The Canadian Dental Association is pointing out what it sees as shortcomings in the national dental care plan.

That program is expanding in phases and will eventually serve millions more patients, however dentists are concerned about gaps in it which are compromising their ability to provide timely and effective care.

The association says without safeguards, the plan could unintentionally create a scenario where employers drop dental benefits for employees. It wants government to ensure that Dentacare complements – not displaces – private dental coverage.

The association is also concerned about what it sees as a high rate of denials for complex treatment. It says 52 per cent of pre-authorization requests were denied between November 2024 and June 2025. It says there is no clear rationale for denials.