The federal government is launching a new campaign to get more people to sign up for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
It is aimed at those who do not have a plan currently.
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland says 2.4 million people have signed up, with about 650,000 now receiving dental care through the plan.
He says it has resonated among seniors.
“We’ve had phenomenal sign-up in seniors. I mentioned that 2.4 million number, but we still have a lot of 18-year-olds and persons with disability we want to see getting care,” says Holland.
An ad campaign will be launched in October to increase the numbers.
The program is open to eligible seniors, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and children under 18.
It covers services like cleaning, fillings, and dentures.
Holland says there will soon be a pre-authorization component to the program.
“That means that we’re going to be able to deal with more complicated health needs, and that is something that we’ve worked very closely with providers to make sure that it’s as easy to use as possible.”
Holland says about 80 per cent of dentists across the country are also participating.
