Children in Quebec with cancer who have dental problems resulting from treatment for their illness will be eligible for free dental surgery and preventive care.
Quebec Health Minister Danielle McCann made the announcement at Ste Justine Hospital this morning.
McCann called it "an injustice" since they cover dental care resulting from road accidents, work accidents and criminal acts so why not these children.
McCann said the program will cover children past 18 years of age, until they're 30 if necessary.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have damaging effects on a growing child's teeth and mouth and last well into adulthood.
Surgery and related treatment can run into the tens of thousands of dollars which parents currently have to pay.
Dr. Barry Dolman, president of the Order of Dentists of Quebec, said that's why, more often than not, the surgery isn't done and the impact on the child is tremendous.
"It's everything - it's phonetics, to be able to talk, self-esteem, chewing. It's something that really demarks sometimes their ability to have a normal life," said Dolman in an interview with CJAD 800.
Dolman said he'd like the coverage to expand to children and adults with any medical ailment needing such surgery.
The program should begin April 1 while the government works out the details such as the nature of the services required and admissibility criteria though McCann promised all children needing such surgery until then would be covered.
In Quebec, 300 children are diagnosed with cancer every year and nearly half of them suffer from dental problems resulting from cancer treatments and surgery.