Canadian Dental Care Plan explained
The CDCP was adopted by the Government of Canada in late 2023 to give millions of Canadians an option to receive affordable dental care, who do not, otherwise, have dental coverage. The benefit is for qualified families with an annual household income under $90,000.
How do you qualify?
The CDCP program is for all ages who meet certain criteria such as income, Canadian residency, current filed income tax, and no access to other insurance. Applications are currently being accepted in staggered waves depending on age for those 18 to 64. For those younger or older, the application process is already open.
How To ApplyFrequently Asked Questions
Anyone, of any age, who meets the program’s qualifications including:
- Annual household income under $90,000
- Canadian resident
- Current filed income tax
- No access to other dental insurance
The amount of coverage is based on your annual income and a fee guide developed by the Government of Canada. For families and individuals with an annual income under $70,000 dental services are covered fully with no co-pay. For those with an income between $70,000 and just under $80,000, there is a co-pay of 40 percent per dental service. And for those with an income up to just under $90,000, the co-pay is 60 percent.
There may be exceptions to this guide depending on what province or territory you live in. It is important to discuss with your dentist what is covered under the plan and what would be expected out-of-pocket.
To apply online, go to Canadian Dental Care Plan – Apply – Canada.ca. To apply by phone, call 1-833-537-4342. For text-based communication (TTY), call 1-833-677-6262.
You will receive notification of enrolment through Sun Life no later than three months after applying as well as coverage start date, insurance card, and coverage specifics.
You must reapply and meet eligibility requirements annually to keep coverage. Those who enrolled in 2024 will be covered until June 30, 2025.
Membership in the CDCP allows one year of dental care, after which you will need to reapply to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements. After your most recent income taxes are filed, you can reapply online at Canadian Dental Care Plan – Renew your coverage – Canada.ca or through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
Application renewals should be received by June 1 to avoid any gap in coverage. You will be notified by letter of your renewal acceptance or any changes in coverage. Coverage lasts until June 30 of the following year.
To help Canadians prevent dental problems, maintain healthy oral habits, and treat issues when they arise, services covered under the CDCP plan include:
- Regular check-ups
- Diagnostic services
- X-rays
- Treatment for gum disease
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Dentures
- Sedation therapy
- Oral surgery
To understand what is covered or not covered, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca.
Coverage is limited to basic services to treat and prevent dental concerns. It does not include cosmetic dentistry, for example. Under the CDCP, the following is not covered:
- Veneers
- Three-quarter crowns or fixed bridges
- Inlays or onlays
- Temporomandibular appliances or therapy
- Whitening
- Mouthguards
- Crown lengthening
- Implants
- Bone grafting
- Partial dentures
- Extensive rehabilitation
To understand what is or isn’t covered, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca.
To understand the health plan better, visit Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca.
