Starting May 15, applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will open to Canadians aged 18 to 34.
So, what makes this demographic stand out? All data in the following graphs is from Statistics Canada and offers insight into the oral health of this age group — and why they may benefit from the new plan.
1. Women in this age group report the most persistent mouth pain
About 21.6 per cent of Canadians reported experiencing persistent or ongoing mouth pain, sometimes or often, in 2023–24, according to Statistics Canada. Among those aged 18 to 34, the rate is slightly higher at 22.1 per cent. But for women in this group, the figure jumps to 27.7 per cent—the highest in the country—compared to 16.9 per cent for men.
You can also read: Study: High sugar-sweetened beverages linked to increased oral cavity cancer risk in women
2. One in four lacks dental insurance
Roughly 26.3 per cent of people in this age group have no dental insurance, either public or private. About 67.3 per cent are covered, including 63.3 per cent with private insurance and just 2 per cent with public insurance—1.8 per cent of men and 2.2 per cent of women. By comparison, an estimated 65.6 per cent of all Canadians have dental insurance, while about 31 per cent have none.
3. More than half say their oral health is very good or excellent
About 52.6 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 rate their oral health as very good or excellent.
However, 13.9 per cent in this group say they avoid certain foods due to mouth problems. That figure rises to 17.8 per cent for women and falls to 10.2 per cent for men. Nationally, 15.6 per cent of Canadians report avoiding food for the same reason, sometimes or often.
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4. Fewer dental visits than the national average
Roughly 67.5 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds visited a dental professional in the past 12 months—below the national average of 72.2 per cent. Broken down by gender, 66 per cent of men and 69.1 per cent of women in this group reported a dental visit in the past year.
You can also read: Mouth pain keeps some from eating — here’s what the dental data says as CDCP opens to Canadians 55 to 64
5. At least quarter avoid the dentist due to cost
About 25.5 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 say they avoided recommended dental care because of the cost. The rate is 21.91 per cent for men and 30.3 per cent for women.
You can also read: StatCan: Cost a ‘major barrier’ to accessing dental care for 24% of Canadians