Title: Nearly Half of Eligible Canadians Have Not Used Dental Care Plan

Health Canada reports significant enrollment in its public dental insurance program, yet nearly half of the 5.2 million eligible Canadians have not visited a dentist. According to the latest data, 2.8 million individuals approved for coverage have utilized dental services. This information comes six months after the Canadian Dental Care Plan expanded to include adults aged 18 to 64. Currently, 1.8 million people in this age group are approved for the plan, with only a quarter having accessed the services so far.

Health Canada also announced that nearly all active dentists, denturists, and independent dental hygienists are now participating in the program. This marks a significant improvement, as initial participation from dental professionals was low. The national insurance program is designed to subsidize dental care costs for Canadian residents with a family net income below $90,000, provided they do not have private insurance. The program covers various dental services, including cleanings, fillings, and dentures. On average, each patient has received about $800 in covered expenses annually.

Despite the program's expansion, there are challenges. Reports indicate that half of the requests for complex dental procedures are being denied under the national insurance plan. Additionally, Alberta has announced plans to opt out of the federal dental care program by 2026, leaving uncertainty about the implications for residents.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan was initiated in May 2024, initially covering seniors, children, and individuals receiving the disability tax credit. It expanded to all eligible Canadians in May 2025. This extensive public insurance initiative was established following negotiations between the NDP and the previous Liberal minority government, which sought to implement significant social programs, including dental care.