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.
How Does It Work?
Scheduled to begin covering treatment in May 2024, the CDCP is a publicly funded dental benefit for those with an annual household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance.
The plan covers a portion of the cost of an enrolled patient's oral health treatments to prevent and treat oral disease which, in turn, can protect against serious health problems.
How Can You Apply for the CDCP?
Application periods are staggered between December 2023 and 2025.
As of May 2024, seniors 65+ can apply online or over the phone.
Who qualifies for CDCP?
Individuals must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) coverage.
No access to dental plan, meaning:
no coverage through employer or a family member’s employer benefits; including health and wellness accounts;
no coverage through pension (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits; or
no coverage through a purchased plan by yourself or by a family member or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company.
an adjusted annual family net income of less than $90,000;
be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; and
have filed their tax return in the previous year.
Canadian residents who have access to dental benefits through a social program offered by their province or territory and/or by the federal government will be eligible for the CDCP if they meet all the eligibility criteria.
Patients who decide to opt out of benefits available to them from their employer, school, etc. will be considered by the federal government as someone who has access to dental plan. This means if you decline dental coverage through your/your spouse’s employment benefits, you will not be eligible for the CDCP.
Read more on Health Canada’s website to see if you qualify.
Is the CDCP intended to replace existing insurance coverage?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is not intended to replace existing dental coverage. It is important that Canadians do not drop their existing coverage, as they might not be eligible for the CDCP if they do.
The CDCP is designed to provide coverage for Canadians who do not have an existing dental plan.
The Canada Revenue Agency now requires employers to report on their T4/T4A whether their employees and their families had access to dental plan coverage, including spending and wellness accounts.
Not everyone is eligible for the plan at the same time
The federal government has committed to rolling out the CDCP coverage in stages. Health Canada is using a staggered approach to patients’ eligibility for care based on their registration date and age cohort. Below are the expected timelines for applications to the CDCP. The application timeline is when the eligible group can apply to participate in the CDCP, but that is not the date that you can start receiving dental care under the plan.
We strongly suggest patients check their eligibility letter/card for their coverage start date.
Group | Applications open |
Seniors aged 87 and above | Starting December 2023 |
Seniors aged 77 to 86 | Starting January 2024 |
Seniors aged 72 to 76 | Starting February 2024 |
Seniors aged 70 to 71 | Starting March 2024 |
Seniors aged 65 to 69 | Starting May 2024 |
Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate | Starting June 2024 |
Children under age 18 | Starting June 2024 |
All remaining eligible Canadian residents | Starting 2025 |
Which dental services are covered?
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.
Diagnostic services
Dental X-rays
Preventive services
Periodontal services
Restorative services
Endodontic services
Prosthodontic services
Sedation dentistry
Oral surgery services
Which services are not covered?
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.
Composite resin or porcelain veneers
Three-quarter crowns
Inlays and onlays made from any dental materials
Temporomandibular appliances and therapy
Fixed dental bridges
Teeth whitening
Mouthguards and bruxism appliances
Crown lengthening
Dental implants and any associated treatments
Bone grafting
Precision attachments for partial dentures
Extensive rehabilitation
Flawless Dental Care is Pleased to Accept CDCP Coverage!
Flawless Dental Care is dedicated to providing patients with the very best dental care possible, and we are proud to announce that our clinic is now participating in the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP). This means that we are pleased to accept all CDCP coverage, making it simpler and easier for eligible patients to access necessary dental services.
A Brighter Future for Canadian Smiles
The launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a significant milestone in the country's quest for true universal healthcare. By bridging the gap in dental coverage, the plan ensures that every Canadian, from coast to coast, can maintain the healthy, radiant smile they deserve.
So, let's raise a glass (of maple syrup, of course) to the future of Canadian dental care - may our smiles shine brighter than ever before.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Flawless Dental Care is here to help walk you through the process of understanding how the plan works and whether you qualify. We believe that good oral health matters, and we believe in the importance of the Canadian Dental Care Plan in helping Canadians have a healthy and beautiful smile. Please call us today at
825-526-1555 and we will be happy to help.
You can contact a representative of the CDCP directly at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY:1-833-677-6262)
For more information regarding details of the Canada Dental Benefit Program, please check online at Canada.ca/my-cra-account, or call the CRA client contact center at 1-800-715-8836.
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