In an exciting development, the Canadian Government has provided finalized details of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This announcement has been long-awaited, and provides key information on when eligible Canadians will be able to access the dental care plan. Overall, the aim is for the oral health of Canadians to improve significantly, whilst improving access to oral healthcare.
The Canadian Government has announced the roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and provided key details about its long-awaited unveiling [1].
This announcement has come following months of preparation. The announcement has been lauded as a milestone moment for Canadian healthcare and for Canadian citizens.
The aim is for the dental plan to improve the oral health of millions of Canadians across the nation, and provide better access to oral health services for them.
Background
The dental care plan was first discussed following the last Canadian Federal Election. Following many delays, a temporary dental benefit was launched at the end of 2022 [2].
This provided low-income families with children with financial assistance for dental care. It helped many children to receive desperately needed oral healthcare.
However, this was only a temporary measure. Instead, plans have been in the works for a wider national dental care plan. This has now resulted in the aforementioned announcement.
One of the main factors behind the development of the dental plan is the fact that approximately 1 in 3 people living in Canada do not have dental insurance [3]. This is normally due to cost concerns or a lack of access.
Therefore, many Canadians suffer in silence and pain, due to not being able to afford the dentist. This also has a negative impact on the Canadian healthcare system, with statistics showing emergency room visits for dental issues cost $1.8billion in 2017 [1]. Now though, the hope is that this will change.
The detail of the plan’s roll-out
The Canadian government has provided details of the roll-out. A phased approach will be adopted, which should ensure a smooth roll-out and fewer teething issues [1].
Canadian residents with an annual family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible for the plan [1]. Other eligibility criteria exists, including having no access to dental insurance and being a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
A sliding scale exists, with differing amounts contributed by the government, dependent on income. For example, those with an income of below $70,000 will have their dental care fully funded, while those with an income of $80,000-$89,999 will have a 60% contribution provided [1].
To begin with, the plan will begin with seniors. In December 2023, those aged 87 and above will become eligible for the plan. Moreover, those aged 77 to 86 will have access to the plan from January 2024 [1].
Continuing, those aged 72 to 76 will become eligible in February 2024, with those aged 70 to 71 then getting access in March 2024. Those who may be eligible will receive a letter to invite them to apply [1].
They will be instructed on how to validate their eligibility and how to apply. This will involve providing two pieces of identification and information on any existing dental benefits [1].
Hopefully by this point the plan will be running smoothly, and ready to open to a wider audience. If this is the case, then in May 2024, applications will be made via an online portal, with those aged 65 and older the next to benefit [1].
From June 2024, those with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, along with children aged under 18, will be provided with access to the plan [1]. Providing access to children is very important, hence their early position in the roll-out.
Finally, all remaining eligible Canadian residents aged between 18 and 64 will be able to apply online from 2025 [1]. Unfortunately, this does mean that the bulk of people will need to wait another year to access to the plan.
This means that over a 12-month period, all Canadian residents will eventually have access to the plan – dependent on meeting the eligibility criteria.
Which services will be provided?
The announcement also contained information on which dental services will be offered through the plan. The government did caution that some services will only be available from fall 2024 [1].
The services that will be provided include:
• Dental check-ups
• X-rays
• Scaling and polishing
• Sealants
• Restorations e.g., cavity fillings
• Endodontics e.g., root canal treatments
• Surgery e.g., tooth extractions [1]
The exact services provided may differ slightly, depending on which province or territory a person lives in [1]. But Health Canada is collaborating with the various provinces and territories to try and ensure equity across all areas.
When can patients book an appointment?
Canadians who are enrolled in the plan will receive a member card that includes their coverage start date, coverage details and a welcome package from Sun Life – the contracted service provider [1].
Following the delivery of the welcome package, the patient will be able to book an appointment. Moreover, the welcome package will contain further information about the plan.
What this means
This announcement is very positive. The importance of having dental care cannot be understated. Regular visits to the dentist aids oral health, and helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
The government has also advised that the plan will be regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting the needs of Canadians [1]. If needed, changes can be made.
There has been significant praise following the announcement. For example, The Honourable Mark Holland said that the plan “will be transformative” for Canada and will “significantly improve health outcomes” [3].
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who has been instrumental in the planning process, acknowledged that “Canadians deserve quality oral healthcare”, which is “important not only for oral health, but for overall health”, before describing the government’s commitment to oral healthcare as “unwavering” [3].
Hopefully the roll-out of the plan will result in a long-term improvement in oral health of Canadians. The full roll-out will be in operation by early 2025, making this an exciting time for Canadians!
Thinking points…
1) While it might be tempting to wait for the roll-out of the dental plan before next attending the dentist – we strongly advise you to not deviate from regular check-ups! If you do have any problems, leaving them untreated will only worsen the issues. Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly! We recommend that you make an appointment soon!
2) As the article above shows, cost is a big barrier for many people in trying to receive dental care. Therefore, it is good to know that here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Consequently, our prices are fully transparent, competitive and reliable. You can find out more about us on our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you at our Calgary dental clinic soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Government of Canada. (2023). The Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.
[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.
[3] Government of Canada. (2023). Making dental care more affordable in Canada. Available: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/making-dental-care-more-affordable-in-canada-832534813.html. Last accessed: 14th December 2023.
