The Alberta Dental Association has called for an Alberta-only provincial dental program to be launched. They believe that the current system of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the existing provincial program have major shortcomings. They have put forward a few reasons why they believe a new system would be effective and improve the oral health of Albertans.
The ongoing rollout of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has put a spotlight on oral health in Canada.
The CDCP has helped many people, and in some cases, has worked well alongside and complimented existing federal and provincial dental programs.
However, the President of the Alberta Dental Association (ADA) has recently suggested that both the CDCP and existing programs have major shortcomings [1].
Therefore, the ADA have argued that these shortcomings need to be addressed. In fact, the ADA is calling for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan [1].
They have put forward a few reasons why they believe this would be effective, and how it addresses the problems they have identified [1].
Calls for made-in Alberta Plan
As mentioned, the ADA have suggested that there are shortcomings in the CDCP. This opinion has been put forward by their President – Dr. Hans Herchen [1].
Therefore, Herchen has called for a made-in Alberta provincial dental plan. The ADA suggest that this plan would build on the strengths of the existing provincial dental program, addresses its gaps, and integrates funding from the CDCP [1].
Herchen has said that the ADA wish “to draw attention to the fact that both federal and provincial dental programs have a lot of administrative challenges,” and that there is a need to “resolve that red tape” [1].
Continuing, Herchen says that “we can provide better care on budget for patients in Alberta” [1]. The ADA have put forward several reasons to explain why they are advocating for a new, Alberta-specific, dental plan.
The CDCP undermines employer-based insurance
The first reason put forward by the ADA revolves around a perceived interference from the CDCP on employer-based insurance [1].
Currently, many Canadians receive dental insurance through their employer. However, a third of people living in Canada did not have insurance as of 2023 [2].
Therefore, existing federal and provincial programs aim to help those without coverage. But the ADA have suggested this model may not be sustainable.
There have been long-term concerns from many that the CDCP could result in employers stopping dental benefits. This could have a negative long-term impact.
Herchen has said that “the biggest risk factor with [the] CDCP is the damage to the existing dental insurance plans, the employer-based plans” [1].
Continuing, Herchen says that the ADA are “very concerned that the well-served population will be losing their excellent dental plans, replaced with a less sufficient provincial or federal plan” [1].
Potential to improve the existing Alberta provincial dental plan
The ADA have pointed out that there are some strengths of the existing Alberta provincial dental plan [1]. If these strengths are leveraged, it could negate the need for the CDCP.
However, Herchen does say that provincial dental plans need to be “modernized,” due to being outdated and limiting [1].
Herchen mentioned that there are “a large number of Alberta dental patients that are currently underserved by provincial dental plans” [1].
This problem has been impacted too by the problem of struggling to recruit dental hygienists and assistants in Alberta.
Herchen believes that a better-structured provincial dental plan could attract more dental workers [1]. This would provide more choice and supply for patients.
Potential benefits of opting out of the CDCP
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has previously announced that the province will be opting out of the CDCP from 2026 [3].
The ADA have also supported opting out of the CDCP. The belief is that this will enable Alberta to have a more effective and efficient provincial program [1].
This would mean that Alberta residents would no longer have access to the CDCP. But such a system would enable the Alberta government to receive the same federal funding that had been allocated to the CDCP [1].
Moreover, Herchen has suggested that this would offer “better coverage for Albertans,” whilst also lowering costs for taxpayers [1].
Tailoring solutions to Alberta’s demographics
As with any large country, different towns and cities will inevitably have different demographics. Alberta’s demographics are unique in Canada.
Herchen points out that Alberta “has a very large young population” [1]. This burgeoning population has driven a higher demand for dental services.
However, Herchen noted that the CDCP targets the older demographic. Therefore, he has suggested that the CDCP isn’t relevant for many people in Alberta.
This means that an Alberta-only plan could better tailor services to Alberta’s specific demographics. For example, services could be based more on those in demand by the younger population of Alberta.
Funding concerns
Finally, there are some funding concerns with the CDCP, which threatens its long-term sustainability. This is impacted by political, economic, and social factors.
Federal elections are already scheduled, with concerns around what will happen if the Conservative Party secure power. It has been speculated that funding for the CDCP could be stopped.
Indeed, Herchen says that “there is a lot of politics” involved [1]. Furthermore, he has pointed out that the CDCP’s fee increase for 2025 has not kept up with inflation.
Herchen also said that “most people’s experience with government programs is that they become increasingly restrictive over time” [1]. Clearly, Herchen has a range of concerns about the long-term feasibility of the CDCP.
Summary
These various reasons underline the ADA’s rationale for wanting an Alberta-only dental plan to exist. It could have a positive impact on the oral health of Albertans.
The different areas outlined look to safeguard the future of dental programs in Alberta and aid the overall health of the residents.
It will be interesting to see how oral health progresses in Canada over the next 12 months, with this likely to have consequences for every province.
Thinking points…
1) If you are from Alberta, you may be aware of our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dental! Here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of services, including routine check-ups, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic treatments among others. We always provide a warm welcome to our patients. You can find out more about us on our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
2) Irrespective of what province you are from, or even country for that matter, looking after your oral health is very important! An effective way of contributing towards strong oral health is to attend regular dental check-ups. At a check-up, a dentist can look at your oral health and provide advice. You should attend the dentist at least once every six months. We recommend booking an appointment as soon as possible!
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] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). Top reasons Alberta Dental Association is calling for a ‘modern’ insurance plan after experience with CDCP. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/top-reasons-albertas-dental-association-is-calling-for-a-modern-insurance-plan-after-experience-with-cdcp-1003985471/. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.
[2] Health 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: 3rd April 2025.
[3] Brown, J. (2024). ‘Trolling for conflict’: Federal health minister says Alberta premier playing politics on dental care. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/smith-dental-plan-ottawa-opt-out-1.7247203. Last accessed: 3rd April 2025.
