The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which provides coverage to seniors aged 70 and older, has seen a low uptake among oral health care providers, with only 9,000 signing up. Dental hygienists have emphasized their key role in the plan, especially for those without participating dentists. Independent hygienists have played a significant part in providing preventive care services in Alberta, where they have been allowed to practice without dentist supervision since 2006. The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association believes that independent hygienists will be crucial in the success of the CDCP, playing a vital role in providing timely and affordable dental care to seniors.