The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding to help millions more Canadians get affordable dental care. Starting in May 2025, adults aged 18 to 64 who do not have private dental insurance can apply. This expansion aims to improve access for those who need it most.
Applications opened in phases by age group:
- May 1: Ages 55 to 64
- May 15: Ages 18 to 34
- May 29: Ages 35 to 54
Coverage started as early as June 1, 2025. The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services, from check-ups to more complex treatments. You can apply online, by phone, or at a Service Canada Centre.
Eligibility criteria
To receive support from the Canadian Dental Care Plan, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the program helps those who need it most and that resources are distributed fairly. Before applying, it’s important to check that you meet all the following conditions:
To qualify, you must:
Be a resident of Canada:
You must live in Canada and have a valid Canadian address. This means you are either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a person who has refugee status.
Have no dental insurance:
You cannot have (or access to) any private or employer-provided dental insurance. The plan is designed for people who do not already have coverage for dental care.
Have filed current taxes:
Your tax filings must be up to date. This is necessary because your eligibility is based on your family’s net income, which is determined through your tax return.
Have a family net income below $90,000:
Your total family net income must be less than $90,000 per year. This ensures that the program supports low and middle-income families who may struggle to afford dental care.
Coverage and services under the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan provides a broad range of dental services to help make oral health care more affordable for eligible Canadians. The dental plan covers essential needs, including preventive care, diagnostic exams, restorative treatments, and more.
Services
Some of the key services included are:
- Dental exams and cleanings
- X-rays and diagnostic services
- Fillings and cavity treatments
- Root canals
- Crowns and dentures
- Extractions and oral surgery
- Anesthesia or sedation services
- Limited orthodontic services (with strict criteria)
Coverage
Coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan depends on your family’s adjusted net income.
- If your family income is under $70,000, you qualify for full coverage (the plan pays 100% of eligible costs at CDCP rates).
- If your family income is between $70,000 and $79,999, the plan covers 60% of eligible costs (you pay the remaining 40%).
- If your family income is between $80,000 and $89,999, the plan covers 40% of eligible costs (you pay the remaining 60%).
This means you may still have to pay part of the bill, especially for more expensive treatments, if your family income is higher, or if your dentist charges more than the CDCP’s set rates.
The dental plan offers better coverage for major restorative services, but not all dental work is included. Cosmetic procedures or services not considered medically necessary are usually excluded.
Impact and participation
The Canadian Dental Care Plan has already made a significant difference across the country. This program was created to help more Canadians access affordable dental care, and its early results show strong participation and positive impact.
So far, over 4 million Canadians have been approved to take part in the CDCP. This shows high demand for affordable dental care. Of those approved, about 2 million people are already receiving dental care through the plan. This means that millions of Canadians who may have struggled to afford dental visits in the past are now able to get the treatment they need for better oral health.
The program is also supported by a large number of dental professionals. Around 25,000 oral health providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, and denturists, have signed up to participate in the CDCP.
However, it is important to note that not every dental office in Canada accepts the plan. Dentists and clinics can choose whether or not to join the CDCP. It’s recommended that patients check if their local provider is participating before booking an appointment. If they receive treatment from a dentist not participating in CDCP, they will be responsible for paying the full treatment costs. Also, note that the CDCP is not universal. Canadians with existing private dental insurance or those above the income threshold are not eligible for coverage. As a result, some people may still be left out, especially if their income is just above the cut-off or if they already have another dental plan.
Renewal process
The CDCP is designed to help make dental care more affordable and accessible for Canadians. To ensure continued coverage, it is important for current members to complete the renewal process each year. For the 2025 coverage period, members must renew their enrollment by June 1, 2025. This involves two main steps: filing their 2024 tax return and submitting a renewal application.
Filing your 2024 tax return is essential because eligibility for the CDCP is based on your household income. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) uses your tax information to confirm that you still qualify for the program. After filing your taxes, you must also fill out and submit a renewal application. This application can usually be completed online or by mail, and it helps keep your information up to date.
The federal government has announced an investment of $13 billion over five years in the CDCP. This funding will help more people access affordable dental services and reduce financial barriers to good oral health.
Key takeaways
The expanded Canadian Dental Care Plan marks a major step forward in making dental care more affordable and accessible for millions of Canadians who lack private dental insurance. By targeting adults aged 18 to 64 with family incomes under $90,000, the CDCP aims to close a long-standing gap in the country’s health system. Coverage varies on a sliding scale based on income up to $90,000. While the plan covers a broad range of essential dental services, it does not include cosmetic procedures and is not available to those with existing private insurance.
With over 4 million Canadians already approved and thousands of dental providers participating, the CDCP is poised to improve oral health outcomes nationwide. However, not every dental office has joined the program, and some Canadians will remain ineligible due to income limits or insurance status. The government’s ongoing investment of $13 billion over five years demonstrates a strong commitment to making dental care a core part of Canada’s public health system and accessible to those who need it. For people facing debt, this is certainly even more of a welcome relief to their finances. If that’s you, we can help. Contact one of our trained credit counsellors for advice – a free consultation can help you find a debt solution that’s the right fit for you.
