What is the CanadianDental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Government of Canada is launching the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to make dental care more accessible for qualifying families. This initiative aims to address financial barriers and improve oral health across the country.

Why Is the CDCP Important?

Regular preventive dental care helps reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, protecting against severe health issues like stroke and cardiovascular disease. Despite its importance, one-third of Canadians currently lack dental insurance. In 2022, many Canadians avoided dental visits due to financial concerns, according to the Government of Canada.

To make dental care more affordable, the government has introduced this publicly funded dental benefit. While the CDCP isn’t designed to provide free dental care for all or replace existing workplace or private plans, it will fill the gap for those most in need.

When Does the CDCP Begin?

The program will roll out gradually:

  • As of April 2024, eligible seniors over 65 should have received application letters.
  • Starting June 2024, children under 18 and individuals with disabilities will be eligible.
  • By 2025, applications will open to all eligible Canadians.

What Does the Plan Cover?

This post provides a detailed guide to the CDCP, including:

  • Eligibility criteria and application timelines.
  • Coverage percentages and the treatments included.
  • Exclusions and answers to common questions.
  • Resources for additional help and information.

Who Administers the CDCP?

The plan is managed by Health Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and Sun Life, which handles dental claims processing for eligible Canadians.

Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?

To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  2. Have filed an income tax return for the previous year.
  3. Not have dental coverage through a private, pension, or employer plan.
  4. Have a net family income of less than $90,000 annually.

The application process is phased:

  • April 2024: Seniors over 65.
  • June 2024: Children under 18 and individuals with disabilities.
  • 2025: Open to all other eligible Canadians.

This program marks a significant step toward improving access to dental care for those who need it most. For more information on eligibility, coverage, and application details, refer to the table below or visit the official CDCP website.

Are all dental professionals participating in the CDCP?

Participation in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is voluntary for oral health providers, though Health Canada encourages enrollment. Dental professionals eligible to participate include:

  • Dentists
  • Dental specialists
  • Dental hygienists
  • Denturists

Providers enrolled in the CDCP receive direct payments from Sun Life, helping to minimize out-of-pocket costs for patients. Before scheduling an appointment, confirm with your dental practice that the provider participates in the plan and that the treatment you need is covered.

What dental services are covered under the CDCP?

The CDCP covers a range of oral health services aimed at preventing and treating oral diseases while maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Services must be recommended by a dental professional and include the following:

  1. Diagnostic Services: Dental exams (e.g., new patient, recall, or specific exams) and diagnoses, including exams by specialists or denturists.
  2. Dental X-Rays: Includes images to assess dental health, such as single-tooth or panoramic X-rays.
  3. Preventive Services: Scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants for children under 17 to prevent decay.
  4. Periodontal Services: Treatments like scaling and root planing to address gum disease and tartar buildup.
  5. Restorative Services: Fillings, crowns, and post and core treatments to repair damaged teeth (not for cosmetic purposes).
  6. Endodontic Services: Root canal therapy to save severely infected teeth, with certain restrictions based on restorability.
  7. Prosthodontic Services: Full or partial dentures to replace missing teeth (excludes implant-supported dentures).
  8. Sedation Dentistry: Includes minimal to deep sedation and general anesthesia for complex treatments or special needs (some require preauthorization).
  9. Oral Surgery: Procedures like tooth/root removal, treatment for jaw fractures, or drainage of abscesses (excludes implant surgery).

It’s important to verify with your dental provider which specific services and treatments are covered under the CDCP to avoid unexpected costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No, the CDCP is specifically designed for Canadians without existing dental insurance. It will not replace current insurance plans. If you already have dental coverage, it’s important not to cancel it, as your eligibility for the CDCP is determined by your income tax return. T4/T4A slips also indicate whether you or your family had access to dental insurance, including wellness or spending accounts.

If you need assistance with your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) application, you can get support from either a Trusted Person or a Delegate:

Trusted Person
A trusted person can be a relative, friend, caregiver, interpreter, or translator. They can help you apply by phone or accompany you to a Service Canada office. You must give clear consent for them to assist you during the application process.

Delegate
A delegate is someone with legal authority to act on your behalf, such as a person with power of attorney, a mandate, or trusteeship. They can make decisions and submit your application for you.

To appoint a delegate:

  1. The delegate must provide documentation proving their legal authority (e.g., power of attorney documents, mandate, or trusteeship paperwork).
  2. These documents must be original or certified copies submitted to a Service Canada office or mailed to Service Canada.

When submitting documents by mail, include:

  • A cover letter with your full name and Social Insurance Number (SIN).
  • The delegate’s phone number.
  • A statement explaining that the documents are for your CDCP application.
  • Your return address so the documents can be mailed back after processing.

If you need further assistance, visit your local Service Canada office or call their helpline for guidance.

The Interim Canada Dental Benefit is designed for parents and guardians of children under 12 who do not have private dental insurance. It provides coverage for dental treatments up until June 30, 2024, and is available to families with an annual income of less than $90,000. To assist with the process, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has created a helpful video walkthrough on how to claim this benefit.

In contrast, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will offer broader coverage, extending eligibility to all qualifying Canadians across all age groups by 2025.