The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is changing how employers think about their own dental benefits. New research suggests a real share of employers may trim or drop coverage. If you run a business or rely on a workplace plan, here is what the numbers show and what to ask before anything changes.
- 35% of Canadian employers say they are likely to reduce dental coverage because of the CDCP.
- Employees with only partial private coverage are the group most at risk of a gap.
- Look at plan design options before you cut, and review before renewal.
What the new research says
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) released a policy paper called From Coverage to Care, its first broad assessment of the CDCP. It was reported in the Benefits and Pensions Monitor on October 9, 2026. The paper includes national employer survey results.
- 4% of employers have already reduced their dental plans because of the CDCP.
- Among employers with no dental plan, 13% are now less likely to add one, up from 6% in September 2025.
- 34% say they would keep their plan if Ottawa offered a financial incentive.
These are national figures, not BC-only, but the pressure on employers applies everywhere in Canada.
Why it matters
About 95% of dental care in Canada is paid through private plans, and employer coverage reaches roughly half of Canadians. The share of Canadians without dental insurance fell from 35% to 25% since the CDCP began, and the federal government says 37% of enrolled patients still report financial barriers to care.
The CDA warns of “de-insurance,” where people lose private coverage and move to the public plan. It also raises a gap: lower-wage workers with partial private coverage may not qualify for the CDCP, which could leave them underinsured.
If you are an employer
- Do not decide on cost alone. Dental and health benefits are part of how you hire and keep people. Ask how your team would react to a change.
- Look at options between “full plan” and “no plan.” Cost-sharing, annual maximums and other plan design choices can change the price.
- Check who would be affected. Employees with partial coverage are the group the CDA flags as most at risk.
- Review before renewal. Changes are easier to plan than to explain after the fact.
If you are an employee
Questions to ask your employer
- What exactly stays covered, and from what date?
- Check the current CDCP eligibility rules on the Government of Canada website before you drop any private coverage. Partial private coverage can affect eligibility.
- Keep records of recent treatment and planned work so you can time it around the change.
Get your group benefits reviewed
Think Insurance helps businesses compare group benefit options in plain language, including health, dental and critical illness cover. Book a short call with an advisor before your next renewal.
Talk to an advisorThis article is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Plan details and CDCP eligibility rules can change. Confirm the current rules and your own plan terms before you decide.
Source: Benefits and Pensions Monitor, October 9, 2026, reporting on the Canadian Dental Association paper From Coverage to Care.