Health Canada recently highlighted the success of its public dental insurance program, revealing that almost half of the 5.2 million eligible individuals have not utilized the service yet. Out of the approved Canadians, 2.8 million have visited a dental clinic. This data follows the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan to include individuals aged 18-64, with 1.8 million people in this age group now approved for the program, of which a quarter have availed themselves of the benefits.
According to Health Canada, nearly all active dentists, denturists, and independent dental hygienists are participating in treating patients through the program, a notable achievement considering the initial low engagement from dental professionals. The national insurance program offers subsidies for dental care to Canadian residents with a family net income below $90,000 who lack private insurance coverage. Covered services include cleanings, fillings, and dentures, with an average annual expense coverage of $800 per patient.
Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, dental clinics have the option to “balance bill,” allowing them to charge fees exceeding the government coverage, necessitating patients to pay the difference. The initiative, which commenced in May 2024 for seniors, later expanded to encompass children, disabled individuals, and all eligible Canadians by May 2025. This comprehensive public insurance program, amounting to billions of dollars, was introduced through the efforts of the NDP, who supported the previous Trudeau Liberal minority government in the House of Commons in exchange for significant social initiatives like dental care.