Seniors spend thousands on dental work, suffer in pain or wind up in ERs. Will Canada's plan help?

The new Canadian Dental Care Plan is being hailed as a step in the right direction that could help to keep people healthier as they age and out of crowded hospitals — although experts are watching closely to see if it lives up to those early hopes.

Seniors spend thousands on dental work, suffer in pain or wind up in ERs. Will Canada's plan help?
Angelo Graham, 81, says that for retired Canadians like him, dental issues — and costs — can balloon once someone doesn't have coverage through their job. He's spent more than $30,000 out-of-pocket on dental care, and is among those hoping Canada's new dental plan spares more seniors that kind of expense.

The new Canadian Dental Care Plan is being hailed as a step in the right direction that could help to keep people healthier as they age and out of crowded hospitals — although experts are watching closely to see if it lives up to those early hopes.