CANADA DENTAL CARE PLAN

What is it?

The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) provides dental coverage for individuals without existing dental insurance, provided family net income is under $90,000. The program is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the federal government.

Who is eligible?

Beginning in 2025, the CDCP will be open to all Canadians who:

• Do not already have access to dental insurance (through employment, pension benefits, purchased coverage, or other channels). A person is considered to have access if coverage was available but declined.
• Have a family net income below $90,000.
• Are residents of Canada and have filed a tax return for the previous year.

What dental services are covered?

The plan covers a broad range of dental services similar to those typically offered in employer-sponsored plans.

Dentists may choose whether or not to participate in the CDCP. Coverage is available only if the treating dentist accepts CDCP clients. In some cases, CDCP reimbursement rates are lower than those of private insurers. Dentists may bill patients for any difference between their fees and CDCP rates.

Families with a net income above $70,000 are required to make co-payments.

How to apply?

Apply online.         Canadian Dental Care Plan - Apply - Canada.ca

Previous Canada Dental Benefit:

Until June 30, 2024, the Canada Dental Benefit provided limited coverage for children under 12 in families with net incomes below $90,000. This program has now been replaced by the CDCP..

Other Ontario and municipal dental programs

Programs such as Healthy Smiles Ontario continue to operate. Where individuals are covered by both CDCP and an Ontario or municipal program, dental offices submit claims to CDCP, which coordinates with the other program to determine coverage and payment.

References:

• Canada website - Dental Care Plan
• Dental Benefit Act