Oral health is important for overall well-being, but many Canadians struggle to afford regular dental care.
To address this issue, the Government of Canada has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
This program is all about making dental coverage better for those who qualify.
The CDCP offers a wide range of services for eligible residents.
Whether you need preventive care or something more complicated, like wisdom teeth removal, there are many benefits included.
Want to find out more? Just keep reading this guide.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a dental insurance program funded by the government.
It helps low- and moderate-income Canadians get the dental care they need.
The plan covers everything from routine check-ups and cleanings to more complicated procedures like root canals, extractions, and surgeries.
It offers coverage for routine services like check-ups and cleanings, as well as more complex treatments such as crowns, extractions, and surgeries.
It’ll roll out in phases throughout 2024 and 2025, with the goal of helping around 9 million Canadians who don’t currently have dental insurance.
Why Was the CDCP Introduced?
Dental care in Canada isn’t covered by public health insurance like Medicare, which means a lot of Canadians either rely on private insurance from their jobs or pay for dental work out of their own pockets.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 20% of Canadians skip going to the dentist because they worry about the costs.
Unfortunately, neglecting oral health can lead to other serious issues, like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory infections.
The CDCP aims to:
- Lower financial barriers to dental care.
- Improve access to preventive dental services.
- Promote long-term oral health and fairness.
- Provide peace of mind for those who haven’t received proper care.
Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP has three coverage levels:
- Tier 1: Families with a net income under $70,000 get 100% coverage.
- Tier 2: Families with a net income between $70,000 and $80,000 receive 60% coverage.
- Tier 3: Families with a net income between $80,000 and $90,000 get 40% coverage.
To qualify for the CDCP, you must:
- You can’t have dental coverage from your job, a group plan, or an individual insurance.
- You need to meet the income requirements.
- You should be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your taxes for the last year.
The rollout for the plan started in December 2023 for seniors aged 87 and older and will expand in phases:
- Seniors aged 77–86: Starting January 2024
- Seniors aged 72–76: Starting February 2024
- Seniors aged 70–71: Starting March 2024
- People with disabilities and children under 18: Mid-2024
- All other eligible adults: By May 2025
What Services Are Covered Under the CDCP?
Not all dental treatments are covered completely.
How much is covered depends on your household income and the type of procedure.
If your household earns between $70,000 and $90,000, you may have to pay co-pays for some services.
However, the CDCP covers many preventive, diagnostic, and restorative services, including:
Preventive Care
Preventive care helps keep your teeth healthy and avoid problems. The CDCP covers services such as:
- Regular Check-ups: Routine exams to check your oral health.
- Cleanings: Professional cleanings to remove plaque and tartar.
- Fluoride Treatments: Treatments that strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
- Sealants: Coatings applied to back teeth to prevent cavities.
Diagnostic Services
Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. The CDCP includes:
- Examinations: Full dental exams to check your overall oral health.
- X-rays: Imaging to find hidden dental problems like cavities or bone loss.
Restorative Care
Restorative care fixes damaged teeth and helps them function properly. The CDCP covers:
- Fillings: Treatments for cavities using different materials.
- Crowns: Caps placed over damaged teeth to restore their shape and function.
- Inlays and Onlays: Partial crowns for repairing decayed or damaged teeth.
Endodontic Services
Endodontic treatment focuses on the inside of the tooth, especially infections or decay. The CDCP covers:
- Root Canals: Procedures to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp and save the tooth.
Prosthodontic Services
Prosthodontic care replaces missing teeth. The CDCP includes:
- Dentures: Full or partial dentures to replace lost teeth.
- Removable Partial Dentures: Dentures that replace one or more missing teeth.
Periodontal Services
Periodontal treatment focuses on gum health and tackles gum disease. The CDCP covers:
- Deep Scaling: Cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar.
- Root Planing: Smoothing tooth roots to help gums attach better.
Oral Surgery Services
Some dental problems may require surgery. The CDCP covers:
- Extractions: Removing damaged or impacted teeth.
- Other Surgical Procedures: Additional oral surgeries as needed.
Additional Benefits
The CDCP also offers other benefits to ensure you receive full dental care:
- Emergency Dental Services: Quick care for urgent dental issues and pain relief.
- Preventive Resin Restorations: Treatments for early decay that don’t need a full filling.
- Orthodontic Services: Coverage for braces, starting in 2025, to improve oral health.
Exclusions to CDCP
The Canadian Dental Plan provides a variety of services included in its coverage. However, there are certain treatments that will not be available until further notice:
- Composite or ceramic veneers
- Dental bonding
- All ¾ crowns
- Root re-sectioning
- Implants and related procedures
- Teeth whitening
- Composite, precious metal, or ceramic inlays/onlays
- Temporomandibular joint therapy and appliances
- Bone grafts
- Ridge augmentation
- Fixed prosthodontics (bridges)
- Mouthguards
- Crown lengthening
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The application process for the CDCP is simple and easy to follow. Here’s how to apply:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure you qualify for the CDCP.
Check the Eligibility section to confirm your age, disability status, and income requirements.
2. Gather Your Documents
You will need this information for yourself and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable):
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of Birth.
- Full Name.
- Home and Mailing Address.
- List of any dental coverage from government programs (if applicable)
- Proof of tax filing for the last year (Notice of Assessment)
3. Application Phases
Applications for the CDCP open at different times based on your eligibility group:
- Seniors aged 65 and above: Applications opened in December 2023.
- Adults with a Disability Tax Credit certificate: Applications started on June 27, 2024.
- Children under 18: Applications started on June 27, 2024.
- Other eligible residents aged 18 to 64: Applications open in May 2025, starting coverage on June 1, 2025.
Important dates:
- May 1, 2025: Ages 55 to 64.
- May 15, 2025: Ages 18 to 34.
- May 29, 2025: Ages 35 to 54.
4. Apply Online
Applying online is the easiest way:
- Visit the CDCP Online Application.
- Follow the steps to fill out the application.
- Submit all required documents and personal information.
5. Get Help with Your Application
If you need help, you can apply with someone you trust:
- Trusted Person: A family member or friend can help fill out the application for you.
- Delegate: A legal representative or designated individual can complete the application on your behalf.
6. After You Apply
Once you submit your application:
- Enrolment Confirmation: You will get a confirmation from Sun Life, which manages the CDCP.
- Welcome Package: Within three months, Sun Life will send you a welcome package containing your member card and your coverage start date.
Bonus: Tips for Applying
- Check that all your information is correct to avoid delays.
- Keep a copy of your application and any messages you receive.
- Visit the CDCP website often for updates and more information.
The Cost of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
There are some costs linked to the CDCP, like how much of your dental bills it actually covers, your co-pays, and any extra fees you might run into.
Understanding these costs will make it easier for you to handle your dental care.
Coverage and Co-payments
The CDCP helps cover a big part of your dental care expenses depending on your adjusted family income.
You might need to pay a copayment, depending on your situation.
Here’s how it works:
- Adjusted Family Net Income Lower than $70,000: The CDCP covers 100% of eligible dental care costs based on its established fees. However, you may have to pay extra if the service costs are higher than these fees.
- Adjusted Family Net Income Between $70,000 and $79,999: The CDCP covers 60% of eligible dental care costs. You will pay 40% of the CDCP fees, plus any extra charges if the service exceeds these fees.
- Adjusted Family Net Income Between $80,000 and $89,999: The CDCP covers 40% of eligible dental care costs. You will pay 60% of the CDCP fees, plus any additional charges if the service exceeds these fees.
Additional Charges
The CDCP only pays for services covered within its plan at established fees. If your dental provider charges more than these fees, you will need to pay the difference.
- Some services, like cosmetic treatments, are not covered. You must pay for these out of your own pocket.
- Some dental services require preauthorization. This means you need approval from your dental provider before receiving treatment. This ensures that the treatment will be covered.
Planning for Dental Care Costs
Before you go in for any treatment, have a chat with your dentist about the costs.
Make sure you’re clear on what’s covered and if there are any extra charges you should know about.
If any of the services need preapproval, make sure your dentist sends in the right paperwork and gets the green light before starting the treatment.
It’s a good idea to plan for your co-payments and any extra costs that the CDCP doesn’t cover.
In Summary
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a new program that can help many people improve their dental health.
To get started, check if you are eligible, sign up, and find a dental center that accepts this coverage.
Talk to your dentist about the treatment costs, any co-pay you may need to make, or any other details.
Are you ready to use it?
