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The Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as part of its objective to make dental care more accessible and affordable for those who might not otherwise be able to afford the care needed to maintain good oral health.
The CDCP is a publicly funded dental benefit for those with an annual household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance.
The plan covers a portion of the cost of an enrolled patient's oral health treatments to prevent and treat oral disease which, in turn, can protect against serious health problems.
Anyone wishing to participate in this plan must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Filed an income tax return for the previous year.
- Do not have dental insurance through a private or pension plan or with an employer.
- Have a net (after tax) family income of less than $90,000 annually.
Application periods are staggered between December 2023 and 2025. As of May 2024, seniors 65+ can apply online or over the phone.
If you are a senior (age 65 or older), there is no need to do anything, as you will receive a letter with instructions on applying and an application code. You can then apply over the phone by following the instructions included in the letter.
If you are eligible but haven't received a letter, check the mailing address used for your 2022 tax filing is current. If your address is out of date, you will need to contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to update it.
From May 2024, people can apply online. At the time of writing, no information is available on applying online
For further information on services covered, please visit the Government of Canada website.
