The Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) has seen significant growth, with 2.7 million people approved and one million served since its launch in May 2024. Although the uptake in northwest British Columbia has been slow, six dental care providers in Smithers have recently joined the program.
Prince Rupert has led the way with seven dental providers signing up first. Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach praised Prince Rupert dentists for their leadership, stating, “They showed positive momentum for the rest of the region.”
In addition to Smithers and Prince Rupert, five providers in Terrace, two in Daajing Giids, and one each in Houston and Fort St. James have also joined the CDCP.
Bachrach highlighted the importance of dental health, saying, “I’ve spoken to many people who haven’t seen a dentist in years due to lack of insurance and high costs.”
The CDCP reached its milestone of one million users on November 1. On average, it paid $730 per user for services like cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, and screenings for oral cancer. Recently, the program expanded to include more services such as partial dentures and crowns for patients with complex needs.
Each treatment request will be assessed individually to ensure it meets the clinical criteria for coverage under the CDCP.
The program has also begun accepting paper claims for covered services.
Maryse Durette, a senior media relations advisor at Health Canada, stated, “This is an important step to provide greater access to care for more Canadians—especially in rural and remote areas.” The Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF) is investing in measures to address oral health gaps among vulnerable populations.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, over 22,340 oral health providers across Canada—about 89% of active providers—are now offering care under the CDCP.
Starting in 2024, individuals aged 65 and older, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate from 2023, and children under 18 can apply for this dental program. All remaining residents in Prince Rupert will be eligible starting in 2025.
Dr. Gursimran Brar, a family dentist in Prince Rupert, noted that the plan has already helped some seniors access dental care. “I hope to see more individuals—seniors, children, and those without dental benefits—apply for the program,” she said.
However, Brar mentioned that there are limitations within the CDCP that patients should discuss with their dentists.
Bachrach expressed his desire for all dentists in the northwest to participate so that everyone who needs care can receive it.
He acknowledged challenges in recruiting and retaining support staff for dental clinics and assured dentists that he would continue advocating for government adjustments to meet their needs.
Related topics: