The federal government announced that dentists and dental hygienists are newly eligible for the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness program, as of December 31, 2025. Dentists and dental hygienists working in eligible communities can now apply for forgiveness of the outstanding balance of their federal Canada Student Loan, up to certain maximum dollar amounts. For instance, over a maximum of 5 years, dentists that qualify for the program could receive up to $60,000. This initiative aims to reduce the financial burden of student debt while encouraging dentists and dental hygienists to practise in communities with limited access to oral health services. For the purposes of the loan forgiveness program, an eligible community is defined as a rural area, or a population centre with no more than 30,000 people living in it. The expansion of the program was the result of sustained advocacy efforts by CDA and the PTDAs, which have long Dentists Now Eligible for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness emphasized the need to support oral health professionals serving in rural and remote communities. More details, including full eligibility criteria, are available at: bit.ly/4qSniYJ Health Canada is conducting ongoing Member Eligibility Reviews (MERs) to ensure that individuals enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) continue to meet eligibility requirements, in particular to confirm that they do not have access to other dental insurance. Many CDCP patients will have received a MER letter in December 2025 or January 2026, outlining potential discrepancies and next steps. CDCP patients found ineligible or unable to clarify discrepancies could have their coverage terminated and may be required to repay benefits received while ineligible. It’s important to note that no repayments will be sought from dental providers. Dentists may see an increase in questions from patients due to this MER process. Providers are advised to verify a patient’s CDCP eligibility before each appointment through EDI or the Sun Life portal at: www.sunnet.sunlife.com/signin/ provider/e/home.wca? Health Canada has developed a fact sheet for dentists on the MER process to help address questions from patients. Member Eligibility Review (MER) Process for CDCP Patients See: bit.ly/3Z9YkrR DENTAL DIGEST 15 Issue 1 | 2026 |
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