Historic Day for Canadians: Government of Canada launches Canadian Dental Care Plan
December 11, 2023
SUDBURY – Oral health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. Regular visits
to an oral health professional have proven to reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and
other serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Yet, we know that a third
of the people living in Canada do not have dental insurance, and in 2022, one in four Canadians
reported avoiding visiting an oral health professional because of the cost. Access to oral health
care should not be dependent on Canadians' ability to pay.
Today, the Government of Canada announced the details of the upcoming roll-out of the
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a significant milestone for the health and well-being of people
in Canada. Once fully implemented, the CDCP will help ease financial barriers to accessing oral
health care for up to nine million uninsured Canadian residents with an annual family income of
less than $90,000.
“Dental care is health care, yet it has been out of reach for far too many. The Canadian Dental
Care Plan will allow thousands of people in Sudbury, including seniors, access to affordable,
essential dental care they deserve. I have heard directly from many older adults about the impact
this will have on their health, well-being, and quality of life,” said Viviane Lapointe, Member of
Parliament for Sudbury.
To meet anticipated demand and ensure a smooth onboarding process, the CDCP will be rolled
out using a phased approach over the coming months, starting with seniors. Applications will first
open for seniors aged 87 and above in December 2023, expanding in phases to those aged 77 to
86 in January 2024, followed by those aged 72 to 76 in February 2024, then those aged 70 to 71
in March 2024. Individuals in these age groups who may be eligible will receive letters inviting
them to apply, with instructions on how to validate their eligibility and apply by telephone.
In May 2024, applications will shift to an online portal and will open for eligible seniors 65 and
older. Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 will be
able to apply online starting June 2024. All remaining eligible Canadian residents between the
ages of 18 and 64 will be able to apply online starting in 2025.
A wide range of oral health care services will be covered under the CDCP to prevent and treat oral
health disease. Examples of these services include preventive care such as scaling (cleaning),
polishing, as well as other services such as exams, x-rays, fillings, removable dentures, and root
canal treatments. As part of a continuous improvement approach, the CDCP will be reviewed
regularly based on data and evidence to ensure it meets the needs of Canadians.