OTTAWA — More Canadians will now have access to free or low-cost dental care as the federal government opens the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to adults aged 35 to 54 — the final group in its phased rollout.
Starting Thursday, eligible individuals in this age range can apply for the program. The CDCP aims to help families with an adjusted net income of less than $90,000 a year access affordable dental services.
The federal government says the CDCP is one of the largest social programs in Canadian history. It’s expected to benefit up to nine million people once fully implemented.
As of May 23, more than four million Canadians had applied for the plan. Of those, two million have already received dental care. The program has also seen strong support from the dental community, with 25,668 oral health providers currently participating.
The application process has opened gradually by age group:
- May 1: Adults aged 55 to 64
- May 15: Adults aged 18 to 34
- May 29: Adults aged 35 to 54
This latest launch marks the final phase for adult applications.
While the plan has received broad political support — including from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has said he would not cancel it if elected — there have been concerns. Some critics worry the program could affect existing private dental insurance plans.
Despite these concerns, the federal government continues to promote the CDCP as a key step in improving access to dental care across the country.
