Canadian Dental Care Plan Reaches Major Milestones in Ontario, Expanding Access to Affordable Oral Health Care
The Canadian Dental Care Plan continues to expand in Ontario, now covering 2.3 million residents and improving access to affordable oral health services.
TORONTO — The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has reached significant new milestones nationwide and in Ontario, according to updated figures shared by Health Canada. The federal government reports that nearly six million Canadians are now enrolled in the CDCP, including more than 2.3 million Ontarians, marking one of the largest expansions of public oral health coverage in Canadian history.
In an event held in Toronto, Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough–Agincourt, highlighted the program’s growing impact across the province. According to the latest federal data, over 1.4 million Ontario residents have already received dental care from participating providers—many accessing professional oral health services for the first time in years.
The CDCP, introduced to improve affordability and reduce barriers to essential preventive care, is saving eligible Canadians an average of $800 annually on dental services such as cleanings, fillings, dentures and other procedures.
Proud to celebrate key milestones of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and announce new funding for the @UofTDentistry on behalf of Minister of Health Marjorie Michel.
In Ontario more than 2.3 million Canadians are covered under the CDCP and 1.4 million of them have already… pic.twitter.com/wtWvSsTp7q
— Jean Yip (@JeanYip3) November 28, 2025
New Federal Funding to Improve Access and Training
Earlier this week, Health Minister Marjorie Michel announced more than $35 million in federal funding to support 30 projects under the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). Seven of these projects—totalling over $9 million—are based in Ontario and focus on training oral health students, expanding hands-on clinical opportunities, and improving access to care for underserved communities.
Of the Ontario investments:
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$1.67 million will support a new Dental Public Health Emergency Clinic at the University of Toronto, designed to address urgent care needs while expanding student training.
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$733,000 will help improve access for CDCP members and non-insured populations and boost patient recruitment at U of T’s training clinics.
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$527,000 will expand access to dental care in rural and remote communities through enhanced student placements.
According to Health Canada, more than 27,000 oral health providers are now participating in the CDCP—representing almost 100% of active providers across Canada.
Helping Patients and Reducing Pressure on Hospitals
The federal government notes that improved access to preventive care is helping to reduce dental-related visits to emergency departments, particularly among people who previously delayed treatment due to cost.
For some CDCP members, officials say it is the first time in decades they have been able to see a dentist or hygienist.
What Officials Are Saying
Health Minister Marjorie Michel emphasized the importance of nationwide provider participation in delivering preventive care:
“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.”
Minister Patty Hajdu, who oversees Jobs and Families and FEDNOR, framed the program as a major step forward in health equity:
“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.”
And MP Jean Yip highlighted the real-world impact in Ontario:
“Together we’re improving health outcomes, reducing barriers and helping Ontarians access the care they need, making a real difference in the lives of people today and for years to come.”
Eligibility and Applications
The CDCP is open to Canadians who:
✔ Do not have access to dental insurance
✔ Filed their 2024 tax return
✔ Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
✔ Are Canadian residents for tax purposes
Eligible Canadians can apply at Canada.ca/dental.
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