The federal government has announced significant progress in its efforts to make oral health care more accessible and affordable for Canadians.
This week, two million seniors have been approved for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), enabling them to access necessary dental care.
To date, more than 90,000 seniors have received dental care from participating providers, with many visiting an oral health provider for the first time in decades. Seniors aged 65 and over, who do not have dental insurance and have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000, are eligible to apply for the CDCP.
Plan expanding in June
Starting in June, the plan will expand to include adults with a valid disability tax credit and children under 18. This move aims to make oral health care more affordable and accessible to a broader range of Canadians. There are currently close to 10,000 oral health providers, including dentists, dental specialists, independent dental hygienists, and denturists, participating in the CDCP.
“Today marks new milestones in oral health care with two million seniors approved to receive quality dental coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan,” stated Mark Holland, Minister of Health. “For decades, many Canadians could not receive the care they need and deserve, as they struggled with the cost of living.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland emphasized the broader impact of the CDCP, noting, “By next year, nine million uninsured Canadians will have their dental care covered. That’s what fairness is about.”
Billing Sun Life
From July 8, oral health providers will be able to direct bill Sun Life for services provided under the plan without formally signing up for the CDCP. This flexibility allows CDCP clients to choose any oral health provider who agrees to direct bill Sun Life. Clients should confirm coverage details and any additional costs before receiving services.
Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, highlighted the phased approach to the plan’s rollout. “In approximately one month, children and eligible persons with disabilities can also apply online for the Canadian Dental Care Plan,” he said. “We are making sure everyone gets the care they need.”
Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, acknowledged the role of oral health providers and the government’s commitment to expanding access to dental care. “More than two million seniors have already been approved for coverage and are now eligible to receive dental care,” he said.
Dave Jones, President of Sun Life Health, praised the initiative’s success. “It’s heartwarming to see that thousands of Canadians have started to receive the oral health care they need,” he said.
$13 billion over 5 years
The 2023 federal budget included an investment of $13 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the CDCP. Additionally, $250 million over three years, starting in 2025-26, and $75 million ongoing, will be allocated to establish the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF).
The OHAF aims to reduce barriers to oral health care, particularly in rural and remote communities. The government has also launched a Call for Proposals to support projects by oral health training institutions.