ONTARIO-The Ministry of Health announced today that close to six million Canadians are now covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and can receive the dental care they need.
Minister Michel also announced more than $35 million over three years in funding for 30 projects under the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF). 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.
“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.” said The Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health.
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.
