The Government of Canada has finally announced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a significant development in enhancing the nation’s oral health.
Recognizing that oral health is crucial to overall well-being and acknowledging the financial barriers that one in four Canadians face in accessing dental care, the CDCP aims to provide relief to up to nine million uninsured residents with family incomes below $90,000 annually.
The plan will be rolled out in phases, initially focusing on seniors to manage demand and ensure a smooth transition.
Beginning in December 2023, seniors aged 87 and above will be eligible to apply, with the program gradually extending to younger age groups in the subsequent months. By March 2024, it will include seniors aged 70 and above. Eligible individuals will receive invitation letters with application instructions, initially via telephone.
In May 2024, the application process will shift to an online portal, catering to seniors 65 and older. June 2024 will see the inclusion of individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18. The plan will extend to all eligible residents aged 18 to 64 starting in 2025.
Enrolled Canadians can access oral health care services from May 2024, with a specific start date depending on their group’s application and enrollment period. Sun Life, the service provider, will issue a welcome package detailing coverage start dates, coverage specifics, and a member card.
Initial Plan – Phases:
- December 2023: Eligible seniors aged 87 and above (invitation letters with application instructions, initially via telephone)
- January 2024: Eligible seniors aged 77 to 86 (invitation letters with application instructions, initially via telephone)
- February 2024: Eligible seniors aged 72 to 76 (invitation letters with application instructions, initially via telephone)
- March 2024: Eligible seniors aged 70 to 71 (invitation letters with application instructions, initially via telephone)
- May 2024: Eligible seniors 65 and older (online portal)
- June 2024: Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 (online portal)
- 2025: All remaining eligible Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 (online portal)
Canadian Dental Care Plan in a Nutshell – Here is What to Know
Per the news release, the CDCP covers a broad range of services, including preventive care like scaling and polishing, as well as exams, x-rays, fillings, dentures, and root canal treatments. Regular reviews based on data and evidence will ensure the plan meets Canadians’ needs.
The federal government says oral health professionals will receive resources and tools to assist and inform patients about the CDCP.
Administered by Health Canada in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through Service Canada and Sun Life, the CDCP is a result of a $13 billion investment over five years announced in the 2023 budget, with an ongoing allocation of $4.4 billion. The contract with Sun Life, valued at approximately $746.7 million, spans five years with options to extend for another five years.
The existing Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 will continue until June 30, 2024, after which parents and caregivers can apply for children under 18 under the CDCP from June 2024.