OTTAWA: Canada’s federal dental care program is gaining momentum, with Health Minister Mark Holland announcing that more than 2.3 million Canadians have been approved for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The program, launched as one of the largest social initiatives in Canadian history, now has over 75% of dental care providers participating nationwide.
“This certainly exceeds anything I could have hoped for in the first three months,” Holland said during an update at an Ottawa dental office. “We’re not stopping until we get to 100%.”
Key Updates:
Participation Surge: Over 19,000 oral health providers, including 16,612 dentists, have joined the program following recent changes allowing providers to bill directly to Sun Life, the program’s administrator.
Phased Rollout: Seniors were eligible as of May, followed by children under 18 and individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit in June. Remaining eligible Canadians will gain access in 2025.
Access Challenges: While patient uptake has been strong, some providers have cited concerns over administrative burdens and reimbursement structures.
The CDCP covers essential services like cleanings, X-rays, cavity fillings, dentures, and root canals. Eligibility criteria include having a family net income under $90,000, no access to private dental insurance, and filing a tax return for the prior year.
Holland acknowledged that some patients have faced confusion over partial reimbursements, with coverage varying based on income. However, he emphasized that the program significantly reduces out-of-pocket expenses, making dental visits “deeply affordable.”
The program aims to provide affordable dental care to nine million uninsured Canadians. The federal government has committed $13 billion over five years and $4.4 billion annually thereafter to sustain the initiative.
The NDP, instrumental in pushing the plan forward, pledged to continue advocating for improved outreach, particularly for families and individuals with disabilities.