The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has transformed dental care accessibility for millions of Canadians who previously lacked coverage. This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of the program—from eligibility and application to coverage details and finding participating dentists. Whether you’re applying for yourself, your children, or senior family members, this article provides the information you need to navigate the CDCP successfully.
Most Useful CDCP Takeaways
- Eligibility requires adjusted family net income below thresholds (ranging from under $90,000 for individuals to under $130,000 for families of 5+), no access to comprehensive private dental insurance, and Canadian tax residency.
- Applications can be submitted online through My Service Canada Account (2-4 weeks processing) or by paper (6-8 weeks processing).
- Coverage includes preventive care (exams, cleanings), basic procedures (fillings, extractions), and major dental work (root canals, crowns, dentures).
- Annual coverage maximums vary by age: $1,300 for children (0-18), $1,200 for adults (19-64), and $1,400 for seniors (65+).
- The CDCP uses a national fee guide, but dentists may charge more than the established rates, making you responsible for any difference.
- Not all dentists participate in CDCP—use the CDCP Provider Directory to find participating dentists in your area.
- The program complements rather than replaces existing provincial dental programs, Indigenous dental benefits, and social assistance dental coverage.
Understanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, launched in 2023 with a phased approach through 2025, represents a significant step toward universal dental care in Canada. This federal program aims to address a critical gap in Canada’s healthcare system, as approximately 1 in 3 Canadians lacked dental insurance prior to the CDCP’s implementation.
According to Health Canada, the program is expected to benefit up to 9 million Canadians who previously had no dental coverage, with a particular focus on low and middle-income families.
Key objective: To ensure no Canadian has to choose between dental care and other essentials due to financial constraints.
Are You Eligible for the CDCP?
The CDCP uses a means-tested approach based on adjusted family net income. To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Have an adjusted family net income below the threshold for your family size
- Not have access to a private dental insurance plan
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year
Income thresholds by family size:
| Family Size | Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| 1 person | Under $90,000 |
| 2 people | Under $100,000 |
| 3 people | Under $110,000 |
| 4 people | Under $120,000 |
| 5+ people | Under $130,000 |
Important: You may still qualify if you have minimal private coverage (less than $1,500 annual maximum). Your eligibility is based on your family’s adjusted net income from the previous tax year.
Documentation required for verification includes:
- Social Insurance Number
- Recent tax assessment
- Confirmation of no private dental coverage (or details of limited coverage)
- Proof of Canadian residency
How to Apply for the CDCP
The application process has been streamlined since the program’s initial rollout. You can apply through two main channels:
Online Application (Recommended)
- Visit the Service Canada online portal
- Create or sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Select the “Apply for CDCP” option
- Complete the application form with your personal and financial information
- Upload any required supporting documents
- Submit and record your confirmation number
Paper Application
If you prefer a paper application or don’t have internet access:
- Visit a Service Canada office in person
- Call 1-800-715-8836 to request a paper application by mail
- Complete all sections of the application form
- Attach photocopies of supporting documents
- Mail to the address provided in the application package
Processing times: Online applications typically take 2-4 weeks, while paper applications may take 6-8 weeks. Incomplete applications will take longer.
Tracking Your Application Status
The CDCP Status Checker tool allows you to monitor your application progress in real-time. This feature is accessible through your My Service Canada Account or by calling the dedicated CDCP hotline.
To check your status online:
- Log in to your MSCA account
- Navigate to “Applications and Benefits”
- Select “CDCP Application Status”
You’ll see one of the following status indicators:
- Received: Your application has been submitted successfully
- Under Review: Your application is being assessed for eligibility
- Additional Information Required: You need to provide more documentation
- Approved: Your application has been accepted
- Payment Issued: Benefits are being processed
- Denied: Your application did not meet eligibility requirements
If your application shows “Additional Information Required,” you’ll receive specific instructions on what to submit and how to submit it.
What the CDCP Covers
The CDCP provides a range of dental services organized into three main categories:
Preventive Care
- Regular dental examinations (every 9 months)
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatments (primarily for children)
- Dental X-rays (bitewing X-rays once per year; panoramic X-rays every 5 years)
- Sealants for children and teenagers
Basic Dental Procedures
- Fillings (composite and amalgam)
- Non-surgical extractions
- Periodontal scaling and root planing
- Emergency pain relief
- Denture adjustments and repairs
Major Dental Work
- Root canal therapy
- Crowns for severely damaged teeth
- Partial and complete dentures
- Surgical extractions including wisdom teeth
Annual coverage maximums based on age groups:
| Age Group | Annual Maximum Coverage |
|---|---|
| Children (0-18) | $1,300 |
| Adults (19-64) | $1,200 |
| Seniors (65+) | $1,400 |
What’s not covered: The CDCP does not cover cosmetic procedures, orthodontics (except in medically necessary cases for children), dental implants, or certain specialized services.
CDCP for Seniors: Special Considerations
If you’re 65 or older, the CDCP offers enhanced benefits tailored to the unique dental health challenges faced by seniors. These include:
- Higher annual coverage maximum ($1,400)
- More frequent examinations (every 6 months)
- Extended coverage for denture-related services
- Additional coverage for procedures addressing dry mouth-related decay
Provincial coordination: The CDCP works alongside existing provincial senior dental programs. In Ontario, for example, the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) can complement CDCP coverage. You should apply for both programs if eligible, as they can cover different services or provide more comprehensive coverage together.
Seniors with mobility challenges can request home visits from participating dentists in some regions, though availability varies.
CDCP for Children and Youth
The CDCP places special emphasis on preventive care for children, recognizing that early intervention leads to better lifelong dental health. For eligible children and youth (0-18), the program offers:
- More frequent preventive visits (every 6 months)
- Full coverage for fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants for cavity prevention
- Basic orthodontic assessment
- Coverage for space maintainers when primary teeth are lost early
School connection: The CDCP has begun coordination with school-based dental screening programs, making it easier to identify children who need dental care and connect them with CDCP benefits.
Highlight: For children with specific medical conditions affecting dental health, such as certain genetic disorders or cancer treatment history, additional coverage may be available through the program’s special considerations process.
Understanding the Dental Fee Guide and Reimbursement
The CDCP uses a national fee guide that establishes maximum reimbursement amounts for dental procedures. This guide is based on the fee guides published by provincial dental associations but standardized for the federal program.
Key points to understand:
- Dentists may charge more than the CDCP fee guide amounts
- You’re responsible for any difference between the CDCP reimbursement and the dentist’s actual fee
- Some dentists accept CDCP fees as full payment, while others may charge additional amounts
According to a Canadian Dental Association survey, approximately 70% of participating dentists accept CDCP reimbursement rates for basic services, but this percentage drops for more complex procedures.
Reimbursement options:
- Direct billing: The dentist bills the CDCP directly, and you pay only any difference
- Pay and claim: You pay the full amount upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement
Reimbursement timelines: Direct billing is processed within 2-3 weeks. Pay-and-claim reimbursements typically take 4-6 weeks.
Finding Participating Dentists
Not all dentists participate in the CDCP, although the number of participating providers has grown significantly since the program’s launch.
To find a CDCP-participating dentist:
- Use the CDCP Provider Directory on the Health Canada website
- Call the CDCP information line at 1-800-715-8836
- Contact your provincial or territorial dental association
- Call dental offices directly to inquire about CDCP participation
Before your appointment, confirm:
- The dentist’s current participation status in the CDCP
- Whether they accept CDCP fee guide rates as full payment
- Any potential additional fees you might be responsible for
- Available payment and claim options
Rural access initiative: Health Canada has implemented incentives for dentists practicing in rural and remote areas to participate in the CDCP, improving access for Canadians outside major urban centers. Mobile dental clinics are also being deployed in some underserved regions.
Contact Information and Support Resources
Official CDCP Contacts
- General information: 1-800-715-8836 (toll-free)
- TTY service: 1-800-926-9105
- Email inquiries: [email protected]
- Website: canada.ca/dental
Additional Support Resources
- Provincial dental associations: Provide local information and dentist referrals
- Community health centers: May offer application assistance
- Indigenous Services Canada: For coordination with NIHB dental benefits
- Translation services: Available in over 200 languages through the CDCP hotline
Accessibility support: Service Canada offices provide in-person assistance for those with special needs or who require help completing applications.
How CDCP Works with Other Benefits
The CDCP is designed to complement, not replace, existing dental benefit programs:
Provincial and Territorial Programs
If you’re eligible for provincial dental programs (like Ontario’s Healthy Smiles or Alberta’s Adult Health Benefit), the CDCP typically acts as the second payer. First, your provincial program covers eligible services, then the CDCP may cover additional services or costs.
Indigenous Services
For First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, the CDCP provides supplementary coverage for services not fully covered by NIHB.
Social Assistance
Recipients of social assistance dental benefits can access CDCP for services beyond those covered by their provincial social assistance program.
Coordination process: Most participating dentists will handle the coordination of benefits automatically. You should inform your dentist of all dental benefits you’re eligible for during your visit.
The Future of the CDCP
The CDCP continues to evolve, with several expansions planned through 2025-2026:
- Coverage expansion: Additional services are expected to be added to the program’s coverage list
- Provider network growth: Ongoing efforts to increase the number of participating dentists
- Digital transformation: Enhanced online tools for application and claims processing
- Integration initiatives: Better coordination with provincial healthcare systems
Advocacy impact: Patient advocacy groups continue to push for comprehensive dental care integration into Canada’s universal healthcare system, with the CDCP representing a significant first step.
Taking Action: Next Steps
If you believe you’re eligible for the CDCP and currently lack dental coverage, you should:
- Gather your financial information and required documentation
- Apply through Service Canada online or in person
- Use the status checker to monitor your application
- Research participating dentists in your area
- Schedule preventive care as soon as you’re approved
Remember: Regular preventive dental care is the most effective way to maintain oral health and avoid costly procedures in the future. The CDCP makes this preventive approach accessible to millions of Canadians who previously had to forego dental care due to cost barriers.
By taking advantage of this program, you’re not just addressing immediate dental needs—you’re investing in your long-term health, as poor oral health has been linked to numerous other health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Note: While this article provides comprehensive information about the Canadian Dental Care Plan as of February 2025, specific details of the program may change. Always verify current information through official government channels before making healthcare decisions.
