The Canadian Dental Care Plan: Seniors Come First
Oral health care is essential for overall health and well-being. But
many Canadian residents cannot afford to visit an oral health care
professional. A new federal insurance plan will help change that.
Beginning in 2024, qualifying Canadian residents without private
dental insurance can apply to the Canadian Dental Care Plan for
help with the costs of visiting an oral health
care professional.
Coverage under the plan is rolling out in phases. The first group
to qualify is seniors. If you are aged 70 and over and have an
adjusted family income of less than $90,000 per year, you will
receive a letter by March 2024 telling you how to apply for
coverage under the plan.
Starting May 2024, seniors over the age of 65 can apply for
coverage. Children under the age of 18 and persons with
a disability tax credit certificate can apply as of June. Other
Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 will be able to
apply for dental coverage in 2025.
The dental care plan will cover a wide range of oral health care
services, including preventive services provided by participating
dental hygienists across the
country. These include scaling
(cleaning), polishing, sealants, and
fluoride. Other services covered
under the plan include x-rays,
fillings, root canal treatments,
dentures, periodontal treatment,
and extractions.
Seniors are especially at risk for the complications caused by
poor oral health. Gum disease increases the risk for heart disease,
stroke, and diabetes. A sore mouth or loss of teeth can make
it difficult to eat, leading to malnutrition. Dry mouth is another
concern that often affects seniors and can cause cavities.
With the new Canadian Dental Care Plan and professional oral
health care services provided by dental hygienists in mobile
practices and store-front dental clinics, seniors and all eligible
residents in Canada will be able to achieve better overall health
for life. Find more information about the Canadian Dental Care
Plan and oral health for seniors at dentalhygienecanada.ca.