Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps eligible Canadian residents access dental care if they do not have private dental insurance and have an adjusted family net income under $90,000. Administered by Service Canada, the plan covers a wide range of preventive, basic, and medically necessary dental services, with the level of coverage based on household income. Individuals with lower incomes may have up to 100% of eligible costs covered according to the CDCP fee schedule, while higher-income eligible households may be required to pay a portion of the costs. The program does not replace private insurance, participation by dental providers is voluntary, and some services may require prior authorization.

Overview

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal Government of Canada program designed to improve access to dental care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance and have a household income below a specified threshold.
The program is administered by Government of Canada through Service Canada.

The CDCP is not intended to replace private dental insurance, but rather to provide coverage to individuals and families who would otherwise be uninsured.

Purpose of the Program

The CDCP aims to:

• Reduce financial barriers to essential dental care

• Improve oral health outcomes across Canada

• Ensure that uninsured Canadians can access preventive, basic, and medically necessary dental services

• Complement existing public or private dental programs, not duplicate them

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, an individual must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes

2. Not have access to private dental insurance, including through:

   • An employer or union plan

   • A pension or retiree plan

   • A family member’s employer-sponsored coverage

3. Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year

4. Have filed a Canadian income tax return for the most recent taxation year (required to verify income)

Eligibility is reviewed annually and may change if income or insurance status changes.

Phased Implementation

The CDCP has been rolled out gradually, beginning with priority groups such as:

• Seniors

• Children

• Persons with disabilities

The program is expanding in stages to include additional age groups and eligible Canadians as enrollment opens.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted:

• Online through My Service Canada Account

• By phone with Service Canada assistance

Applicants must provide personal identification and consent to income verification through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Before receiving treatment, beneficiaries are encouraged to:

• Confirm that their dentist participates in the CDCP

• Verify which services are covered and whether prior authorization is required

Dental Services Covered

Coverage includes a wide range of dental services, subject to program rules, frequency limits, and clinical necessity.

Preventive & Diagnostic Care

• Dental exams (routine and emergency)

• X-rays

• Cleanings and scaling

• Fluoride treatments

Basic Dental Services

• Fillings (temporary and permanent)

• Treatment of cavities

• Pain management

Major and Specialized Services

• Root canal treatments (endodontics)

• Gum disease treatment (periodontics)

• Oral surgery (including extractions)

Restorative & Prosthetic Services

• Crowns (often requiring prior approval)

• Partial and full dentures

• Denture repairs and adjustments

Some treatments require prior authorization, and coverage may be limited by frequency or medical necessity.

Cost Sharing & Coverage Levels

The percentage of dental costs covered under the CDCP depends on adjusted family net income:

If a dental provider charges more than the CDCP fee schedule, the patient may be responsible for the difference.

Important Notes

• The CDCP is not a universal free dental program

• It applies only to individuals without private dental insurance

• It does not replace existing federal programs (e.g., Indigenous Services Canada benefits)

• Participation by dentists is voluntary

• Coverage and eligibility rules may evolve as the program matures

Support and Information

For official details, eligibility confirmation, or assistance with applications, individuals should contact Service Canada or consult the official CDCP webpage on Canada.ca.

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