The University of Manitoba’s dental school announced Tuesday that it will offer free dental care to people enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and those without insurance, thanks to a $336,000 grant from Health Canada.
Under the program, patients eligible for 40 or 60 per cent coverage at regular Manitoba dental offices through the CDCP will have their costs fully covered at the university clinic. Uninsured patients can also receive free treatment.
The initiative, funded through the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, will run until March 31 or until the grant funds are exhausted.
“Funding like this is important because many individuals cannot access oral health-care services,” said Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the college, in an interview with CTV News.
The CDCP, which aims to expand dental care access across Canada, has faced some challenges. Health Minister Marjorie Michel recently noted that nearly half of the 5.2 million Canadians approved for the plan have yet to see a dentist. “It’s still a new program,” she said.
Dental care remains a significant concern for Canadians. A March survey by PolicyMe found that 35 per cent of respondents had delayed or skipped dental visits, making it the most commonly postponed health service. The survey also showed that 60 per cent of Canadians pay for dental care out of pocket—more than prescription drugs (55 per cent) or vision care (54 per cent). Some participants reported paying even when they had insurance.
Kelekis-Cholakis highlighted that the grant benefits both patients and students. Low-income Manitobans gain access to needed dental services, while dental students enhance their clinical and interpersonal skills by treating a wide range of patients.
The university’s program reflects a broader effort to address gaps in oral health access and to support the growing CDCP initiative. By combining federal funding with student-led care, the university aims to make dental services more affordable and accessible to those who need them most.