MONTRÉAL, Nov. 28, 2025 – The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) continues to expand its reach, with Eric St-Pierre, Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier, announcing today that over 1.6 million people in Québec are now covered by the program. More than 955,000 individuals in the province have already received services from participating oral health providers. This update follows the November 24, 2025, announcement by the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, that nearly six million Canadians nationwide are now enrolled in the CDCP. The plan is significantly enhancing affordability, saving eligible Canadians an average of $800 annually on their oral health services.
In a related development, Minister Michel also unveiled an investment of more than $35 million over three years for the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). This funding includes nearly $400,000 earmarked for a specific project in Québec to date. This initiative aims to enhance the practical training for dental students, equipping them with the hands-on experience necessary to serve Canadians across the country, thereby bolstering efforts to improve overall access to care.
Currently, the CDCP boasts the participation of over 27,000 oral health providers. These professionals offer a comprehensive array of services, including routine cleanings, fillings, and dentures, representing nearly 100% of active providers throughout Canada.
For many CDCP beneficiaries, this marks their first visit to an oral health provider in decades. Previously, lack of access to dental care often led individuals to emergency rooms for treatable dental issues. By improving access to care, the CDCP is helping to alleviate strain on Canada’s broader healthcare system.
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“The CDCP is enabling Canadians to access essential preventive care, a success made possible by the dedication and participation of almost all oral providers nationwide. Our investment in new training projects will not only foster the next generation of oral health professionals but also contribute to reducing costs for families.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
“No one should ever find dental care inaccessible. Thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, millions of Canadians now have the necessary treatments to maintain a healthy smile. This program is instrumental in building a healthier, more equitable Canada, one individual at a time. We encourage everyone to apply today at Canada.ca/dental and join the growing number of Canadians already benefiting from this vital support.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
“Achieving these milestones within the Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a significant step forward for communities in eastern Montréal and across Québec. In Honoré-Mercier alone, over 23,000 residents are now enrolled in the Plan, providing crucial access for thousands of families. With support from the Oral Health Access Fund, we are expanding vital services and ensuring more people can access the oral health care they need, making a tangible difference in the lives of Canadians now and for years to come.”
Eric St-Pierre
Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier, Québec
Quick Facts
- McGill University will receive $397,000 to enhance student hands-on training by partially covering costs for CDCP members and underserved populations.
- All eligible Canadians can apply for the CDCP. To qualify, applicants must:
- Not possess dental insurance
- Have submitted their individual 2024 tax return in Canada (and their spouse’s or common-law partner’s, if applicable)
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- CDCP members who do not currently have an oral health provider can use Sun Life’s online search tool to locate one within their community.
- Almost 100% of active dentists, denturists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists in Canada, including those at educational institutions, are now treating patients covered under the CDCP.
- The OHAF, a grants and contributions program announced in Budget 2023 and led by Health Canada, is designed to complement the CDCP. Its purpose is to broaden access to oral health care by funding projects that mitigate or eliminate barriers for specific populations.
Associated Links
SOURCE Health Canada (HC)