Health Canada is touting the major uptake of its public dental insurance program, but data shows that nearly half of the 5.2 million eligible patients have yet to see a dentist.
Of the Canadians approved for coverage, 2.8 million have been to a dental clinic.
The new data comes six months after the Canadian Dental Care Plan expanded to cover 18-64 year olds. So far, 1.8 million people in this newest cohort are approved for the plan. A quarter of them have actually used the program so far.
Health Canada also now says close to 100 per cent of active dentists, denturists and independent dental hygienists are treating patients through the program. It's a significant milestone considering initial uptake from dentists was low.
The national insurance program subsidizes the cost of dental care for Canadian residents with a family net income below $90,000, if they don't have access to a private insurance plan.
The plan helps pay for a range of dental work including cleanings, fillings and dentures. Health Canada says on average, each patient has had $800 in expenses covered per year.
Dental clinics can also "balance bill," meaning they can charge more than what the federal government covers, requiring the patient to pay the difference.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan began in May 2024 for seniors, then children and Canadians who received the disability tax credit. In May 2025, it expanded to all eligible Canadians.
The massive, multibillion-dollar public insurance program was brought in as a result of the NDP, which propped up the previous Trudeau Liberal minority government for two years in the House of Commons in return for major social programs like dental care.