Canadian Dental Care Plan: Who Qualifies & What It Covers

Did you know that one in four Canadians (24%) avoided visiting a dentist due to the higher costs associated with the treatment? This number highlights a critical gap in the Canadian healthcare system—one that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims to address.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a transformative shift in how Canadians access oral healthcare. Launched in December 2023 with a federal investment of $13 billion over five years and $4.4 billion ongoing, this program is designed to make dental care more accessible and affordable for millions of Canadians who previously went without coverage.

The CDCP is a government program intended to overcome financial barriers to oral health care for Canadians without a dental plan. It’s important to understand that this is not free dental care—it’s a government dental benefit that covers a portion of your dental costs based on your family income. For eligible Canadians, this program can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses and make essential dental services accessible.

Do You Qualify for CDCP?

It’s better to know if you qualify for the CDCP, as eligibility can vary based on several factors. To qualify, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• The individual must have no access to dental insurance from an employer or a family member.
• The adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
• Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Must have filed their tax return in the previous year.

Some Canadian residents might be eligible for the CDCP benefits through the social program offered under their province or territory. Make sure you check with your program provider before applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Income Requirements

The CDCP uses your adjusted family net income to determine both eligibility and the level of coverage you’ll receive. Individuals with adjusted family net incomes of more than $70,000 but less than $80,000 will have to make a 40% copayment. Those with adjusted family net incomes exceeding $80,000 will have to make a 60% copayment. However, if your family income is less than $70,000, you won’t have any copayment obligations.

Who Can Apply

Seniors aged 65 and above have already been eligible to apply since December 2023. Children under age 18 and persons with a Disability Tax Credit certificate have been eligible starting June 2024. The Federal Government plans to roll out CDCP to all remaining eligible Canadian residents starting in 2025. Make sure to check the official CDCP website for further updates and information regarding eligibility.

 

Geographic Eligibility

The CDCP is available to Canadian residents across all provinces and territories. Canadian residents who have access to dental benefits through social programs offered by their province or territory or by the federal government will be eligible for the CDCP if they meet all the eligibility criteria. This means that even if you have some provincial coverage, you may still qualify for additional CDCP benefits.

Where to Apply

Applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is straightforward, with multiple options to suit your needs.

Applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is straightforward, with multiple options to suit your needs. You can apply to the CDCP and access CDCP letters using your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Once registered or signed in, go to the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section on your MSCA dashboard.

If you prefer telephone applications or need assistance, you can call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342, and for TTY, call 1-833-677-6262. The application process is designed to be accessible, with support available for those who need help navigating the system.

Required Information

When applying for CDCP online, you’ll need to keep a few documents handy. You’ll need to provide the following information for each applicant.

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Notice of Assessment for the Tax Returns (Previous Year)

Getting Started with Your Coverage

Once approved, Service Canada will share the applicant’s information with Sun Life, the contracted service provider for the CDCP enrollment. Sun Life will then enroll eligible applicants in the CDCP and will send them a welcome package. The welcome package includes information on CDCP, coverage details, the member card, and details about the coverage start date.

For more information about dental services and to book your appointment, visit our website to learn how we can help maximize your CDCP benefits.

What Services Are Covered?

The CDCP offers comprehensive coverage across multiple categories of dental care, ensuring that Canadians can access both preventative and restorative treatments.

Preventative and Diagnostic Services

Preventative services check your oral health status, keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy. This helps detect mouth conditions earlier. CDCP covers dental exams, including complete, routine, and emergency exams. These services form the foundation of good oral health by catching problems early.

Professional dental cleanings (scaling and polishing) and topical fluoride applications are covered, helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums. For children, dental sealants help protect certain surfaces of the teeth from decay. It’s important to note that there is a lifetime limit of two sealant applications per eligible tooth for permanent molars and premolars in children 17 and under.

Basic Restorative Services

Basic restorative services most commonly treat cavities and broken teeth. CDCP covers fillings and various materials for treating tooth decay. These treatments are essential for maintaining dental function and preventing more serious complications down the road.

Major Services

The CDCP also covers more complex procedures when medically necessary. Endodontic services cover root canals, prosthodontic services include dentures (both complete and partial), periodontal services include deep scaling and root planing for gum disease treatment, and oral surgery services include tooth extractions.

It’s important to note that some services, including crowns and deep sedation, require preauthorization through your dentist to confirm coverage under the CDCP. Your dental provider will work with you to ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before treatment begins.

What’s Not Covered

The CDCP focuses on medically necessary treatments rather than cosmetic procedures. The plan will not cover cosmetic dentistry services such as tooth whitening or products such as implants or mouthguards. Understanding these limitations helps you plan for your dental care needs more effectively.

Advantages of CDCP Coverage

The Canadian Dental Care Plan offers many benefits that extend beyond just financial assistance, contributing to better overall health outcomes for Canadians.

Reduced Financial Barriers

Cost has been a significant barrier to dental care, with nearly half of uninsured adults (47.4%) avoiding dental care because of cost, compared to adults with private insurance (16.0%). The CDCP directly addresses this disparity by providing coverage for those who need it most. For families earning under $70,000 annually, the absence of copayments means essential dental services become genuinely affordable.

Improved Access to Care

The program makes regular dental care accessible to millions of Canadians who previously had to forgo treatment. In 2029, 89.6% of Canadian children and youth aged 5 to 17 years with dental insurance had visited a dental professional within the previous 12 months. This was a significant improvement when compared to the lower rates among those without any coverage. The long-term objective of CDCP is to level this playing field.

Prevention of Serious Health Issues

Regular dental care isn’t about maintaining a bright smile—it’s crucial for overall health. Poor oral health can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes complications, strokes, cancers, and even life-threatening complications. By providing access to preventative care, the CDCP helps Canadians avoid these serious health complications.

Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most significant and relatable advantage of being dentally covered is the peace of mind. Knowing you can visit a dentist when you experience pain or notice a problem—without worrying about the costs or pondering—provides invaluable security for Canadian families.

Nationwide Coverage

With thousands of dental providers across Canada participating in the program, accessing care is convenient regardless of where you live. The program’s partnership with Sun Life ensures claims processing is streamlined and communicated clearly with the insured individuals.

Conclusion

The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a significant step forward in making dental care accessible to all Canadians. Whether you’re a senior looking to maintain your oral health, a parent wanting to ensure your children receive regular dental care, or an adult who has gone without coverage, the CDCP may provide the support you need.

Understanding your eligibility, knowing how to apply, and being aware of what services are covered empowers you to take full advantage of this program. Remember that dental health is an integral part of overall wellness, and regular preventive care can help you avoid costly and painful problems in the future.