Only 49% of New Brunswick residents approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan received dental care last year, according to federal statistics. Out of 121,191 approved applicants, only 59,439 sought treatment by April 30. This access rate is slightly below the national average of 55%. Paul Blanchard, executive director of the New Brunswick Dental Society, indicated that the aging dentist population, with 40% of dentists over 50, and a shortage of dental hygienists and assistants are significant barriers to care. In northern regions, some clinics are not accepting new patients, exacerbating the issue. Furthermore, many residents misunderstood the plan’s requirements, including the need for annual renewal and potential co-payments based on income. Blanchard noted that these misunderstandings could lead to patients arriving at dental offices without valid coverage, creating administrative burdens for practices. Despite these challenges, the plan's expansion has improved access for some, as two-thirds of dentists view the changes positively. New initiatives, including dental education seats for New Brunswick students, aim to address workforce shortages in the long term.