Eligible senior citizens are now able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This is very positive news, and should benefit the oral health of senior citizens across Canada. This marks an important moment in the rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which has resulted in positive reactions from many.
In exciting news, eligible senior citizens in Canada are able to receive dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].
While the planning and subsequent rollout of the CDCP has been plagued with difficulties and setbacks, this is a positive step.
This news is excellent for the oral health of senior citizens. Research shows that seniors typically have worse oral health than younger people [2]. Therefore, this is a promising development in Canadian healthcare.
The Announcement
The CDCP has been in the works for the last few years. The plan aims to assist low- and medium-income families with dental costs.
In a historic announcement, as of 1st May 2024, eligible people aged 65 and above can now receive assistance with their dental care [1].
Health Canada announced that the first one million seniors who successfully applied to the CDCP and have a May coverage start date, can now receive dental care under the plan [1].
These one million seniors will have received a welcome package after successfully applying for the plan. In this welcome package, the coverage start date is provided, with those with a May start date now able to receive care [1].
Over 6,500 oral health providers have signed up to participate and will provide oral health services to CDCP patients [1]. Therefore, there is plenty of choice for patients.
Eligibility criteria applies. Moreover, depending on household income, some patients may need to pay a co-payment [1]. However, each person will have differing circumstances.
Federal Government’s focus on oral health
Under the supply and confidence agreement between the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party, oral health has become a key focus of government policy.
As part of this focus, the Government of Canada has launched the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). The aim is for this to further reduce barriers to receiving oral healthcare for those in remote and rural communities [1].
This, along with the CDCP, should have a very positive impact on the oral health of Canadians. In fact, the CDCP should make dental care more affordable for up to 9 million Canadians without dental coverage [1].
Reactions
The reaction to this announcement has been very positive. Various politicians, dentists, scientists and professors have gone on record to express their pleasure with the news.
The Honourable Mark Holland, who is Minister of Health, lauded the announcement as “a significant milestone” for those who have been “eagerly waiting to receive services” under the CDCP [1].
Furthermore, Holland went on to say that those who couldn’t afford dental care are now “on the road to better health”. He finished by calling this a “pivotal moment” in the history of Canada [1].
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, who is Minister of Public Services and Procurement, has been a key figure in the rollout of the CDCP. He echoed Holland’s sentiments, calling the CDCP “one of the most important advances” in Canadian healthcare [1].
The focus on seniors has been particularly pleasing for the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, who is the Minister for Seniors. He has said it is a “big” moment. Because as O’Regan says, “it’s about more than treating toothaches and fitting new dentures”, instead, “it’s about aging in good health” [1]. The plan will definitely assist with this.
What will happen next?
This is very positive news, and will help many Canadian citizens. Now, we can look ahead to the future of the CDCP.
The CDCP will continue to be rolled out gradually. While senior citizens are now eligible, other groups will follow. The next group to become eligible will be persons with disabilities and children under the age of 18.
Those that haven’t yet applied but are eligible can apply online. It is open for those aged 65 and over. The link to apply is: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html [3].
While the overall rollout will take time, eventually the plan will help millions of Canadians receive crucial oral healthcare. Therefore, Canada should see improvements in oral health over the next few years, aiding overall health.
Thinking points…
1) One of the main motivations for the CDCP was that many people find dental fees to be unaffordable. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our prices are fully transparent and reliable. You can read more about us on our website – www.savannadental.ca, we hope to see you soon!
2) Whether you are or aren’t eligible for the CDCP, it is crucial to have strong oral hygiene. This can aid your oral and overall health. A great way of helping your oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. It is important to attend a dentist at least once every six months. We recommend that you book an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
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] Health Canada. (2024). 1 million seniors can now access services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2024/05/1-million-seniors-can-now-access-services-under-the-canadian-dental-care-plan.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.
[2] De Rubeis, V., Jiang, Y., de Groh, M., Dufour, L., Bronsard, A., Morrison, H., Butt, F., & Bassim, C. W. (2023). Oral Health Problems among Canadians Aged 45 to 85: Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Baseline Survey (2011–2015). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20 (8): 5533. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085533.
[3] Government of Canada. (2024). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html. Last accessed: 3rd May 2024.
