What is the CDCP?
As of 2024, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help make dental care more accessible for qualifying individuals and their families.
Routine professional preventive dental care is a vital part of overall healthcare. It effectively reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay and offers protection against serious health problems, including stroke and cardiovascular disease.
In Canada, one-third of people lack dental insurance, and many avoid seeing a dental professional due to financial concerns. The government has introduced a publicly funded dental benefit to address this issue. While it is designed to help meet these needs, this benefit is not intended to provide free dental care for all Canadians or replace existing employment-related or private dental benefits.
The plan is being gradually rolled out, with seniors eligible as of May 2024 and all entitled Canadians able to apply in 2025.
How Do I Apply for the CDCP?
Application periods are staggered between December 2023 and 2025.
If you are 65 or older, you don't need to take any action. You will receive a letter containing instructions and an application code. You can then apply over the phone by following the instructions provided in the letter.
For all other individuals, please follow the link below to the online application and any additional information you may need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the CDCP:
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Do I qualify for the CDCP?
You must meet the eligibility requirements below to participate in this program.
- You're a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You filed your tax return for the previous year.
- You do not have access to any type of dental insurance or coverage.
- Your household income should be less than $90,000 after tax annually.
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When can I apply for the CDCP?
The application schedule for the CDCP has been laid out as follows:
Eligible Groups Date Applications Open Seniors Aged 65 & Older May 2024 Adults with a valid federal Disability Tax Credit Certificate June 2024 Children under 18 June 2024 All remaining eligible Canadian citizens and residents 2025 -
How will I receive confirmation of my CDCP enrollment?
Sun Life manages the CDCP for the Government of Canada. After receiving your application, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application. This package will include:
- The start date of your coverage
- Your membership card
- Information about the CDCP
You must meet the eligibility requirements each year to continue to qualify for the CDCP. Details about the reassessment process have yet to be released.
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How much will be covered?
The CDCP has its own fee guide for covered services. These fees can differ from provincial or territorial fee guides. Not all patients will receive complete financial assistance due to required co-payments. Co-payments are based on your family's income and will be paid directly to the dental office.
Co-payments Based on Adjusted Family Net Income
Please note that the percentages covered are for the CDCP fee guide, sometimes lower than the provincial guides.
Net Family Income Covered by CDCP Covered by Patient Below $70,000 100% 0% $70,000 - $79,999 60% 40% $80,000 - $89,999 40% 60% Additional charges
The CDCP fees may not be the same as what providers charge. You may have to pay fees in addition to the potential co-payment if:
- the cost of your oral health care services is higher than the amount that the CDCP will reimburse for these services.
- you agree to receive care that the plan doesn’t cover.
Before receiving dental care, you should ask your oral health provider about any costs not covered by your plan.
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Which services are covered?
The CDCP provides oral health services aimed at preventing and treating oral diseases while maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Some services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following:
- Diagnostic services
- Preventive services
- Periodontal services
- Restorative services
- Endodontic services
- Prosthodontic services
- Sedation dentistry
- Oral surgery
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Which services are not covered?
The CDCP provides coverage for basic services focused on protecting and preserving natural teeth to ensure proper oral function. This includes the provision of removable dentures for people with missing or failing teeth, enabling them to eat and speak effectively.
The following dental procedures fall outside the plan's coverage and are not eligible for appeal. The list of exclusions will be provided to participating providers and will include, but not be limited to:
- Composite resin or porcelain veneers
- Three-quarter crowns
- Inlays and onlays made from any dental materials
- Temporomandibular appliances and therapy
- Fixed dental bridges
- Teeth whitening
- Mouthguards and bruxism appliances
- Crown lengthening
- Dental implants and any associated treatments
- Bone grafting
- Precision attachments for partial dentures
- Extensive rehabilitation
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Are all dental professionals participating in the CDCP?
While enrollment in this plan is encouraged, it is entirely voluntary. Some of the different types of oral health care providers that can participate in the CDCP include:
- Dentists
- Dental specialists
- Dental hygienists
- Denturists
Under this plan, oral health providers will bill Sun Life directly for payment of services covered under the CDCP to limit out-of-pocket patient costs. When scheduling an appointment, ensure that your oral health care provider has joined your insurance plan and that the planned treatment is covered.