Shafqat Ali: Federal Dental Program is “A Game Changer” for Families:
Health Minister Mark Holland announced that approximately 600,000 Canadians are now benefiting from the federal government’s dental-care program, with over 80 percent of dental providers participating. This marks a significant increase from earlier this summer when fewer than half of dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, and denturists, had signed up.
The increase comes after initial concerns about the program’s design, which led to skepticism among dental associations and low registration numbers. In July, Holland simplified the registration process, allowing dental offices to process claims directly without needing to register in advance.
Shafqat Ali, MP for Brampton Centre, praised the program’s impact, stating, “This dental-care program is a game changer for Canadians who have struggled to afford essential dental services. Many families in my riding, and across the country, are now able to access proper care for the first time in years. It’s a significant step towards ensuring dental care is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.”
The program, which began accepting claims from seniors in May, has since expanded to include children under 18 and individuals eligible for the disability tax credit.
Ali also highlighted the long-term benefits of the program, saying, “By providing access to dental care for children and seniors, we are not only addressing immediate health concerns but also investing in the long-term health of our communities. This program will reduce the strain on our healthcare system by preventing oral health issues before they escalate into more serious medical problems.”
The federal dental-care plan was a key feature of the now-ended agreement between the Liberal government and the NDP. In exchange for NDP support of the minority government, progress was promised on policies such as universal dental care.
With the recent changes and growing participation, Holland is optimistic that the program will continue to expand and provide much-needed dental services to Canadians across the country.