Health minister won’t say when millions more Canadians can apply for dental coverage
Canada’s health minister, Mark Holland, announced that millions of Canadians who are currently not eligible for the national dental insurance plan will soon be able to apply. During a press conference at a dental assistant school in Ottawa, Holland stated that the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to include all remaining Canadians aged 18 to 64 will happen “as soon as possible in the new year.”
The federal government had previously set a target for all Canadians aged 18 to 64 to be able to apply for the dental insurance plan starting in January 2025. However, Holland clarified that the exact timing was not specified and emphasized that the goal was to ensure that every Canadian has access to the program.
The CDCP is a taxpayer-funded initiative that covers dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, and dentures for low- to middle-income individuals who do not have private dental insurance. Currently, only seniors, children, and individuals with valid disability tax credits are eligible under the program, totaling 3 million people out of an estimated 9 million who could benefit.
It remains unclear whether the remaining 6 million Canadians aged 18 to 64 will become eligible at the same time in 2025 or if the expansion will be phased in gradually. Holland’s office did not provide specific details on the rollout plan but hinted that different groups might be added in separate cohorts.
Holland emphasized the importance of ensuring that each aspect of the program runs smoothly before expanding it further. He highlighted the recent addition of pre-authorizations for complex dental procedures and stated that the government is committed to making the expansion happen at the earliest opportunity.
New data released by Ottawa revealed that the dental care plan is expected to cost taxpayers $13 billion over the next five years. Since its inception in May, over 1.2 million Canadians have received dental care through the program, with an average of $791 in dental costs covered per person. More than 90% of oral health care providers are now participating in the program, signaling widespread acceptance and utilization.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is considered one of Canada’s largest social programs to date, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving access to essential healthcare services for all Canadians. As the program continues to expand, more individuals will benefit from increased access to dental care, promoting overall health and well-being across the country.
