In an exciting announcement, it has been revealed that the Canadian Dental Care Plan is due to expand into its final phase. Therefore, all eligible Canadians will be able to access care under the plan from May. This should result in improved oral health for Canadians and less emergency room visits.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is set to expand into the final phase – meaning that it will open up to all eligible Canadians, irrespective of age, health, or other circumstances.
This update has been welcomed by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA), due to the significant benefits it should have to the oral health of Canadians [1].
Moreover, the CHDA has said that they believe the expansion of the CDCP will cut emergency room (ER) visits and ease the strain on the healthcare system [1]. Therefore, the expansion offers many benefits.
The update
Canada’s Health Minister Kamal Khera announced that the CDCP will begin accepting applications from its “largest cohort” of eligible patients from May [2].
This “largest cohort” refers to those aged 18 to 64 who hadn’t previously been eligible for the plan. This represents a huge number of people, and will mean that the CDCP becomes fully rolled out.
The rollout of the plan began in December 2023. Since then, the CDCP has been rolled out in a phased approach, with seniors, children, and people with disabilities prioritized [2].
While this final phase had originally been expected earlier this year, the new announcement has confirmed that the expansion’s final phase will happen in May [2].
Due to the huge cohort, the final phase will in itself take place in phases. From 1st May, Canadians aged 55 to 65 can apply, followed by those aged 18 to 34 on 15th May. Then, those aged 35 to 54 can apply from 29th May [2].
Therefore, by the end of May, everyone who meets eligibility for the CDCP will have access to care. In fact, for those approved, coverage could begin as early as 1st June [2].
The CDCP is securing strong participation. For example, 98% of dentists, denturists, dental hygienists and dental specialists in Canada are offering services under the plan [2].
During the announcement, Khera confirmed that around 1.7 million Canadians have been able to visit a dentist or oral health professional [2]. Khera said that stories emanating from the CDCP suggest the plan has been “life-changing” for some [2].
Continuing, Khera suggested that the CDCP is “helping people regain their self-confidence, sense of dignity, and improving their overall health” [2].
CDHA’s reaction
The CDHA represents dentists and dental hygienists across Canada. They campaign for improved oral health for Canadians. The CDHA has applauded this update.
The federal government expects an additional 4.5 million people to become eligible in the month of May – marking a substantial increase in those eligible for the plan [2].
They have highlighted this as an example of the government’s commitment towards “affordable, accessible and preventive oral healthcare” [1].
CDHA President Alexandra Sheppard released a statement, where she praised the update, whilst also emphasizing the economic benefits in light of rising healthcare costs [1].
Sheppard says that “the broader issues of access to oral healthcare and the financial burden of oral diseases and conditions on the healthcare system must be addressed” [1].
With this in mind, the burden of oral diseases extends to ER visits. Visits to emergency rooms for dental problems puts considerable strain on the healthcare system.
For example, figures show that ER visits for preventable dental issues were estimated to cost at least $31 million in 2017 – which equated to $513 per visit [3]. Such figures aren’t sustainable.
People will often visit the ER for dental pain out of desperation. If they have been unable to receive or afford care from a dental clinic, they may resort to visiting an ER.
Therefore, this adds pressure to an already stretched healthcare system. But the plan’s expansion should mean that such visits lessen.
The CDCP’s expansion should offer people more chances to visit a dental clinic. In theory, this should eliminate any need for ER visits for dental concerns. This will hugely benefit the healthcare system.
CDHA president Sheppard commented that dental professionals “see first-hand the direct, positive impact of investments in oral healthcare by the federal government” [1]. The CDHA are certainly pleased with the update.
Summary
This update is positive for many people. The expansion will enable greater numbers of people to receive desperately needed oral healthcare. Moreover, it will lessen the pressure on the current healthcare system.
Hopefully the plan’s expansion will aid the oral health of millions of Canadians. With over 4 million people expected to become eligible for the plan, it is likely to be very beneficial.
While the update is exciting, there has been some concern that a federal election could change the plan. If a federal election is called and the Conservatives win power, it has been speculated that they may seek to stop the funding.
But for now, there are plenty of positives with this update. Many have been waiting a long time to receive care, and with May just around the corner, the wait will be over shortly.
Thinking points…
1) This is a positive update for many people! The huge effort that is being placed into the CDCP underlines how important our oral health is. Therefore, getting regular dental check-ups is crucial, as they allow a dentist to take a thorough look at your oral health and provide advice. You should visit the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) One of the reasons for the CDCP is that many people find the cost of dental care to be too expensive. However, here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we set our prices in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are clear and reliable! We are always happy to welcome new patients, and we offer a range of services, from check-ups to cosmetic options. You can find out more about us on our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
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] Oral Health. (2025). CDHA applauds CDCP expansion, says it will cut ER visits and ease strain on health care system. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/cdha-applauds-cdcp-expansion-says-it-will-cut-er-visits-and-ease-strain-on-health-care-system-1003985245/. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.
[2] Oral Health. (2025). Health minister announces CDCP to begin accepting ‘largest cohort’ of dental patients in May. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/public-health/health-minister-announces-cdcp-to-begin-accepting-largest-cohort-of-dental-patients-in-may-1003985240/. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.
[3] Ontario Oral Health Alliance. (2019). Lack of access to dental care: The costs to our healthcare system. Available: https://oaphd.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OOHA_Fact_Sheet_2019.pdf. Last accessed: 27th March 2025.
