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What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that will help cover some of the cost of various oral health care services for eligible residents of Canada.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible for the CDCP if you meet all of the following criteria.
If you have a spouse, they will also need to meet the criteria.
According to the CDCP information, "access to dental insurance" means you do not have access to any type of dental insurance or coverage through other providers. Those options may include:
- Employer benefits
- Family member plans
- Pension programs
- Professional or student organizations
You will not be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you choose not to participate in coverage options available to you, also called ‘opting out’ of coverage.
If you have dental coverage through OHIP or another government program, you may still qualify if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your coverage will be coordinated between the different dental plans.
When can I apply?
Currently, the government is sending out invitation letters in phases to everyone eligible based on age group and income. Your letter will be sent to the address you used in your 2022 tax return.
You must follow the instructions on the letter and apply with your personalized application code.
What's covered?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will only cover dental services that are included in the plan. These services must be provided by dental professionals who accept the CDCP coverage. Some examples of services that are included are:
- Preventative services like cleaning, polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Diagnostic services like exams and x-rays
- Fillings and root canal treatments
- Complete and partial removable dentures
- Some oral surgery services, like removing teeth
How much is covered?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will cover an annual maximum amount for each included service.
If your oral health care provider charges more than the maximum, you will be required to pay the difference. You will also have to pay for any service the CDCP does not cover.
Before making an appointment, you should ask if the services you need are part of the CDCP and how much it will cost.
The CDCP will cover a different percentage of eligible costs based on your family's net income. You may have to pay a percentage of the cost, which may differ from other families under the CDCP.
When does coverage start?
The start dates for coverage depend on:
- your age
- when your application was submitted and
- when your application was accepted
You can check your information package to see when your coverage starts. You should ask your oral health provider if they participate in the CDCP. The program will not reimburse you for services received before the start date of your coverage.
You must meet the eligibility requirements each year to qualify for the CDCP.
Canadian Dental Care Plan promotional toolkit: Multilingual factsheets
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Last updated:
November 26, 2024
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