OTTAWA - The rollout of the national dental care program is improving, industry representatives say — but political statements are still driving a misconception among patients that the program will cost them nothing.

"When the plan was initially announced, the government of the day continually talked about free dentistry, free dental care," said Dr. Bruce Ward, president of the Canadian Dental Association.

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau and former health minister Mark Holland referred more than once to the Canadian Dental Care Plan as "free dental care" — as did the New Democrats, who pushed for the program's creation.

In fact, patients' co-pays can range up to 60 per cent.

Ward's concerns were echoed by others in the industry who say they're encountering patients who are upset a

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