Canadian Dental Care Plan: Full Guide (for 2024)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is an impressive program implemented by the federal government to lower dental costs for eligible families in Canada. But why is this program so important? 

Canada has financial barriers that prevent many individuals from low-income families from seeking dental care in Canada.

As you may know, dental treatment is not covered by the Canada Health Act (CHA), so it is far from free in Canada. 

However, with the recent announcement of the Canadian federal program for adults, dental treatments are expected to become more accessible and affordable. 

In this article, we will share all you need to know about the Canada dental care plan so you can take advantage of this benefit when it becomes available for every adult as early as 2025 if you meet the qualifying criteria.

Canadian Dental Care Plan: What is it?

Designed as a federal government program, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims to improve oral healthcare accessibility and affordability for Canadians without dental insurance.

This program is designed to provide a dental care subsidy for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits and have an adjusted household income of less than $90,000 a year. 

This program will reimburse a percentage of your dental costs based on your adjusted family net income, so the coverage will differ from family to family. 

The government has decided to introduce this new coverage in phases to ensure a smooth initial rollout.

Some key points about Canada's dental care plan:

• People aged 65 and older, children under 18, and adults possessing a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate are qualified to apply. It is anticipated that all other eligible Canadians will be able to access this coverage by 2025.

• It's important to note that the CDCP is a government dental benefit, not a free dental program. It is specifically for Canadians who do not have access to dental benefits and is not intended to replace benefits that individuals may already have through work, school, or private plans.

• Managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life, the Canada dental plan does not involve dentists in deciding eligibility or determining covered services.

What is the difference with Canada Dental Benefit (CDB)

The Canadian dental benefit is quite different from the Canada dental care plan.

The CBD, introduced as a temporary measure, provides low-income families with $260 to $650 in coverage per child under 12 per year, depending on their net annual income. 

To claim this benefit, families must have an adjusted family net income lower than $90,000 and must pay for dental care for a child under the age of 12.

The second phase of this benefit was available until June 30, 2024. 

On the other hand, while the Canada dental benefit only covers children under 12 years of age, the Canada dental care plan is currently available for seniors aged 70 and above.

What is covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The dental care plan in Canada covers a wide range of services:

• Scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride.
• Examinations and X-rays.
• Fillings and root canal treatments.
• Complete and partial removable dentures.
• Oral surgery services, including extractions.

Before starting treatment, your dentist will check if it will be covered by the CDCP. 

Not all applicants will be eligible for 100% coverage. Let’s examine the percentage of the Canada dental care plan fees you need to pay in different scenarios.

How to apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

To apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you have two options: you can apply online through the Canadian Government website or by phone at 1-833-537-4342.

The CDCP is being rolled out in phases, so it's important to ensure that you meet all four of the eligibility requirements before applying.

Eligibility Requirements:

• You don’t have access to dental insurance.
• Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• You filed your tax return for the previous year.
  

Additionally, to apply, you must belong to one of the following groups:

• Aged 65 or older.
• Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.
• Children under the age of 18.

All remaining eligible residents (not in one of the above groups) will be able to apply in 2025.

What is required to apply for the CDCP?

To complete the application for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you’ll need to provide the following information for each applicant and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable):

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if available for children)
• Date of birth.
• Full name.
• Home and mailing address.
• List of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)

Additionally, both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your tax return for 2023 and have received your Notice of Assessment.

How long does the process take?

Typically, it is within three months of applying, although the time span may vary. You can verify it with the status checker tool here.

How will I be notified if I have been accepted?

Upon qualifying, individuals will receive a welcome package from Sun Life, containing a member card, co-payment information, and the start date for their oral health care services coverage under the CDCP. 

The coverage start date will be determined based on the application receipt and enrollment in the CDCP, and it may vary for each person.

How can I find a dentist that work with CDCP?

You should consult with your dentist to ensure they are actively participating in the program or intend to do so. 

Sun Life maintains a trusted and up-to-date list of dentists who are part of the CDCP network, making it easier for you to choose a dentist who participates in the program.

FAQs about Canadian Dental Care

• Can My Non-Participating Dentist Still Treat Me? 

If your dentist is not participating in the CDCP, they can continue to provide you with care and treatment, but the costs won’t be covered by the CDCP.

• Must all dentists participate in the CDCP?

Not all dentists are required to participate in the CDCP; participation is voluntary.

• If I am eligible for services under other government dental programs, will I still be able to access the CDCP?

If you are eligible for services under other government dental programs, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program, and are also eligible for the CDCP, you will be able to apply. Benefits will be coordinated between the programs to avoid duplicate coverage.

• Is it advisable to delay dental visits until I have coverage under the CDCP?

It's advisable not to delay treatments or dental appointments while waiting for CDCP coverage. It's better to continue regular dental checkups to detect problems early before they become painful and expensive to treat.

Conclusions

Most Canadians have their dental treatment covered by private insurance plans, either directly or through their employer. If you don't have insurance, you'll likely have to pay for dental care out of pocket.

The Canada Dental Care Plan is a great opportunity to ease worries about your dental health. If you qualify, you can receive oral care with different levels of government support.

With all of this information, you can now prepare to apply for the federal dental care program immediately if you are entitled to it, or by 2025, when all adults in Canada who meet the requirements can start receiving help with their dental care.

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