Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
the canadian dental care plan
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.
Filling in the facts about the CDCP
Dental care under the CDCP started in May 2024.
The CDCP is a dental benefit administered by Health Canada. It is not a free dental program.
Patients will be required to make a co-payment (that is, pay for a portion of their dental care under the CDCP) depending on their adjusted family net income, as follows:
- No co-payment of the CDCP benefit for those with an adjusted annual family net income under $70,000.
- A 40 percent co-payment of the CDCP benefit for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $70,000 and $79,999.
- A 60 percent co-payment of the CDCP benefit for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $80,000 and $89,999.
- Patients may also have to pay costs the CDCP does not cover.
Not all dental services are covered under the CDCP.
Before proceeding with treatment, it is important to understand your dental care costs.
Please tell your dental provider if you plan to use CDCP benefits as their practice may or may not participate in the federal program.
CDCP Benefits in Edmonton: Serving All Family Members!
At Whyte Avenue Dental Clinic, we are excited to share that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) now includes both children under 18 and seniors in Edmonton, AB. We understand that managing dental care costs for your entire family can be challenging, so we’re here to make things easier. With this expanded coverage, If it’s your child’s first visit or ongoing care for seniors, we’re dedicated to making dental health accessible and stress-free for you. Let us help keep your family’s smiles shining bright without the added financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now open to all eligible Canadians, regardless of age.
To qualify, you must:
• Be a Canadian resident
• Have no access to private dental insurance
• Have a family net income under $90,000
• Have filed your 2024 tax return
Eligible individuals can apply online, by phone, or through a Service Canada Centre.
For full details and to apply, visit canada.ca/dental
• Be a Canadian resident
• Have no access to private dental insurance
• Have a family net income under $90,000
• Have filed your 2024 tax return
Eligible individuals can apply online, by phone, or through a Service Canada Centre.
For full details and to apply, visit canada.ca/dental
How do I access the CDCP?
The federal government has opened application for the CDCP in phases starting in December 2023. Seniors who are eligible will receive letters inviting them to apply, with instructions on how to validate their eligibility and apply by telephone. Letters from the government will be sent according to the following age groups:
- December 2023: Ages 87 and above
- January 2024: Ages 77 to 86
- February 2024: Ages 72 to 76
- March 2024: Ages 70 to 71
What services will be covered under the CDCP?
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.
Am I eligible for the CDCP if I already receive coverage from provincial government programs?
If you are eligible for existing provincial government programs, you will still be able to apply for the CDCP.
Benefits will be coordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated.
The federal government is now working with the provinces and territories to figure out how this will work.
Health Canada has committed to clarifying which programs will be the first and last payer before services begin as early as May of 2024.
Benefits will be coordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated.
The federal government is now working with the provinces and territories to figure out how this will work.
Health Canada has committed to clarifying which programs will be the first and last payer before services begin as early as May of 2024.
What is included when they say dental insurance?
Not having access to dental insurance is defined as:
- no dental insurance through your employer or a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts;
- no dental insurance through your pension (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits; or
- no dental insurance purchased by yourself or by a family member or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company.
Should I cancel my private insurance?
The government has said that the CDCP is not intended to replace existing workplace or private dental benefits. It is meant for Canadians who do not have dental benefits.
If you have existing insurance, you SHOULD NOT cancel your insurance as not all details of the CDCP are public knowledge at this point.
You’re still considered to have access to dental insurance if you choose to opt out of available benefits like these.
If you have existing insurance, you SHOULD NOT cancel your insurance as not all details of the CDCP are public knowledge at this point.
You’re still considered to have access to dental insurance if you choose to opt out of available benefits like these.
When can I get my CDCP benefits?
Once you’ve applied through Health Canada and they confirm that you qualify, your information will be shared with Sun Life, who will enroll you in the CDCP.
Sun Life will then send you your coverage start date and member card.
The start date to access care under the CDCP depends on the date you were enrolled. You should contact the government with any specific questions regarding your eligibility under the CDCP. APPLICATION SCHEDULE:
Sun Life will then send you your coverage start date and member card.
The start date to access care under the CDCP depends on the date you were enrolled. You should contact the government with any specific questions regarding your eligibility under the CDCP. APPLICATION SCHEDULE:
| Group | Application Open |
|---|---|
| Seniors aged 87 and above | Started December 2023 |
| Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate | Starting June 2024 |
| Children under the age of 18 | Starting June 2024 |
| All remaining eligible Canadian residents | Starting 2025 |
Will I lose my dental coverage at work when the CDCP comes out?
We don’t know and this should concern us all. Two-thirds of Canadians have great dental benefits from their work, school, or other group plan. These plans give them a choice of dentist, and the right to choose what dental care they get.
Dentists believe that the CDCP should improve access to care for people who don’t have benefits. It shouldn’t take away the benefits that people already have.
Dentists believe that the CDCP should improve access to care for people who don’t have benefits. It shouldn’t take away the benefits that people already have.
New Patient? Welcome!
We’re excited to have you as a new patient and are committed to providing you with compassionate, quality care. Book your appointment today and let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!