The Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as part of its objective to make dental care more accessible and affordable for those who might not otherwise be able to afford the care needed to maintain good oral health.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program that is intended to provide coverage for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits and have a household income of less than $90,000 a year.
| Group | When you can apply |
|---|---|
| Aged 65 or older | Now |
| Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023 | Now |
| Children under the age of 18 | Now |
| All remaining eligible residents (not in one of the above groups) | In 2025 |
Table on co-payments based on adjusted family net income. Please note the percentages covered are for the CDCP fee guide, which is sometimes lower than the provincial guides.
| Net Family Income | Covered by CDCP | Covered by Patient |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 - $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 - $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
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Applying for the CDCP is straightforward. Visit the official government website, fill out the application, and submit the required documentation. The process ensures that eligible individuals can access the plan efficiently.
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Once you have applied, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, which will include:
Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility requirements each subsequent year with an annual reassessment. Details about the reassessment process have yet to be released.
The CDCP covers oral health services designed to prevent and treat oral disease and to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following listed below.
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Coverage under the CDCP is limited to basic services that protect and preserve natural teeth so people can benefit from teeth that function properly. Many people have missing teeth or teeth that are failing and need removing. When this is the case, the CDCP includes the provision of removable dentures, allowing people to eat and talk effectively.
The plan is not designed to improve the overall appearance of teeth or provide purely aesthetic benefits. It also excludes more complex treatments. Treatments not considered for coverage under the CDCP include those listed below.
