Preauthorization delays, administrative complexity, and the increased time spent explaining CDCP coverage rules consistently emerge as top operational challenges. Oral Health is Moving in the Right Direction One of the clearest signals from the October 2025 survey is that Canadians’ oral health, and perceptions of oral health care, are improving. Nearly half of respondents (46%) rate Canada’s dental care system positively, and perceptions of quality have improved, year over year. Comfort with visiting the dentist is high, and Canadians are increasingly connected to ongoing care: almost two-thirds (65%) report having a regular dentist. within the next 3 to 6 months, with only 15% saying they will delay care unless absolutely necessary. CDCP: High Patient Satisfaction and Reported Health Benefits From the patients’ perspective, the CDCP is performing well. About 34% of Canadians say they have applied to the CDCP, and 33% report they are enrolled. Among those who have used the program, satisfaction is high. More than three-quarters of CDCP users (76%) rate their experience positively, and satisfaction is even higher when compared directly with the general population’s dental experiences. About the same percentage of users (78%) say the program is meeting their dental care needs, and nearly 90% believe the CDCP will have a meaningful impact on Canada’s dental system overall. Many users report tangible improvements in their oral health since joining the program. Most care delivered through the CDCP has been preventive or routine (e.g., examinations, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings) which are the services most closely associated with improved outcomes over time. Continuity of care has also been largely maintained. The vast majority of CDCP users (85%) say they have been able to continue seeing their current dentist because that dentist participates in the program, underscoring the importance of provider participation in maintaining trusted patient–provider relationships. Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) 76% of survey respondents who are CDCP patients/users rate their program experience positively. 78% say the CDCP program is meeting their dental care needs. 90% believe the CDCP will have a meaningful impact on Canada’s dental system overall. 85% have continued seeing their current dentist, because their dentist participates in the CDCP. 76% 90% 78% 85% Regular access to a dentist is strongly associated with preventive care, early intervention, and improved longterm oral health outcomes. The survey data shows that 58% of Canadians report going to the dental office regularly, and satisfaction with recent dental visits is high. Together, these trends suggest that barriers to care are easing for many, even amid broader affordability pressures. Intent to seek dental care remains strong. Half (50%) of Canadians reported already having dental visits booked 13 Issue 1 | 2026 | CDA at Work
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