Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Explained

Table of Contents

What Is the CDCP?

Who Qualifies for the CDCP?

What Does the CDCP Cover?

How to Apply

A Few Things Worth Knowing

We Accept CDCP Patients in London, ON

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About CDCP Coverage?

Key Takeaways

• The CDCP covers part or all of the cost of many dental services for eligible Canadian residents without private insurance. It is not free dental care.
• To qualify, your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000, and you must have no access to private dental insurance.
• Coverage generally includes exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, some oral surgery, dentures, and select major services like crowns, though some treatments require pre-authorization.
• You apply directly through the federal government at Canada.ca/dental, not through your dentist’s office, and coverage must be renewed every year.
• We Smile Dentistry accepts CDCP patients in London, ON.

If the cost of dental care has kept you or a family member from booking an appointment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan may be able to help. It’s a federal programme that has already extended coverage to millions of Canadians, and it’s worth a few minutes to check whether you qualify. Here’s a plain-language look at what the CDCP is, who it covers, and how to apply.

What Is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal benefit that helps cover the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents who don’t already have private dental insurance. It isn’t free dental care outright. Depending on your household income, the plan covers part or all of the cost of many services, and you may be responsible for a co-payment.

The programme is now fully open to eligible Canadians of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, according to Health Canada.1

Who Qualifies for the CDCP?

According to the Government of Canada, you generally need to meet four requirements to be eligible:2

• No access to private dental insurance. This includes coverage through your own employer, a family member’s employer, a pension plan, or a plan you purchased yourself. It applies even if you don’t use it or would have to pay a premium for it.
• Canadian residency for tax purposes, with a tax return filed for the relevant year.
• Adjusted family net income under $90,000. Households under $70,000 typically pay no co-payment, while those between $70,000 and $89,999 may have a co-payment based on income band, per the Ontario Dental Association.3
• Filed a tax return and received a Notice of Assessment for you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

If you already have coverage through a provincial or territorial government dental programme, you may still qualify, with your benefits coordinated so there’s no gap or duplication.

What Does the CDCP Cover?

Coverage generally includes a broad range of services, such as:

• Exams, cleanings, and diagnostic X-rays
• Fillings
• Root canal treatment
• Some oral surgery
• Full and partial dentures
• Select major services, such as crowns, which may require pre-authorization before treatment begins

Frequency limits and pre-authorization rules apply to some procedures. For example, more complex or higher-cost treatments are generally subject to review before they’re approved. Your dental team can help confirm what’s covered and what, if anything, requires pre-approval before your visit.