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Access to dental care is essential for maintaining overall health, yet many Canadians struggle with the cost of routine and unexpected dental treatments. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was introduced to make oral healthcare more affordable for millions of people across the country. But what exactly does it cover? Who can apply? And what expenses might you still need to pay?
Understanding what the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers is the first step toward using the program effectively. The plan includes a wide range of services divided into four main categories: preventive, basic, restorative, and emergency care.
Preventive care is one of the core benefits. The CDCP covers services such as dental exams, X-rays, cleanings,fluoride treatments, and scaling. These procedures may be fully covered depending on your household income. For example, families earning under the lowest income threshold may have no co-pay, while those in higher brackets may need to pay a portion.
This includes fillings, tooth extractions, and treatment for gum diseases. Basic care under the CDCP is usually partially covered, meaning patients may pay 40–60% depending on income.A simple filling, for instance, may be partly funded, while an extraction maybe fully covered if it is medically required.
Restorative services under the CDCP include crowns, dentures, and root canals. These treatments are partially covered and often require a co-pay. A sample scenario:
The CDCP also helps with urgent dental needs such as infections, broken teeth, or sudden pain. Emergency procedures typically fall under basic or restorative coverage, meaning full or partial coverage applies depending on the patient’s income level.
In short, what the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers includes most essential treatments that protect your oral health, with coverage levels based on household income.
Before applying, it’s important to know who is eligible for CDCP coverage and how to apply. The Government of Canada uses three main criteria:
Your adjusted family net income must be below $90,000 to qualify, with the highest level of coverage available to households earning under $70,000.
The program is being rolled out in phases: seniors, adults with disabilities, children, and eventually all Canadians without private dental insurance.
Applicants must have filed their taxes for the previous year, as eligibility is assessed through tax records.
If you already have private dental insurance, you do not qualify for the CDCP. However, individuals with provincial or territorial dental benefits may still be eligible.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, here’s how to apply for CDCP coverage:
The process is simple, and approval is typically quick once documentation is confirmed.
Even though the plan offers extensive support, it’s equally important to understand what isn’t covered under the CDCP and what out-of-pocket costs to expect.
The CDCP does not cover cosmetic or elective procedures. These include:
Any procedure that is not medically necessary will be paid entirely by the patient.
Your household income determines how much you contribute:
These examples show that while the CDCP greatly reduces dental costs, some expenses remain based on income level.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a major step forward in improving access to oral health services across the country. By understanding what the CDCP covers, who is eligible and how to apply, and what isn’t covered, Canadians can make informed decisions about their dental health.Whether you’re seeking preventive care, managing a dental issue, or planning future treatments, the CDCP can significantly reduce financial barriers and help you maintain a healthy smile.
