“Beginning at present, Canadians aged 55 to 64 can apply.” Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced Thursday that functions at the moment are open for this age group underneath the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
“Due to this plan, thousands and thousands of individuals can now afford to see a dentist — some for the primary time in a long time. Quickly, thousands and thousands extra will get that very same care,” Carney mentioned.
His remarks reaffirm Well being Minister Kamal Khera’s March announcement that Could would mark the beginning of functions for the CDCP’s largest eligible cohort thus far.
Whereas exact knowledge for these aged 55 to 64 isn’t accessible, Statistics Canada figures for Canadians aged 50 to 64 from 2023-24 can make clear the oral well being standing of this inhabitants — and why they could profit from the brand new plan.
1. One in 5 avoids consuming because of mouth ache
About 20 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 keep away from consuming sure meals due to issues with their mouth — in comparison with the nationwide common of 15.6 per cent.
Ladies on this group have been extra prone to report avoiding meals, at 22.3 per cent, in comparison with 18 per cent of males.
As for toothlessness, or edentulism, it’s highest amongst these aged 65 and older at 13.8 per cent. However 2.3 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 additionally reported having no pure enamel.
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2. Flossing extra incessantly than common
Roughly 30 per cent of Canadians total floss 5 or extra instances per week, however that determine rises amongst these aged 50 to 64 — 38.3 per cent in whole, together with 33.4 per cent of males and 43.1 per cent of ladies.
Brushing can be barely larger on this age group. About 74 per cent reported brushing every day, in comparison with the nationwide common of round 70 per cent. Amongst them, 67.9 per cent of males and 79.9 per cent of ladies reported brushing.
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3. Almost 28 per cent haven’t any dental protection
Whereas about 65.6 per cent of Canadians total have both non-public or public dental insurance coverage, 27.8 per cent of these aged 50 to 64 reported having no protection in any respect.
Just one.9 per cent on this group depend on public insurance coverage, suggesting many are left with out satisfactory dental care choices. Nationally (excluding territories), 2.9 per cent of Canadians have public protection solely.
4. Persistent ache impacts one in 4
Roughly 25.2 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 report persistent or ongoing mouth ache — barely larger than the nationwide common of 21.6 per cent.
Relating to self-perceived oral well being, 16.5 per cent mentioned their oral well being was truthful or poor, whereas 50.9 per cent rated it as superb or glorious.
5. Most are nonetheless seeing a dentist
A major 76.7 per cent of Canadians aged 50 to 64 visited a dental skilled prior to now 12 months. The speed was barely larger for girls, at 79.4 per cent, in comparison with 74 per cent of males.
Nonetheless, price stays a significant barrier. Based on the Canadian Oral Well being Survey for 2024, about 24 per cent of Canadians aged 12 and older prevented dental visits because of price prior to now 12 months — up from 22 per cent in 2018.
The CDCP is on the market to Canadians with family incomes underneath $90,000 who should not have entry to non-public dental insurance coverage. Protection might start as early as June 1 for these accepted.
Functions open Could 15 for these aged 18 to 34, and Could 29 for these aged 35 to 54.
You too can learn: Adjustments, challenges, alternatives and the CDCP