Health Canada says that about 70,000 people were either erroneously approved for the federal dental care plan or placed in an incorrect co-payment level.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was initially introduced for seniors in December 2023, and was expanded in phases to include children and those with disabilities. In May, the government expanded it to include all Canadian households with an income under $90,000 who do not have private insurance.
“An error was recently discovered with respect to how income was calculated for some applicants, at the time their eligibility for CDCP was being determined. A system fix has already been implemented to correct this error.”
As a result of the error, the federal agency said that 1 percent, or about 70,000 people, were incorrectly found to be eligible for the plan or had their co-payment level incorrectly assessed, with about 28,000 already receiving dental care. The program covers a range of dental care including fillings and cleanings.
The government of Canada started notifying those individuals beginning Oct. 17, noting their coverage would be changed effective Oct. 24.
“Impacted individuals will not need to repay the difference in co-payment nor any amounts covered by the CDCP for dental care received prior to October 24, 2025,” the notice said.
The agency said that eligibility for the program can change over the course of a benefit period.
“It is important for CDCP members and oral health providers to validate coverage under the plan at each visit and before providing and billing for services or treatments,” the notice said.
Health Canada encouraged those registered in the program to create a My Service Canada Account to “receive important communication” related to coverage. Members can also call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
Health Canada has estimated that plan members have saved $700 for dental care treatment they’ve received so far in 2025/26. That number was $900 in 2024/25.
