Canadian Dental Care Plan reaches new milestones in Atlantic Canada as Government of Canada strengthens access to oral health care Français

News provided by

Health Canada (HC)

Nov 28, 2025, 12:00 ET

HALIFAX, NS, Nov. 28, 2025 /CNW/ - On November 24, 2025, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced that close to six million Canadians are now covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Today, Shannon Miedema, Member of Parliament for Halifax, highlighted that in the Atlantic region, over 370,000 people are now covered under the Plan, and more than 200,000 people have already received care from participating providers. 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 for 30 projects under the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). This includes over $4.7 million for five projects in the Atlantic region. 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.

Quote 

"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
Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"In communities across Atlantic Canada, we understand the value of receiving care close to home. As more people begin to receive dental care through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, we're ensuring that we have the capacity and skillset to meet the needs of Atlantic Canadians. The work of our government is ensuring that Canadians can receive barrier-free care, where and when it matters most."

Shannon Miedema
Member of Parliament for Halifax, Nova Scotia

Quick Facts 

  • Of the more than $4.7 million in funding for the Atlantic region, over $2 million will be allocated to Dalhousie University:
    • $1,980,000 to enhance training for dental hygiene and dentistry students as well as practising oral health professionals to better serve Canada's diverse population through inclusive, patient-centered oral health care.
    • $424,000 to ensure sufficient training opportunities for students, help attract and retain patients by identifying current patients deferring treatment due to cost, and support the Community Engagement and Outreach staff.
  • In New Brunswick over 108,000 people are now covered under the Plan, and more than 55,000 people have already received care.
  • In Newfoundland and Labrador, over 95,000 people are now covered under the Plan, and more than 50,000 people have already received care.
  • In Nova Scotia, over 145,000 people are now covered under the Plan, and more than 80,000 people have already received care.
  • In Prince Edward Island, over 19,000 people are now covered under the Plan, and more than 10,000 people have already received care.
  • All eligible Canadians can apply to the CDCP. To qualify, applicants must:
    • Not have access to dental insurance
    • Have filed their individual 2024 tax return in Canada (and their spouse's or common-law partner's, if applicable)
    • Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
    • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
  • CDCP members who do not already have an oral health provider can consult Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search to find one in their community.
  • Close to 100% of active dentists, denturists, dental hygienists and dental specialists in Canada, including those in educational institutions, are caring for patients covered under the CDCP.
  • Announced in Budget 2023, the OHAF is a grants and contributions program led by Health Canada and designed to complement the CDCP. The fund aims to expand access to oral health care by supporting projects that reduce or remove barriers to accessing oral health care for targeted populations.

Associated Links

SOURCE Health Canada (HC)

Contacts: Emmanuelle Ducharme, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Health, [email protected]; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]

Organization Profile

Health Canada (HC)