National dental care program is likely more costly than advertised

When first announced two years ago, the estimated price tag was $13-billion over five years, and then $4.4-billion ongoing.
The initial price tag for the national dental care program may well have understated taxpayer costs, and to make matters worse, there are also significant administrative costs, writes Matthew Lau. Photograph courtesy of Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko
Opinion
BY MATTHEW LAU
July 2, 2025

At the beginning of June, the Canadian Dental Care Plan expanded to include all eligible adults. To be eligible...

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