Health Canada released a statement on Wednesday saying about 70,000 people had wrongly signed up for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), or had been assessed at an incorrect co-payment level.
Health Canada said this number represented about 1% of the active members in the plan.
“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,” said the agency in a statement. “A system fix has already been implemented to correct this error.”
Health Canada said as of Oct. 3, about 28,000 of these members received dental care.
“Starting October 17, the Government of Canada has begun to notify impacted individuals of changes affecting their current CDCP coverage, effective October 24, 2025,” said the statement. “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 agency said it remains “committed to ensuring that publicly funded programs such as the CDCP are administered with integrity, in accordance with the eligibility criteria and with responsible stewardship of public funds.”
More than 5.5 million Canadians are currently covered by the CDCP while more than three million already received care, saving on average $800 annually.
“As Canadians’ eligibility under the CDCP may 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,” said Health Canada.
The CDCP was launched in December 2023 to provides access to dental care for uninsured Canadians who face financial barriers.
Health Canada says CDCP members who do not yet have a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) are encouraged to create one to receive important communication associated with their CDCP coverage.
They can also call Service Canada’s CDCP line at 1-833-537-4342 or visit a Service Canada Centre.
