Public dental plan - The ACDQ extends a hand to the new health minister and invites her to immediately resume the negotiations

MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Dr. Serge Langlois, President of the Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec (ACDQ), has sent Danielle McCann, the new Minister of Health and Social Services, a congratulatory letter. In it, he expresses his delight at her appointment and encourages her to begin a new era of constructive, solution-based dialogue in relations between the Quebec government and dentists.

"The sensitivity that your political party showed to children's needs and healthcare improvements throughout the election campaign makes us optimistic about the future and hopeful that the negotiations concerning the conditions on which dentistry is practiced under the public dental plan will resume immediately," wrote Dr. Langlois.

It should be mentioned that the agreement between dentists and the MSSS (Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux) expired over three years ago and that the previous government's strategy was to stall the negotiations. More specifically, that government refused to compromise in any way on the setbacks it sought to impose on dentists and even reneged on promises that all of its predecessors had made.

"We truly hope to come to an agreement quickly, especially since we reached an agreement with Premier François Legault while he was Minister of Health, in the best interests of children and income security beneficiaries," explained the ACDQ's President to Ms. McCann.

The ACDQ hopes that the public plan will be improved and adapted in step with the needs of the population and advances in technology. It also believes that respect for the letter and spirit of the commitments made to its members by the various governments is an essential basis for any agreement.

"We are perfectly aware of the immense challenges that await you in your new office and are determined to cooperate with you in your efforts to meet them, with a view to serving the best interests of the patients covered by the public plan and receiving our due respect as professionals," concluded the ACDQ President.

About the ACDQ

The mission of the Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec, which was formed in 1966 under the Professional Syndicates Act, is to study, defend and develop the professional, economic and social interests of its members. It also strives to gain recognition for its members' expertise, contribute to their training, defend the value and importance of their services, negotiate all necessary agreements on their behalf, and support research, social action, and humanitarian activities.

SOURCE Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec (ACDQ)