The federal government is committed to improving accessibility and affordability in dental care through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), one of the largest social programs in Canadian history. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of dental care for up to nine million Canadians currently without insurance.

The CDCP, which is available to eligible seniors, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and children under 18, covers essential dental services such as cleanings, fillings, and dentures. By making these services more affordable, the CDCP helps Canadians maintain better oral health.

To raise awareness and ensure more Canadians benefit from the plan, the government has launched a comprehensive ad campaign. The campaign will run until mid-October across various platforms, including television, streaming services, relevant websites, social media, and outdoor advertisements. The television ads will be featured on over 50 stations across English and French Canada.

Since its inception, the CDCP has made significant progress. More than 2.4 million Canadians have been approved for coverage, with nearly 650,000 already receiving care. This has resulted in over $442 million in dental expenses being covered.

Over the summer, the plan was streamlined for dental professionals, leading to increased participation. Currently, over 20,500 dental providers, or 82% of active providers in Canada, are involved in the CDCP, offering a range of services from cleanings to dentures.

Dental care is a crucial aspect of overall health, and the CDCP’s efforts are aimed at making essential oral health services accessible to more Canadians. Alongside this, the federal government is working on creating jobs, building homes, investing in families, and boosting the economy.

Minister of Health Mark Holland highlighted the impact of the CDCP, stating, “Since May, the CDCP has transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Canadians by making oral health care more accessible and affordable.” He noted that the plan continues to benefit more patients every day through the efforts of dedicated oral health providers.

The government encourages all eligible Canadians to apply now and is raising awareness through a national advertising campaign targeting parents of children under 18. Applications for other eligible Canadians will begin in 2025.

Upon successful application, eligible Canadians will receive a welcome package detailing their coverage start date. It is important for CDCP clients to verify with their providers whether additional charges will apply and if the provider will bill Sun Life directly. The CDCP will only reimburse participating providers for covered services, not individual Canadians.

For more information, Canadians can use Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search tool, consult local dental professionals, or check participating dental schools for care options.