About one per cent of Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) members have been found to be ineligible for the program or assessed at an inaccurate co-payment level. (The Canadian Press)
Tens of thousands of Canadians were mistakenly approved for dental coverage under the federal insurance program, Health Canada confirmed Tuesday. The department revealed that around 70,000 applicants were incorrectly assessed for eligibility or for the amount of financial contribution required.
According to Health Canada, a technical error in the system miscalculated income levels during the eligibility review. As a result, some individuals were wrongly granted coverage, while others were placed in the wrong copayment bracket. The department has since implemented a system fix to prevent the issue from recurring.
No Repayment for Care Already Received
Health Canada emphasized that no one will be asked to repay any money for services already received. Approximately 28,000 of those incorrectly approved actually accessed dental care before the mistake was discovered.
“An error was recently discovered with respect to how income was calculated for some applicants at the time their eligibility was determined,” the department said in a statement. “A system fix has already been implemented to correct this error.”
Officials assured Canadians that individuals who received treatment under the plan will keep their benefits without any financial penalty.
Millions Covered, Fewer Accessing Services
Since its launch, the national dental care plan has approved coverage for over five million Canadians. However, only about three million people have so far used the benefits to receive dental treatment.
The program offers subsidized dental care for Canadians with a family net income below $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance. Covered services include routine cleanings, fillings, and dentures. On average, Health Canada reports that patients have received about $800 worth of care per year through the plan.
Expansion of a Landmark Program
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was rolled out in May 2024, beginning with seniors, children, and Canadians eligible for the disability tax credit. In May 2025, it expanded to include all qualifying residents nationwide.
The multibillion-dollar program is one of the largest public health initiatives in recent years. It was created as part of a political agreement between the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the former Trudeau Liberal minority government. In exchange for supporting the government in Parliament, the NDP secured commitments to major social programs, including national dental care.
Ensuring Accuracy Going Forward
Health Canada said it remains committed to ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the program. The department confirmed that measures are now in place to prevent similar errors in income assessment and eligibility checks.
Despite the setback, officials maintain that the program continues to provide essential dental support for Canadians who would otherwise struggle with out-of-pocket costs.
“The program has already made a real difference for millions,” Health Canada noted, adding that corrections to the system are part of improving the plan’s long-term reliability.
