🦷 Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Making Oral Health More Affordable
Government funding / Dental Care / For Eligible Residents / Online Application Available
Many individuals in Canada have delayed or avoided dental care due to high out-of-pocket costs. To address this issue, the federal government introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), offering financial support for eligible residents without private dental insurance. This initiative is helping to make regular dental checkups and treatments more accessible—especially for seniors.
View more details about dental care:
What Is CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal initiative designed to reduce dental care expenses for low- and moderate-income households，funded by the Canadian government. The program provides subsidies for dental services, the plan aims to support broader access to oral healthcare across the country.
Who Is Eligible?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is helping make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents. Basic eligibility criteria include:
- Valid Canadian health insurance (Medicare)
- Annual household income under $90,000
- No access to private dental insurance
- Applications are being phased in, starting with priority groups such as seniors and individuals with disabilities
What Services Are Covered?
CDCP provides coverage for a range of basic and preventive dental services, including but not limited to:
- Teeth cleaning
- Cavity fillings
- Extractions
- Root canal treatments
- Partial coverage for dentures and restorative care
- Child-focused dental services
📊 CDCP Age Comparison Chart
| Age Group | Access Timeline | Application Status | Reimbursement (Based on Income) | Key Services Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–11 (Children) | ✅ Available June 2024 | ✅ Open | - <$70,000: Highest support - $70,000–$89,999: Partial support | Cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions | Application submitted by parent/guardian |
| 12–17 (Youth) | ✅ Available June 2024 | ✅ Open | Same as above | Exams, fillings, general care | Orthodontics not included; some treatments require pre-approval |
| 18–24 (Young Adults) | 🔜 Expected June 2025 | ✅ Open | Same as above | Preventive care, fillings, periodontal support | Priority for financially independent young adults |
| 25–44 (Adults) | 🔜 Mid-2025 rollout | ✅ Open | Same as above | Routine care, root canals, some dentures | Early preparation of income and ID documentation recommended |
| 45–64 (Middle Age) | 🔜 Mid-2025 rollout | ✅ Open | Same as above | High-need care (e.g., periodontitis), extractions, dentures | Can be used alongside provincial plans |
| 65+ (Seniors) | ✅ Available since Dec 2023 | ✅ Open | Same as above | Basic care, dentures, periodontal treatment | Dentures and complex procedures may require pre-approval; wide dentist participation |
How to Apply
- Visit the official Government of Canada website or log in through a CRA account
- Provide identity verification and income documentation
- Wait for eligibility review and confirmation
- Once approved, present CDCP details at a participating dental clinic to receive benefits
✅ The application process is straightforward and mostly completed online.
Why It Matters
Studies show that over one-third of Canadians skip dental care each year due to financial concerns. Oral health is closely linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. By lowering access barriers, CDCP is expected to improve public health outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
📣 conclusion
The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a progressive step in ensuring access to essential dental services. Whether for seniors, children, or working adults, the plan helps create a healthier and more equitable future for Canadians.
