Canadians trust their dentist as much as their family doctor, and 8 in 10 support the Canadian Dental Care Plan: 123Dentist national survey

As the Auditor General releases their report, 6 in 10 Canadian Dental Care Plan enrollees say the program helped them receive care they otherwise could not have.

TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadians trust health advice from their dentist as much as from their family doctor, see oral health as connected to overall health, and want federal dental coverage maintained or expanded, according to a new national survey released as the Auditor General of Canada reports on the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Canada’s Oral Health Confidence Report was commissioned by 123Dentist, the country’s largest dental support organization focused exclusively on Canadian dental teams and patients, and conducted by Angus Reid Group. It finds 82% of Canadians support the CDCP.

The survey also found that Canadians already see their dental team as part of their health care. They trust health advice from their dentist (94%) as much as from their family doctor or nurse practitioner (95%), and nine in 10 (90%) trust their dental hygienist. Nearly four in five (78%) count their dental team as part of their overall health care team. In addition, 95% of Canadians who visited their dental teams in the past year rated the care at their most recent visit as excellent or good.

Despite 94% of Canadians saying oral health is connected to overall health, half (50%) have delayed or avoided dental care because of cost, rising to 62% among those with no dental coverage. Cost is the barrier that the CDCP was devised to address. Of those who put off care, 43% say it led to a bigger dental problem and 9% to a health problem beyond their teeth and gums.

The cost of waiting can go beyond the mouth, as research increasingly shows oral health is tied to overall well-being. One in eight Canadians (13%) say a dentist or hygienist has flagged a possible health concern, such as oral cancer, high blood pressure or diabetes, and recommended they speak with a doctor or another health care provider. Across Canada’s adult population, that is roughly four million people.

For many enrollees, the CDCP is what keeps regular care within reach, with six in 10 enrollees saying the plan let them receive care they otherwise couldn’t have. More than half of enrollees (54%) say their family would have to delay or skip needed dental care if they lost their coverage, and 90% of enrollees would be concerned if the program were cancelled. Seven in 10 Canadians would be concerned if CDCP coverage were reduced (70%) or the program were cancelled (71%).

Sustaining and improving dental care is critical in light of other health care access challenges facing Canadians. For the roughly one in five Canadians (19%) without a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, a dentist or hygienist was the most common source of care or advice in the past year (46%), ahead of a pharmacist (30%) or a walk-in clinic (29%).

CDCP enrollees’ concerns include practical ones the federal government can address: not enough services covered (31%), unclear information on what is covered and what they will pay (29%) and a difficult renewal process (13%).

“At 123Dentist, we believe oral health is an essential part of overall health, and these findings show Canadians agree,” said Jeff Leger, Chief Executive Officer of 123Dentist. “That’s why we’re committed to elevating dentistry in Canada and investing in the people who deliver it. That includes supporting their professional development and providing clinical resources and operational support, so they can stay focused on giving patients the best possible care.”

“Our teams see the consequences of delaying care firsthand,” said Dr. Chandan Advani, Chief Dental Officer at 123Dentist. “A simple filling can turn into a root canal, and untreated gum disease can make conditions like diabetes harder to manage. Regular visits let us catch those problems early, and sometimes spot a health concern a patient should follow up on with their doctor.”

The full findings are available in Canada’s Oral Health Confidence Report here.

Methodology
These are the findings of a study conducted by Angus Reid Group on behalf of 123Dentist from September 28 to October 5, 2026, among a sample of n=1,509 adults (18+) living in Canada who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About 123Dentist
Committed to advancing oral health and helping Canadians live healthier lives, 123Dentist supports more than 10,000 dentists, hygienists, and team members across a network of over 500 clinics in Canada, serving more than three million patient visits each year. By providing the resources, expertise, and support for dental teams to thrive, 123Dentist helps clinics deliver high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences. As Canada’s largest dental support organization focused exclusively on Canadian dental teams and patients, the company is dedicated to strengthening the future of dentistry across the country. 123Dentist operates support centres in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Visit 123Dentist.com to find a dental clinic near you, careers.123Dentist.com to explore careers, and 123Dentist.com/partners to learn about partnership opportunities.

Media Contact
Ashley Emmens
Agnostic
aemmens@thinkagnostic.com