(NC) The benefits of getting regular dental care go much further than you may expect. Seeing an oral health professional regularly makes a significant difference to your overall well-being—falling behind can lead to mouth pain and can worsen into higher risk health problems including lung disease, stroke and even cancer.

Some Canadians skipping care because of cost

According to recent Statistics Canada data, around one in four Canadians avoid getting dental care services because of the cost. The two most significant drivers listed were low income and a lack of dental insurance. 

More Canadians now eligible for dental coverage

But just because you don’t have access to dental insurance doesn’t mean you can’t get access to affordable dental care. The Canadian Dental Care Plan has expanded its eligibility to all Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income below $90,000, and no access to dental insurance. 

It helps reduce the cost of a wide range of oral health services, such as teeth cleaning, examinations, X-rays, fillings, dentures, root canals and oral surgeries. Eligible Canadians can apply online or over the phone, as long as they filed their tax return in Canada for the previous year. Spouses or common-law partners also need to have filed.

Some things to know about the plan

The online application process is quick and simple, and once you’re a member of the plan, you’ll need to renew your application annually, through a similar online form. If you need help, you can get it by calling Service Canada. If your income has changed since you applied or your last renewal, you may see a change in your co-payment.

The plan may not cover the full cost of every eligible service—you might have to pay some of the cost, even if you don’t have a co-payment, as the plan’s established fees may be lower than what your provider normally charges. Some services may require prior approval on the recommendation of an oral health provider. 

If you and your oral health provider agree to services that the plan doesn't cover, you'll have to pay for those yourself.  Always make sure to confirm with your provider what will and won’t be covered, and the amount you’ll have to pay directly to your provider, before agreeing to any service. 

The plan aims to help reduce the cost of dental care for up to nine million Canadians. When more people have greater access to care, it makes a real difference to their overall health.

Learn more about the plan at canada.ca/dental.