A federal audit tabled October 29 found that the Canadian Dental Care Plan improved affordability, but enrolment letters did not clearly explain that members could still face bills. The finding matters to Ottawa residents arranging dental appointments under the plan.

Current federal guidance says households with adjusted family net income below $70,000 have no co-payment on the plan’s established fees. That does not guarantee free treatment: providers may charge more than those fees, and uncovered services can also cost extra.

Members with income of $70,000–$79,999 pay 40% of established fees; those at $80,000–$89,999 pay 60%, plus any additional charges.

Before accepting treatment, ask the provider what the plan covers, whether advance approval is required and exactly what you must pay. These are existing coverage rules, not new fees announced today.

In its audit response, Health Canada agreed to improve explanations of claim decisions and said it was simplifying wording and clarifying reasons for denials.

Sources: Audit announcement; Audit and department response; Current coverage and charges.