Students set to sink teeth into referendum

Fanshawe students will vote this week with a simple “yes” or “no “on whether dental coverage will be included in their student fees, for a cost of $75 per year.

In order to pass, the FSU needs at least 20 per cent (2,500 people) of the student population to vote, 51 per cent of which need to be positive or in support of the proposed dental plan. To garner these votes, the FSU has 3,000 chocolate bars and 2,500 toothbrushes in stock as incentives.

The plan being offered to full-time students, which will tack-on additional $75 to annual student fees, covers 100 per cent of one cleaning, one unit of polishing and one fluoride treatment a year. It also covers 75 per cent of one filling, 75 per cent coverage of extractions (including two wisdom teeth per year) and 10 per cent of the cost of other oral surgery, which included crowns, bridges, among others.

Similar to the current health plan, students who have proof of alternative coverage can opt out within the first ten business days of their school year (see “How to opt out” for more information).

For an extra fee, full-time students also have the option of adding a family member to the plan, known as “family opt-in.”

According to FSU president Christine Thomson, students were requesting or asking why the student union didn't offer dental coverage in their health plan, which sparked the initiative to hold a referendum.

“A lot of students were popping in and asking why we don't have a dental plan,” said Thomson. “An overwhelming majority (of SAC members) voted to hold a referendum, only one didn't, out of 17.”

Thomson added that other colleges, such as Confederation College and Niagara College, already have dental coverage included in their health plans.

“A lot of universities have it as well,” Thomson said. “Our health plan is still pretty new, so we are a couple of years behind.”

Full-time students can vote around-the-clock beginning Tuesday, January 30 at 7 am online at www.fsu.on.ca/dental, until 4 pm Friday, February 2. Polling stations will also be open Tuesday through Friday- 9 am to 4 pm in front of the library, in D junction, in the Student Centre and D cafeteria. Mobile polling units will also be travelling to over 20 classrooms throughout the four-day voting blitz.

Two polling stations will also be open in both residences each day from 5 pm to 7pm.

In exchange for their vote, students will be given the choice of a free chocolate bar or FSU branded toothbrush.

The ballot will say the following: “I support a Fanshawe Student dental plan at a maximum cost of $75 per year. This dental plan offers a refund with proof of alternative coverage.”

Followed by a simple “I support this statement” or “I do not support this statement.”

Referendums are not foreign to Fanshawe College, in fact in recent years students have voted in favour of adding bus passes, health plan and the new Student Centre, all at additional costs to student fees.

Student cards will serve as proof of dental coverage at most dental offices, and rather than be reimbursed for your coverage the discount will be instant.

Although neither the current health plan, nor proposed dental plan includes part-time students, the FSU is researching ways to include those students.

How to opt out

Just like the health plan offered to Fanshawe students, the proposed dental plan has the option to opt out for those who have proof of alternative coverage. Those students who are covered by their parents plan, spouse's plan or through an employer can opt out. Those who do not have alternative coverage cannot redeem the $75 per year if they do not wish to be included.

If the dental plan is approved by a majority of those who vote, full-time students who wish to opt out must fill out the Opt Out Application Form, found in the FSU office (SC2001)by the 10th day of the start of their first semester classes. The form asks for the name of the health insurer, policy number and name(s) of primary subscriber, as well as a signature from the student.

Students must also be reminded that once they opt out, there is no option to opt back in for the remainder of the academic year.

The student can pick up their opt out cheque in SC2001.

If you have any questions concerning the dental plan please call 519.452.4109 or visit the FSU office, SC2001.