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.
Purpose:
The CDCP helps reduce financial barriers to dental care for Canadian residents whose adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 and who do not have access to employer-sponsored or private dental insurance.
Eligibility:
To qualify for the CDCP, applicants must:
- Be a Canadian resident (including children and youth under 12, and eventually those under 18)
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
- Not have dental coverage through an employer or private plan
- Be registered or eligible to register for the Canada Child Benefit (for children under 12) or meet similar criteria for other age groups as the program expands
How to Apply:
Eligible residents can apply through the Government of Canada’s official website for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Some of the Covered Services Include:
- Dental exams (complete, routine, specific, and emergency)
- X-rays
- Cleaning (scaling)
- Fluoride applications
- Sealants
- Permanent fillings
- Temporary fillings
- Pain control for diseased teeth
- Dentures
Official Site and Application:
You can find more information and apply at the Government of Canada’s official CDCP page:
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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:
- The delegate must provide documentation proving their legal authority (e.g., power of attorney documents, mandate, or trusteeship paperwork).
- 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 was a temporary program for parents and guardians of children under 12 without private dental insurance. It offered financial support for dental treatments and was available to families earning less than $90,000 per year. This program officially ended on June 30, 2024.
In its place, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is being rolled out to provide more comprehensive dental coverage for eligible Canadians of all ages. The CDCP is a national dental program designed to help low- and middle-income families who do not have access to private dental insurance. Full enrollment is expected to be available by 2025, and coverage will include preventive care, restorative treatments, and more.
At London Heritage Dental in Calgary, we’re happy to help you understand how these programs may apply to your family and guide you through your treatment options. Feel free to reach out to our team for the latest updates on CDCP eligibility and how to access your benefits.