Canadian Dental Care Plan

What is the CDCP?

The CDCP is a national dental care program launched by the federal government to support Canadians who don’t have private dental insurance. It offers partial or full coverage for a range of dental services. It covers a wide range of essential dental services, including cleanings, exams, fillings, root canals, and more1.

However, how much the plan pays depends on your income and whether your dental provider charges within the plan’s established fee guide.

How Much Does the CDCP Cover?

The plan uses your adjusted family net income to determine the level of support it provides. It doesn’t necessarily pay your full bill – it only pays based on what the CDCP deems a fair price for each service.

Who’s Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

To qualify for the CDCP, you need to meet the following criteria.

First 👉 You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your income tax return for the previous year. If you’re married or have a common-law partner, your spouse must also meet these conditions – even if only one of you is applying.1 For example, if your spouse lives abroad and hasn’t filed taxes in Canada, you would not be eligible.

Second 👉 Your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000. And finally, you must not have access to any private dental insurance.1 Meeting all of these requirements is key to being approved for coverage under the CDCP.

Understanding Co-payments

A co-payment is the portion of the dental bill that you’re responsible for paying out of pocket. This is calculated based on the CDCP’s internal fee schedule – not your dentist’s rates.

Here’s a summary of co-payment requirements:

Adjusted Family Net Income Co-payment

Under $70,000 0%

$70,000–$79,999 40%

$80,000–$89,999 60%

Additional Costs to Watch Out For

Even if you qualify for the CDCP, there are still situations where you might have to pay more than expected. Here are a few examples:

1. Charges Above CDCP Rates

Dentists set their fees, and many charge more than the CDCP is willing to pay. You’ll be responsible for covering the difference.

2. Services Not Covered by the Plan

If a service falls outside the scope of the plan, you’ll pay the full cost.

3. Preauthorization Requirements (Starting November 2024)

Some dental services will require preauthorization starting in November 2024. This means your provider must get CDCP approval before treatment begins. Otherwise, you might not be covered, even if the procedure is usually eligible.

Some dental services will require preauthorization starting in November 2024. This means your provider must get CDCP approval before treatment begins. Otherwise, you might not be covered, even if the procedure is usually eligible.

Tips to Manage Your Dental Care Under CDCP

Navigating any new benefit plan can be confusing, but here are a few simple ways to stay on top of things:

• Talk to Your Dental Provider Not all dentists are part of the CDCP, and not all charge within the plan’s limits. Ask your provider whether they follow CDCP fees and whether there will be any out–of–pocket costs before you start treatment.
• Budget for Co-payments If you fall into a partial coverage tier, it’s a good idea to set aside funds to cover your portion of the costs. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you avoid financial surprises.
• CDCP Isn’t Accepted Everywhere While the Canadian Dental Care Plan is a great option for many, not all dental providers accept it. With private dental insurance, you’re free to visit almost any licensed dentist across Canada, giving you far greater flexibility and convenience.

Final Thoughts

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a significant step toward better oral health access for Canadians – but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding how the fees and coverage work, you’ll be better equipped to plan your care, avoid surprises, and take full advantage of the support offered.

Need more information? Visit the Government of Canada’s official CDCP page to check your eligibility and find the latest updates.