What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and Who Qualifies for It?

Millions of Canadians have delayed dental visits for years, not because they don’t care about their oral health, but because the anticipated costs never fit their budget. For example, a single filling can cost more than a week’s groceries, and a root canal can deplete savings meant for something else.

This reality has contributed to the creation of a federal program many of us may have heard of or seen advertised outside dental clinics yet still understand only in passing.

Let’s clarify what this program is and how we can benefit from it.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federal program that helps eligible residents cover dental expenses without private insurance. Health Canada sets the program guidelines, while Sun Life (the insurance company) processes claims and makes direct payments to participating providers. The program began rolling out in phases starting in 2023 and now offers coverage to Canadians of all ages. There are no premiums or deductibles; instead, participants must make income-based co-payments.

This program is designed for individuals who would otherwise pay dental expenses entirely out of pocket, including children, seniors, adults with disabilities, and working-age Canadians without workplace benefits. Many applicants are self-employed individuals, part-time workers, and retirees who have lost employer coverage. Even those enrolled in a provincial or territorial dental program can apply, as benefits will be coordinated.

Who Qualifies for the CDCP?

Eligibility is based on adjusted family net income. Households with an adjusted family net income exceeding $90,000 are not eligible, regardless of age or dental needs. This figure is derived from the most recent tax return submitted by the applicant and their spouse or partner. File taxes on time, as outdated returns can delay or deny your application.

Your income determines eligibility and influences how much of each dental bill the plan will cover. Households with an annual income below $70,000 will receive full coverage for approved services at established CDCP rates, meaning no out-of-pocket expenses. If household income rises above that threshold, a co-payment will apply, reducing the reimbursement rate in defined increments. This income level affects every dental visit throughout the benefit year.

For instance, CDCP employs three income bands to establish reimbursement levels:  

• Households earning under $70,000 receive 100% coverage for eligible services according to the CDCP fee schedule.  
• For incomes between $70,000 and $79,999, coverage is reduced to 60%, resulting in a 40% co-payment.  
• For incomes between $80,000 and $89,999, coverage falls to 40%, meaning families will need to cover 60% of the costs themselves.

What Services Does the Program Cover?

The CDCP covers a variety of dental services, including:

• Routine checkups (no preapproval required).  
• Complete emergency exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children.  
• Everyday repair work required by most households, such as:  
• Permanent and temporary fillings, pain management for damaged teeth, and other cavity treatments.  
• Root canals and pulpectomies, including retreatment of a previous root canal when necessary (some of these procedures require preapproval).  
• Treatment for gum disease, including cleaning below the gumline, treating abscesses, and managing non-surgical gum disease.  
• Bonding loose teeth and post-surgical evaluations (both processes require preapproval).  
• Crowns, cores, and posts for rebuilding damaged teeth, complete and partial dentures, including repairs, relines, and rebases for patients missing teeth.  
• Extractions of teeth and roots, as well as the surgical removal of tumors, cysts, and abscess drainage. This category also includes treatment for broken jaw bones, reflecting the program’s commitment to addressing oral health needs.

Services Not Covered Under the CDCP:

While orthodontic treatment is listed in the program’s framework, it has not yet been implemented and remains unavailable. Additionally, the CDCP excludes cosmetic procedures, implants, and bridges regardless of income tier. Patients needing these treatments must pay privately or secure separate insurance.

A Note on Private Insurance:

If you already have access to private coverage, you cannot use the CDCP. This rule applies to individuals who opt not to utilize their workplace dental plan or find its benefits insufficient for their needs. The Canada Revenue Agency requires employers to report access to dental coverage on tax slips. Continuing to use the CDCP after gaining access to private insurance violates the program’s regulations.

How to Apply:

You can apply for the CDCP through your My Service Canada Account, the Canada.ca portal, or by calling Service Canada. Applicants will need their Social Insurance Number and proof of a recent tax return. Each family member must submit a separate application, including spouses and children. There is no fee to apply—be wary of anyone asking for payment, as this is likely a scam.

Coverage does not renew automatically, so members must reapply each year to avoid any gap in service.