016 to 10.2 weeks this year. This wait time is 177% longer than in 1993, when it was 3.7 weeks. The shortest waits for specialist consultations are in Ontario (6.7 weeks) while the longest occur in New Brunswick (26.6 weeks).
  • From the consultation with a specialist to the point at which the patient receives treatment. The waiting time in this segment increased from 10.6 weeks in 2016 to 10.9 weeks this year. This wait time is 95% longer than in 1993 when it was 5.6 weeks, and more than three weeks longer than what physicians consider to be clinically “reasonable” (7.2 weeks). The shortest specialist-to-treatment waits are found in Ontario (8.6 weeks), while the longest are in Manitoba (16.3 weeks).

In the most extreme cases the waits can be defined as distressing and neglectful. For instance, if you are having Orthopedic Surgery, the wait time is 41.7 weeks from seeing your GP to treatment and in the case of Neurosurgery the wait is 32.9 weeks. I’m not sure about you, but if you need Neurosurgery, I don’t think you would want to wait around for 8 months. During these long waits the patient can suffer from pain, mental anguish, increased complications, and permanent injury.

What does Dental Care have to do with long lines?

In a country where the government feels that it has a mandate to take care of all your needs, it’s only a matter of time before the dental industry falls under the control of the Canadian health system. In an article from Bloomberg News on December 20, 2015 it quotes Jagmeet Singh, the New Democratic Party leader as saying, if elected:

“The first thing I would do would be an expanded social program and electoral reform”

Following that statement, he mentions paying for pharmaceutical and dental care, which are two things currently not covered. Early opinions believe that Mr. Singh does not have a good chance of winning, although there is no doubt that everyone who runs against him will most likely adopt his “expanded social program”. In other words, there is a good chance that Dental coverage will become another bureaucratic nightmare for Canadians. If this happens your options for dental care in Canada will be a part of its Byzantine health care system.

What are the Dental options for Canadians?

Currently most dental procedures are not covered the National Health insurance. Although the waiting periods are reasonable, you will be paying for any procedure out of pocket. Prices for dental procedures in most Western countries (Canada, U.S., UK NHS, Europe) can be prohibitive and lead patients to put off some necessary procedures. Also, many dental procedures entail numerous visits, which can sometimes be burdensome and time consuming.

If you’re looking to significantly bring down the cost of your dental procedure, there is an affordable and quality option. For many years Europeans have been going to Hungary for dental procedures. The costs can be up to 75% cheaper, and the quality as good or better than in their home country. As the competition has grown, many dental clinics have become a viable option for those across the Atlantic. Even with airfare, lodging and other expenses your saving are over 60% in many instances. From root canals, to implants and surgery, your options are limitless.

What does the future hold for Dental Care in Canada?

I don’t have a Crystal Ball, nor am I nicknamed “Nostradamus”, but there is no doubt Canada is leaning towards more encompassing health care coverage, which translates into Dental Care becoming part of the system. The good news for Canadians will be that no more out of pocket expenses for any Dental procedure, and just like other medical procedures, everything will be covered. The bad news is that eventually, Dental will be engulfed by the same inefficiency and bloat which afflicts the current medical health system.

The good news is that there is another option for those who can’t afford the costly dental procedures in Canada. Europeans are already aware of the huge cost savings and quality of private dental care they receive in Hungary. Demand has increased, and Hungary has become the number one destination for all things dental, especially dental implants. Canadians can also benefit from Hungary and its Dental implant clinics.

Why Canadians should come to Hungary for Dental Care

Quality, cost and level of care. There is no doubt that Hungary is the #1 destination for Dental tourism and being one of the most visited countries in Europe, your experience will be second to none. From dental implants, root canal and everything in-between, all your dental needs will be taken are of with a level of care unmatched.