22 March: Health Minister Kamal Khera has announced that Canadians between the ages of 18 and 64 will soon be eligible to apply for the federal government’s Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), marking a significant expansion of the national dental program. The rollout begins in May, with coverage starting as early as June 1.
“This isn’t just about clean teeth—it’s about preventative health care that can save lives and reduce long-term costs,” said Khera.
Applications will open in phases:
- May 1: Ages 55 to 64
- May 15: Ages 18 to 34
- May 29: Ages 35 to 54
To qualify, applicants must not have access to dental insurance, must have filed their 2024 Canadian tax return, be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and have a family net income of under $90,000.
The CDCP covers dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, and dentures. This expansion is expected to benefit up to 4.5 million uninsured Canadians aged 18 to 64, complementing existing coverage for children, seniors, and individuals with valid disability tax credits.
The announcement comes just one day before Prime Minister Mark Carney is anticipated to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election, with election day expected to be set for April 28—the shortest campaign period permitted under Canadian law.
Health Canada had initially stated this age group would be eligible in January, but that timeline was walked back last year by former health minister Mark Holland, who clarified the plan would launch in 2025.
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association welcomed the news, noting that good oral health reduces the strain on the broader healthcare system by limiting emergency visits for urgent dental issues.
When asked why the announcement was made on the eve of an election call, Khera said the rollout was always intended to be phased due to the scale of the program. “This was a commitment we made to Canadians, and we’re thrilled to be delivering it,” she added.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh credited his party’s efforts for the program, calling the expansion “the final phase of the New Democrat dental care plan.” Singh highlighted the original agreement between the Liberals and NDP, made three years ago, which tied NDP support to the implementation of a national dental care plan. The NDP withdrew from that agreement in September 2024.
Singh also expressed concern about the program’s future, warning that Prime Minister Carney’s promise to balance federal operational spending over the next three years could put dental care at risk.
“Dental care is essential to our health-care system,” Singh said. “No one should suffer in pain simply because they can’t afford to see a dentist.”
