The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): What You Need to Know

Clearing Up 5 Common Misconceptions About Coverage and Eligibility

Have you heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Announced by the federal government in 2023 and being phased in gradually, the CDCP provides dental coverage to Canadian residents with an adjusted family income of less than $90,000 and no access to dental insurance.¹ By 2025, all eligible Canadians are meant to have the opportunity to apply.

While the idea of universal health and dental coverage might be very attractive, the rules around this new dental care plan in Canada need to be clarified. Here are five common misconceptions explained.

1. Misconception #1: All Canadians Qualify for CDCP
   Reality: Right now, eligibility is limited to mature adults aged 65 and over, children under 18, and adults with a disability tax credit certificate for 2023. Starting in 2025, the program is expected to be open to more Canadians, provided they meet specific criteria.

   To qualify for CDCP, your adjusted family income must be less than $90,000 in 2024. This includes your income plus your spouse’s income, minus any income from universal childcare benefits (UCCB) or a registered disability savings plan (RDSP), plus any repaid amounts. For example, if you work full-time and earn $80,000 a year and your spouse earns $10,100 from a part-time job, you wouldn’t be eligible.

   Additionally, you must:
   • Be a Canadian resident and have filed an income tax return in the previous year.
   • Not have dental coverage through your employer, your spouse’s employer, or a pension benefit. Opting out of these benefits does not make you eligible for CDCP.
   • Not have independent dental coverage from an insurance company.

2. Misconception #2: All Dental Professionals Participate in CDCP
   Reality: Participation in CDCP is entirely voluntary. The plan is available to dental professionals who can either sign up for the Canadian Dental Care Plan or submit claims on a claim-by-claim basis. If you’re eligible for CDCP, check with your dental care practitioner before you have any work done. If they haven’t signed on, the cost may not be covered.
3. Misconception #3: All Dental Services are Covered
   Reality: The CDCP covers many basic dental services, but not everything. Some services require pre-government authorization, and some have frequency limits. In all cases, the service must be recommended as necessary by a dental professional who participates in the CDCP.
   
   Coverage does not include:

   1. Composite resin or porcelain veneers
   2. Three-quarter crowns
   3. Inlays and onlays made from any dental materials
   4. Temporomandibular appliances and therapy
   5. Fixed dental bridges
   6. Teeth whitening
   7. Mouthguards and bruxism appliances
   8. Crown lengthening
   9. Dental implants and any associated treatments
   10. Bone grafting
   11. Precision attachments for partial dentures
   12. Extensive rehabilitation

   Check the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide for more details on what’s excluded.
4. Misconception #4: Enrollment is Automatic
   Reality: You must apply annually and meet the eligibility requirements each year. Approval can take up to three months, so it’s important to plan ahead.² Applications can be submitted online or by phone.

   You’ll need the following information to apply:
   • Social insurance number
   • Full name, date of birth, home and mailing address
   • Details of any dental coverage through government social programs

5. Misconception #5: The CDCP Covers 100% of Costs
   Reality: The CDCP may not cover the full cost of your treatment. You may incur additional charges if:
   • The established CDCP dental fees are less than the actual fees charged by your provider. For example, your dentist might charge $150 for a filling while the CDCP fee is $130. You’d need to pay the $20 difference out of your own pocket.
   • You agree to services that the CDCP doesn’t cover.
   • Your adjusted family income is more than $70,000 (in 2024). This is known as a co-payment.

Need more coverage or not eligible?

Good oral health is vital to your overall well-being, and the CDCP is a significant step towards ensuring accessible dental care for Canadians. If the CDCP doesn’t meet your needs, consider exploring alternative options like Alumni Health and Dental or FollowMe™ Health plans, which offer more comprehensive and affordable coverage.

For the latest information, visit Canada.ca.

¹ Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan. Aug. 21, 2024.
² Canadian Dental Association. “Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).” May 30, 2024.