What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federally funded dental program that covers routine and essential dental care for eligible Canadians. Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance from other sources and fall within a certain income threshold are eligible for CDCP coverage. 

The way coverage works is through reimbursement, the CDCP will fully or partially reimburse the cost of your treatment. The dental care costs the CDCP will reimburse depends on the type of service needed and your family income. If you have a family household income above $70,000, you will be required to pay a co-payment on services covered by the CDCP. 

Who Doesn’t Qualify

• Canadian Families with an annual income higher than $90,000
• Canadians that are covered by a private dental insurance plan, even if they don’t use it.
• Canadians with dental insurance coverage from their employee benefits, even if they don’t use it.
• Canadians with dental insurance coverage from a pension plan, even if they don’t use it.
• Canadians with dental insurance coverage from a professional/student organization, even if they don’t use it.

Do I Still Need Dental Insurance If I’m Covered by the CDCP?

If you are eligible for CDCP coverage, you’ll only need dental insurance if you need/want dental work that falls outside of what the CDCP can cover. 

The CDCP only covers routine and essential dental care. Keep in mind that opting into private dental insurance will make you no longer eligible for CDCP coverage, so be prepared when seeking out non-essential dental work. 

What the CDCP Covers

The CDCP might fully or partially cover:

• Dental exams
• Oral X-rays
• Cleaning
• Use of Fluoride and/or Sealants 
• Treatment for Cavities (fillings, pain control)
• Root canal treatments (and/or retreatments in certain cases)
• Dental procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain
• Gumline cleanings
• Oral abscess treatment
• Bonding (in certain cases)
• Medical evaluation after surgery (in certain cases)
• Gum disease management (excluding surgical treatments)
• Posts (including removal, repair, and re-bonding)
• Crowns in certain cases (including cores, repair, and re-bonding)
• Dentures (including standard or temporary)
• Partial dentures (in certain cases)
• Denture lining placement, repairs, relines and/or rebases
• Complete immediate and overdentures (in certain cases)
• Oral surgeries such as removal of teeth, removal of tumours and cysts, surgical incisions, draining, and treatment of broken jaw bones.
• Sedation and anaesthesia (in certain cases)

What the CDCP Doesn’t Cover

• Cosmetic dental work such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding 
• Braces
• Mouth guards
• Dental implants
• Crown lengthening
• Ridge augmentation
• Fixed bridges
• As of August 2025, orthodontic services are not yet eligible for coverage with the CDCP. However, orthodontic services are set to be covered by the end of the year, and patients will need to meet strict criteria for coverage and have a set spending budget. 

Can I Have Both the CDCP and Private Dental Insurance Coverage?

No, you are ineligible for CDCP coverage if you are covered by a private dental insurance plan of any kind, including from your work benefits or school. 

Why Opt Into Private Dental Insurance Instead of Relying on CDCP Coverage?

While the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) offers essential coverage for many Canadians, those needing more comprehensive dental care should opt into private dental insurance. 

While you may get support for check-ups and basic treatments with the CDCP, any need for more advanced or cosmetic services will require additional funding. Private dental insurance can cover a wide range of treatments, including braces, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures. 

With private dental insurance, you won’t be restricted by income thresholds, like with the CDCP. Enrolling in private coverage means the dental care you need regardless of your income situation.

Additionally, private insurance can streamline your dental coverage, as most services will be covered directly rather than through reimbursement.

If you’re looking for a private health and dental plan to suit your needs, you can compare quotes online for free with Quick Quotes!

Frequently Asked Questions about the CDCP

Do all Canadians Qualify for the CDCP?

No. Families with a combined household income over $90,000 cannot be covered by the CDCP. Additionally, you must be a Canadian citizen who filed a tax return for the previous tax year (2024).

Only adults 65 and over, children under 18, and adults with a 2025 disability tax credit certificate are eligible. People aged 18 to 64 can also be eligible for CDCP coverage in certain circumstances. 

What if I Don’t Qualify for the CDCP?

Canadians who don’t qualify for CDCP coverage will need to pay for dental work out-of-pocket, through employee benefits, or through a private dental insurance plan like Manulife Flexcare or Manulife FollowMe.

Can a Dentist Not Accept CDCP Coverage, and What Do I Do if They Don’t?

Participation in the CDCP is voluntary, so no dentist is obligated to accept your CDCP coverage. You should always ask your dentist if they are participating in the CDCP. The primary reason some dentists don’t accept CDCP coverage is because they want to avoid the claims process and the administrative burden it could leave on their staff. 

If your dentist doesn’t participate in the CDCP, you can either pay out-of-pocket, through private insurance avenues, or look for a different dentist in your area that is participating in the CDCP. 

Am I Enrolled in the CDCP Automatically?

No, you are not enrolled in the CDCP automatically if you are eligible. Eligible Canadians must manually apply for the CDCP each year, starting July 1st. Approval can take up to 3 months, and you must meet the eligibility requirements each time you apply.