Everyone needs dental care. Dental exams, crowns, and restorative dental services are necessary to protect your family’s health. No one should lose access to dental care because of financial trouble, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was recently launched to help support this need.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a public plan created for Canadian residents who don’t have access to dental insurance and have a family net income of less than $90,000. Applications will open in phases and are now open for those aged 72 and older.
At Southgate Dental Centre, Dr. Waseem Hussain accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan and would be happy to meet your dental needs.
In this article we will cover:
- Who is eligible?
- How to apply
- What services are covered?
- How much is covered?
The Details of the Canadian Dental Can Plan
The amount someone is eligible for depends on several factors, including net family income, current access to dental insurance, and if you have filed your taxes from the previous year.
Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The government launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan to include adults who don’t have access to dental insurance and have a family net income of less than $90,000.
In order to qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
- You do not have access to dental insurance—this could be through an employer, pension, professional or student organization, or a purchased plan
- You have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- You are a Canadian resident
- You have filed your tax return from the previous year
It’s important to note that if you currently have dental coverage through a government program and meet all of the above eligibility criteria, you may still qualify for the CDCP.
How to Apply
How Can You Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
If you’re wondering when you can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Play, it’s important to note that applications will be done in phases. The application schedule is as follows:
| Age Group | Application Date |
| Seniors age 87 and above | Started December 2023 |
| Seniors age 77–86 | Started January 2024 |
| Seniors age 72–76 | Started February 2024 |
| Seniors age 70–71 | Started March 2024 |
| Seniors age 65–69 | Starting May 2024 |
| Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate | Starting June 2024 |
| Children under 18 years of age | Starting June 2024 |
| All remaining eligible Canadian residents | Starting 2025 |
If you are eligible as of May 2024, you will be able to do so online.
For more information and to apply, visit the Government of Canada website.
What Services Are Covered?
The government will cover services within the plan at the established fees. It’s also important to note the CDCP fees are not the same as the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
Examples of services that the CDCP will cover include:
- Preventative services—scaling, polishing, fluoride.
- Diagnostic services—exams, x-rays
- Restorative services—fillings
- Endodontic services—root canals
- Prosthodontic services—complete and partial dentures
- Periodontal services—deep scaling
- Oral surgery services—extractions
Some of these services will require a predetermination, and these predeterminations can’t be submitted until November 2024.
How Much of Your Dental Services Will be Covered?
How Much Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?
The CDCP will pay a portion of the expenses, determined by CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income. You might incur extra fees directly to the dental provider if:
- Your adjusted family net income falls between $70,000 and $89,999
- The dental provider charges more than CDCP fees
- You and your dental provider opt for services not covered by the CDCP—you will be responsible for covering the entire cost of these services if you choose to receive them
Co-Payments
You may have a co-payment, determined by your adjusted family net income. This is the percentage of fees not covered by the CDCP that you’ll need to pay directly to the oral health provider.
| Adjusted Family Net Income | What the CDCP Covers | What You Will Cover |
| Less than $70,000 | 100% of eligible dental services will be covered under the CDCP established fees | 0% of CDCP established fees unless additional charges are required |
| Between $70,000–$79,999 | 60% of eligible dental services will be covered under the CDCP established fees | 40% of CDCP established fees unless additional charges are required |
| Between $80,000–$89,999 | 40% of eligible dental services will be covered under the CDCP established fees | 60% of CDCP established fees unless additional charges are required |
Additional charges may be required if:
- Your dental provider charges more than the CDCP established fees
- You agree to receive dental services that the CDCP doesn’t cover
Get the Dental Care You Need
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is available to help you and your family receive necessary dental care with coverage set to begin May of 2024. Everyone deserves healthy teeth and gums, no matter their financial situation.
If you have any questions about your dental coverage, contact Dr. Waseem Hussain at Southgate Dental Centre in Edmonton. We’re here to help families receive the dental care they need.
