Rising Worries: What’s Next for Your Dental Care Plan?

January 9, 2025

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Rising Worries: What’s Next for Your Dental Care Plan?

Big news is on the horizon for adults in Canada! The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is gearing up to roll out its much-anticipated coverage expansion to a wider audience soon—specifically targeting those aged 18 to 64 with a family income under $90,000 who currently lack private dental insurance. This is a game changer!

Initially launched in December 2023, the CDCP already provides coverage for seniors aged 65 and up, children under 18, and individuals with a Disability Tax Credit. But, even as excitement builds, details about the exact timing for this next phase remain under wraps. Health Minister Mark Holland hinted at a launch in “early 2025,” but Health Canada has yet to confirm any specifics.

Brandon Doucet, a Nova Scotia dentist and founder of the Coalition for Dental Care, is sounding the alarm over potential delays in the rollout. He fears that if the program doesn’t fully take off during the current parliamentary session, a future government might not be as supportive, especially with the looming threat of a Conservative administration.

In a surprising twist, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, triggering a prorogation of Parliament until March 24. This suspension means that all existing bills and committee work, including the CDCP, are put on hold, raising questions about the plan’s future.

While funding for the CDCP has already passed Parliament and the rollout began last year, the prorogation and upcoming election could still jeopardize the plan’s progress. Doucet asserts, “If the election happens before the plan is fully realized, we may never see the next stage.” Currently, only about 2.7 million Canadians are approved for coverage under the CDCP, far short of the nine million it aims to help.

Why Accessible Dental Care Matters

Maneesh Jain, president of the Ontario Dental Association and practicing dentist, emphasizes that the need for accessible dental care has been a long-standing issue for many Canadians without private insurance. “Access to oral health care has been a significant challenge for decades,” he notes, adding that dentists have been pushing for improvements for just as long.

“Dental care is crucial for overall health,” Jain explains. “Poor oral health is linked to various diseases, from heart issues to diabetes.” Doucet further highlights the dire need for reform, citing Canada’s dismal ranking in public dental spending compared to other OECD countries. Before the CDCP, a mere 6% of total dental spending was covered publicly, leaving the remaining 84% to private insurance and out-of-pocket payments.

Desperate situations have driven some Canadians to extreme measures. “I’ve seen countless individuals who resorted to extracting their own teeth with pliers,” Doucet shares, illustrating the desperation that comes from a lack of affordable care.

But the consequences of poor dental health extend beyond physical ailments. “It can trap people in a cycle of poverty,” he warns. “If you can’t afford dental care, your job prospects dwindle, especially if you’re missing teeth or have visible decay.”

Could the CDCP Lead Employers to Drop Coverage?

There’s a growing concern among dentists that the CDCP might inadvertently encourage employers to discontinue private dental insurance for eligible employees. The Canadian Dental Association has raised alarms over this potential scenario, indicating that such a move could lead to increased costs for the CDCP and added financial burdens on employees.

Jain echoes this sentiment, expressing worries that employers might drop coverage for workers who qualify for the CDCP, thereby escalating their costs for dental care. Those with a household income between $70,000 and $90,000 may find themselves responsible for 40% to 60% of their care costs, in addition to any non-covered fees. Without employer support, these individuals might end up paying more than they did with their previous private insurance.

Doucet, however, believes that the issue of de-insurance is manageable. “If a corporation decides to eliminate their dental coverage, they should contribute to the CDCP funding through taxation,” he states simply. “It’s a straightforward fix.”