The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launches this week
Exciting news for those who do not have access to private insurance.
Who qualifies: To qualify for the CDCP, the following criteria must be met:
- no access to dental insurance*;
- an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000;
- be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; and
- have filed their tax return in the previous year.
*Canadian residents who have access to dental benefits through a social program offered by their province or territory and/or by the federal government will be eligible for the CDCP if they meet all the eligibility criteria.
When applications open: Applications will first open for seniors aged 87 and above in December 2023, expanding in phases to those aged 77 to 86 in January 2024, followed by those aged 72 to 76 in February 2024, then those aged 70 to 71 years in March 2024.
Individuals in these age groups who may be eligible will receive letters inviting them to apply, with instructions on how to validate their eligibility and apply by telephone.
In May 2024, an online application portal will open for seniors 65 and older. Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 will be able to apply online as of June 2024. All remaining eligible Canadian residents will be able to apply online in 2025.
Timeline for Applications
- Seniors aged 87 and above: as early as this week
Seniors aged 77 to 86: January 2024
Seniors aged 72 to 76: February 2024
Seniors aged 70 to 71: March 2024
Seniors aged 65 to 69: May 2024
Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate: June 2024
Children under 18 years old: June 2024
All remaining eligible Canadian residents: 2025
Canadians who are enrolled in the CDCP will be able to start seeing an oral health provider as early as May 2024, starting with seniors. The start date to access oral health care will vary based on when each group can apply, when the application is received and when enrolment is completed.
What is covered: To improve oral health outcomes, the CDCP will help cover the cost of various oral health care services, on the recommendations of an oral health care provider, when needed.
Services that could be covered under the CDCP include the following, with some services only becoming available in fall 2024:
- preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride;
- diagnostic services, including examinations and x-rays;
- restorative services, including fillings;
- endodontic services, including root canal treatments;
- prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures;
- periodontal services, including deep scaling;
- oral surgery services, including extractions.
Program page here: canada.ca/dental