Only 49 percent of New Brunswickers approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan actually received treatment last year. Federal government statistics reveal that while 121,191 residents gained approval for the 2025 to 2026 benefit year, just 59,439 received care by April 30.

Paul Blanchard serves as the executive director of the New Brunswick Dental Society. He told CBC News the expansion of the plan successfully increased access to dental care across the province. Dentists report seeing patients who previously lived with old dentures or partials because they lacked the funds for treatment.

“We know from our survey that probably two thirds of our dentists see this change as a positive, and 50 percent of them have acknowledged that access to care in their communities has really improved,” Blanchard said.

The Staffing Shortage Squeeze

New Brunswick falls slightly behind the national average of 55 percent for patients receiving care under the plan. Ontario and British Columbia lead the country at 59 percent and 56 percent.

Blanchard attributes this gap to a severe shortage of dental professionals in New Brunswick. The province faces a lack of dental assistants and hygienists. Furthermore, 40 percent of dentists in the province are over the age of 50.

“Certainly, in the northern part of the province we have a shortage of dentists, especially,” Blanchard said. He noted some northern clinics no longer accept new patients.

Finding support staff remains a massive hurdle. A recent society survey showed 79 percent of respondents actively advertise for a dental assistant and 70 percent need a hygienist. This shortage means you might wait six to nine months for a routine cleaning appointment.

Fixing the Gap

Help is on the way for the aging workforce. Starting in September, five New Brunswick students will enter Dalhousie University’s dental program. The province restored funding for these seats to guarantee placement for the next five years.

Additionally, New Brunswick students hold three seats at Université de Montréal and two at Université Laval. Blanchard works directly with the Department of Health to visit these students and encourage them to return to their local communities after graduation.

Clearing Up Plan Confusion

Misunderstandings about the Canadian Dental Care Plan also prevent people from getting care. Many residents mistakenly believe the program is entirely free. The plan actually requires a co-payment based on your adjusted family net income.

Patients also forget they must reapply for the program every year. The coverage runs over a single benefit period ending on June 30. The most recent renewal period closed on June 1.

If you missed the June 1 deadline, you can submit a new application for the 2026 to 2027 year. However, you will experience a gap in your coverage.

Blanchard said many people show up at their dental office assuming they have coverage. When the office submits the claim, it gets rejected. Health Canada now asks dental offices to predetermine coverage before you arrive to avoid this issue. This extra step creates a heavy administrative burden for local clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reapply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan every year?

Yes. You must renew your coverage annually to prove you still meet the eligibility requirements. The benefit period ends on June 30 each year.

Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan completely free?

No. Depending on your adjusted family net income, you will likely need to pay a co-payment for your dental services.

Why is it so hard to get a dental appointment in New Brunswick?

The province suffers from a severe shortage of dental hygienists and assistants. Additionally, 40 percent of dentists in New Brunswick are over the age of 50, and some clinics have stopped accepting new patients.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

You must be a Canadian resident with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. You also cannot have access to private dental insurance or coverage.