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.
Who Qualifies for the Dental Care Plan?
To qualify for the CDCP, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Canadian Resident: Applicants must reside in Canada.
- No Dental Insurance: Applicants must not have access to dental insurance through employment or other sources, including personal dental insurance.
- Income Requirements: The annual family income must be less than $90,000. Individuals with an income below $70,000 do not have co-pays, whereas those between $70,000 and $90,000 will have varying co-pay responsibilities.
CDCP applications are now open for eligible Canadians of all ages.
How Much Is Covered by CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan reimburses a portion of the cost for eligible dental services. The percentage of coverage is determined by adjusted family net income, as summarized below:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Coverage (%) | Applicant’s Contribution (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| Between $70,000 and $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| Between $80,000 and $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Examples of services that could be covered under the CDCP when recommended by your dentist include:
- Preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride;
- Diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays;
- Restorative services, including fillings;
- Endodontic services, including root canal treatments;
- Prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures;
- Periodontal services, including deep scaling; and
- Oral surgery services, including extractions.
Some services will require preauthorization, which means prior approval is needed. This will be based on a dentist’s recommendations. Before the treatment begins, your dentist will check to see it will be covered under the CDCP. Services requiring preauthorization will become available in November 2024.
For more information on services covered, go to CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.