Health Canada announced Tuesday that tens of thousands of Canadians were incorrectly approved for coverage under the country’s public dental insurance program.
According to a statement from the federal department, approximately 70,000 individuals were initially approved for the program but were later found to be ineligible or assessed for an incorrect copayment level. Of those inaccurately assessed, around 28,000 people actually received dental care under the plan.
“An error was recently discovered with respect to how income was calculated for some applicants at the time their eligibility was being determined. A system fix has already been implemented to correct this error,” Health Canada said in the release.
Importantly, the department clarified that those who received care under the incorrect assessment will not be required to repay the amount covered by the public insurance plan.
The public dental insurance program, which has been promoted as a key social initiative by the federal government, currently covers more than five million Canadians. However, Health Canada reports that only about three million people have accessed benefits to date.
The national program is designed to subsidize dental care for Canadian residents with a family net income below $90,000, provided they do not have private dental insurance. It helps cover a variety of dental services, including routine cleanings, fillings, and dentures. On average, the department says each patient receives about $800 in coverage annually.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan was rolled out in phases. It began in May 2024, first covering seniors, followed by children and Canadians eligible for the disability tax credit. In May 2025, the program expanded to include all Canadians who meet the eligibility criteria.
The public dental plan represents a significant multibillion-dollar investment in Canadian health care. It was introduced as part of agreements between the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the previous Liberal minority government led by Justin Trudeau. The NDP supported the government in the House of Commons for two years in exchange for the implementation of major social programs, including universal dental care.
While the program has faced early administrative challenges, Health Canada says the recent error has been resolved, and officials are monitoring the system to prevent similar issues. The department also emphasized that the goal of the dental plan remains to improve access to oral health care for Canadians who previously faced financial barriers.
By providing coverage for essential dental services, the government aims to address long-standing gaps in oral health care, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Health Canada encourages eligible Canadians to review their coverage and access benefits through the official program portal.