Summary
The Canadian Dental Care Plan now covers over 5 million Canadians, making dental care more affordable and accessible. The program reduces ER visits, supports overall health, and helps Canadians save on dental costs. Eligible adults can apply online to access care from participating providers nationwide.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has already reached millions of Canadians since its expansion in May, with uptake suggesting a growing impact on oral health across the country. More than 5 million Canadians are now covered, including over 2 million in Ontario alone, and over 1 million Ontarians have already received care.
The plan is designed to make dental care more affordable for families who don’t have insurance, saving members an average of $800 per year on oral health services. So far, nearly 2.8 million Canadians have visited participating providers, many for the first time in decades.
“The Canadian Dental Care Plan is having a profound impact on the lives of Canadians – improving both health and affordability,” said Health Minister Marjorie Michel in a statement.
Oral Health Impacts Overall Health and the Health System
The program has also helped ease pressure on the broader health system. Without dental care, many patients have turned to ERs for abscesses, infections, and severe tooth pain. These avoidable visits cost Canada’s health care system more than $31 million in 2022–23.
But the stakes go beyond emergency visits. Oral health directly affects overall health: bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can harm the entire body. Untreated gum disease can contribute to heart disease, diabetes complications, respiratory infections, pregnancy risks, and cognitive decline. By improving access to oral health care, the CDCP could help Canadians reduce not just dental pain, but also their risk for more serious long-term conditions.
There’s also a clear economic dimension. In 2017, dental-related illness was estimated to cause 4.15 million missed workdays and 2.26 million missed school days in Canada each year, amounting to over $1 billion in lost productivity. By expanding affordable access, the CDCP could help ease this burden on Canadian taxpayers while strengthening the overall workforce.
Eligible Canadians should use this initiative, as it offers more than just dental savings. Good oral health protects long-term well-being and eases strain on the health system.
Now, with close to full participation from dentists, denturists, hygienists, and specialists across the country, the CDCP is making dental care more accessible than ever. In Ontario, MP Mona Fortier emphasized the significance: “Too many people have gone without the dental care they need simply because it wasn’t affordable. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is changing that.”
Who qualifies?
Canadians can apply if they:
- Don’t have access to dental insurance
- Filed their 2024 tax return
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
- Are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Applications are open to all eligible adults aged 18 to 64. Those without a provider can use Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search to find care in their community.
As the program continues to roll out, ministers say the goal is not just healthier smiles, but a healthier and more equitable Canada overall.
For more information or to apply, visit Canada.ca/dental.
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