Challenges Persist in Accessing Canadian Dental Care for New Brunswick Residents
Only half of New Brunswickers approved for Canadian dental plan last year able to get care

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In New Brunswick, only 49% of residents approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan received treatment last year, highlighting issues such as an aging dentist population and a shortage of dental staff. Misunderstandings about the plan's renewal process also contributed to low access rates.
- 01121,191 New Brunswickers were approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan in the 2025-26 benefit year, but only 59,439 received care by April 30.
- 02The province's access rate of 49% is lower than the national average of 55%, with Ontario and British Columbia leading at 59% and 56%, respectively.
- 0340% of dentists in New Brunswick are over the age of 50, contributing to a shortage of available care.
- 0479% of dental practices in New Brunswick are seeking dental assistants, while 70% are looking for hygienists.
- 05Misunderstandings regarding the plan's co-payment and annual renewal requirements have led to confusion among patients.
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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.
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The low access to dental care affects many residents who are unable to receive necessary treatments, potentially leading to worsened dental health.
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