Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced that close to six million Canadians are now covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and can receive the dental care they need. The CDCP is making life more affordable by saving eligible Canadians an average of $800 per year on their oral health care services.
Minister Michel also announced more than $35 million over three years in funding for 30 projects under the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). These projects will improve training for dental students by allowing them to obtain the hands-on experience they need to provide care to Canadians across the country while strengthening efforts to improve access to care.
Currently, more than 27,000 oral health providers are participating in the CDCP by offering a wide range of services such as cleanings, fillings and dentures, representing close to 100% of active providers in Canada.
For some CDCP members, it is their first time seeing an oral health provider in decades. Without access to dental care, many people visit the emergency rooms for dental issues, which could be treated in a dental office. By providing better access to care, the CDCP is helping to ease pressure on Canada’s health care system.
“Thanks to the CDCP Canadians are now receiving the preventive care they need, and this program is only possible because of the commitment and participation of almost all oral providers across the country. Our support to new training projects will not only empower the next generation of oral health professionals, but also contribute to lower costs for families.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
“Dental care should never be out of reach. Thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, millions of Canadians now have access to the treatments they need to maintain a healthy smile. This program is helping build a healthier, more equitable Canada—one person at a time. Apply today at Canada.ca/dental and join the growing number of Canadians already benefiting from this essential support.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
