Health Canada made changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Dental Benefits Guide in December 2025. Some of these updates reflect CDA and PTDA’s ongoing advocacy with Health Canada to provide clarity and streamline documentation requirements for the preauthorization process. Updates to the guide include: • Scaling: Providers will no longer need to submit a treatment plan or radiographs when requesting additional units of scaling. • Crowns: When requesting a crown, Periodontal Scaling Record (PSR) will be accepted when a full periodontal chart is not available in some cases. Depending on the PSR score, a full chart may be required. • Frequency limits for exams and restorations will no longer take into account which provider or office performs the procedure. • New dentures will not be eligible for coverage within 24 months of a reline or rebase on an existing denture. • Sedation: Radiographs will no longer be required solely to request sedation (exceptions include in cases where Updates to CDCP Dental Benefit Guide radiographs may be a part of the document requirements of the procedure). • Endodontic services: Preauthorization requests should include a rationale explaining why treatment or the specific code is necessary, including any relevant medical considerations that support choosing endodontic treatment over alternatives. Additionally, when requesting endodontic services, PSR will be accepted when a full periodontal chart is not available in some cases. Depending on the PSR score, a full chart may be required. Dentists can review the complete list of changes made by Health Canada at: bit.ly/3OkwIOg In November 2025, CDA finalized a new resource for provincial and territorial dental association (PTDAs) to use as a reference to help inform and guide discussions on continuing operations and how to respond appropriately during a crisis. The Preparedness for Dental Associations resource elaborates on the following topics for associations to consider in relation to preparedness: • Maintaining the functioning of the association • Supporting the association’s membership • Establishing collaborations • Assessing impacts CDA will share this resource with other national associations, including the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association and the Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association. CDA refreshed the branding elements of its workplace mental health course, The Working Mind: Workplace Mental Health & Wellness for Oral Health Care Professionals. Originally launched in October 2023, this course was developed in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). The course continues to empower dental professionals to prioritize mental wellness while maintaining exceptional patient care. It offers both in-person and virtual delivery, with modules tailored for dental teams and managers. The updated promotional materials and sponsorship details are available on the CDA Oasis website at: oasisdiscussions.ca/the-working-mind Preparedness for Dental Associations Resource Updates to Workplace Mental Health Course 16 | 2026 | Issue 1
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