Health Canada has highlighted the significant participation in its public dental insurance initiative, although statistics reveal that almost half of the 5.2 million eligible individuals have not yet visited a dentist. Among those eligible for the program, 2.8 million have utilized dental services, incurring a total cost of $3.37 billion to taxpayers.
This recent data follows the notable expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which now includes individuals aged 18 to 64. Of the 1.8 million people in this age group approved for the plan, only a quarter have availed themselves of its benefits. Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized the importance of enrollment as the initial step in accessing dental care services.
Under the program, nearly all active dental professionals are now treating patients, a significant achievement considering the initial reluctance of dentists to participate. The national insurance initiative subsidizes dental expenses for Canadian residents with a family net income below $90,000 who lack private insurance coverage, covering various treatments such as cleanings, fillings, and dentures. On average, each patient has had approximately $800 in expenses covered annually.
Despite the positive aspects of the program, concerns have been raised about “balance billing,” where clinics can charge patients additional fees beyond what the government covers. Minister Michel acknowledged these concerns and asserted that her office is closely monitoring fee applications to ensure transparency and affordability for patients.
Dr. Bruce Ward, president of the Canadian Dental Association, explained that balance billing is a common practice in private insurance plans and suggested that imposing restrictions on charges may hinder dental offices from participating fully. He also noted that some individuals may delay dental visits until necessary, contributing to backlogs in certain regions due to the surge in patient demand.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, initiated in May 2024 for seniors and later expanded to other eligible groups, has been a significant multibillion-dollar undertaking resulting from collaboration between the NDP and the previous Trudeau Liberal minority government. The program aims to provide accessible dental care to all eligible Canadians.
