Hello,

Oral health is essential to Canadians’ overall health, but oral health care can be expensive. A third of people living in Canada do not have dental insurance, and, in 2022, one in four Canadians reported avoiding visiting an oral health professional due to cost.  

Poor oral health can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, pregnancy complications, life-threatening infections, and greater mortality from all causes. It can also lead to related mental health issues, reductions in quality of life, and, in extreme cases, employment challenges, social shame, nutritional issues and isolation. 

As a result, Budget 2023 committed a significant investment of $13 billion over five years (starting in 2023-2024) and $4.4 billion ongoing for the Government of Canada to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Organizations that represent seniors, such as yourselves, play a vital role in creating awareness and helping eligible Canadians access the oral health care they need to improve both their health and their overall quality of life. As such, you are invited to attend a virtual information session on Friday, December 15, 2023, that will provide you with information about the CDCP and its roll-out and provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. 

We are offering two sessions, the same information will be provided at each of the sessions, therefore you are welcome to participate in the session that is the most suitable for you.

Friday, December 15, 2023
10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (EST)	French	Link: https://hc-sc-gc-ca.zoom.us/j/61155832209 Phone number: +1 (855) 703 8985 Session ID: 611 5583 2209 Passcode: 578488
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (EST)	English	Link: https://hc-sc-gc-ca.zoom.us/j/66335224068 Phone number: +1 (855) 703 8985 Session ID: 663 3522 4068 Passcode: 454160

These sessions will be held on Zoom. Please ensure that you have downloaded the Zoom application prior to this session or join via your web browser.

Participation will be on a first come, first-served basis. That said, if you are unable to attend, future info sessions will be planned in the new year.

We hope that you will join us and that you will help us raise awareness of this unpreceded investment to make oral health care more affordable for Canadians.

Sincerely, 

Marika Nadeau

(she | her | elle)

Director General, Engagement and FPT Relations, Oral Health Branch Health Canada

Health Canada

Government of Canada