If cost considerations have had you delaying preventive dental visits, good news. You may be eligible for financial help that many Canadians don't even know exists!
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides free or reduced-cost dental care to eligible Canadians in all age groups who do not have access to private dental insurance and have an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP?
Individuals who are eligible for the CDCP must meet four requirements:
- No access to private dental insurance through an employer, spouse, or pension plan
- An adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Both the individual and their spouse (if applicable) have filed a recent tax return
- The individual is a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Notably, CDCP eligibility isn't limited to low-income households, as many people assume. Rather, it’s available to a much larger number of Canadians, including retirees, many self-employed workers, and part-time employees who don't have a workplace plan.
What Does the CDCP Cover?
CDCP covers a broad range of services, including routine checkups and cleanings, dental fillings, and dentures. Pre-approval is not required for most routine care. More involved treatments, such as porcelain crowns, orthodontics, or oral surgery, typically require pre-authorization from your dentist before treatment begins. It’s worth noting that purely cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening and veneers, are not covered by the plan.
Is There a Catch?
The main thing to understand is the co-payment structure. If your family income is under $70,000, most eligible services are covered in full. Above $70,000, co-payments apply, with one tier for families earning between $70,000 and $79,999, and another for those between $80,000 and $89,999. Also, your dentist may charge the difference between their fee and the CDCP's set rate for a given procedure. Given all of this, it’s important to ask your provider what your actual out-of-pocket cost will look like before starting treatment.
Renewing and Staying Covered
If you're already enrolled, annual renewal is required to avoid a coverage gap, and missing the deadline means your coverage ends until you reapply. For the 2026–2027 benefit year, the renewal deadline was June 1, 2026.
Do You Qualify for the CDCP?
If you’re in Scarborough and would like guidance on whether your family qualifies for dental coverage under the CDCP, contact your Scarborough dentist and the friendly, knowledgeable Dentistry at Alton Towers team to schedule a consultation.