Details of Federal Canadian Dental Plan Released
The Government of Canada has announced some details of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) which is designed to help ease financial barriers to accessing oral health care.
Eligibility
To qualify for the CDCP, the following criteria must be met:
- have filed their tax return in the previous year
- an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- no access to private dental insurance
- be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Application Process and Rollout
The program will be rolled out in a phased approach over the coming months, starting with seniors. Beginning in December 2023, letters will start to be mailed to potentially eligible seniors informing them they may qualify for the plan and inviting them to apply. This letter will include a personalized application code and instructions on how to apply over the phone.
| Group | Applications Open |
|---|---|
| Seniors aged 87 and above | Starting December 2023 |
| Seniors aged 77 to 86 | Starting January 2024 |
| Seniors aged 72 to 76 | Starting February 2024 |
| Seniors aged 70 to 71 | Starting March 2024 |
| Seniors aged 65 to 69 | Starting May 2024 |
| Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate | Starting June 2024 |
| Children under 18 years old | Starting June 2024 |
| All remaining eligible Canadian residents | Starting 2025 |
Coverage
Services that could be covered under the CDCP include the following, with some services only becoming available in fall 2024:
- preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride
- diagnostic services, including examinations and x-rays
- restorative services, including fillings
- endodontic services, including root canal treatments
- prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures
- periodontal services, including deep scaling
- oral surgery services, including extractions
Tips to Prepare for Application
- File your taxes to ensure you are eligible for the program.
- Make sure your mailing address is up to date with both the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada.
- Do not expect reimbursement for any dental work you receive before your application has been approved which is likely not until May 2024 for people 85 and over.
Before Cancelling Your Private Dental Insurance Plan
- Contact your dentist to see if they will be participating in the CDCP. It is not mandatory for all dental providers to opt-in to the program.
- Carefully determine whether your private plan or the CDCP would be a better option for you. Coverage may differ significantly and some CDCP clients may have to pay additional fees and co-pays.
If you require assistance in making a decision we would encourage you to inquire further with your private insurer, your dentist, the CDCP, and/or the BC Dental Association (BCDA).
Contact
- Canadian Dental Care Plan
1-833-537-4342 (option 9)
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET), Monday to Friday - BC Dental Association
604-736-7202
For More Information
Canadian Dental Care Program Website – https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
News Release – https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/12/making-dental-care-more-affordable-in-canada.html