Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Residency | Canadian resident for tax purposes |
| Income | Family net income under $90,000 |
| Dental insurance | No access to private dental coverage |
| Tax filing | Must have filed your most recent tax return |
| SIN | Valid Social Insurance Number |
| Age | All ages now eligible (phased rollout complete) |
Who Is NOT Eligible
- Individuals with private dental insurance through employer, spouse, or parent
- Members of the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP (covered separately)
- Refugees or protected persons covered under the Interim Federal Health Program
- Inmates of federal penitentiaries
- Families with income above $90,000
Co-Pay Structure by Income
| Family Net Income | Co-Pay | You Pay | Plan Pays |
|---|
| Under $70,000 | 0% | Nothing | 100% |
| $70,000 - $79,999 | 40% | 40% of cost | 60% |
| $80,000 - $89,999 | 60% | 60% of cost | 40% |
| $90,000+ | Not eligible | N/A | N/A |
There are no monthly premiums. You only pay co-pays at the time of service.
Example Costs
| Procedure | Typical Fee | Under $70K | $70K-$80K | $80K-$90K |
|---|
| Cleaning | $250 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
| Exam + X-rays | $150 | $0 | $60 | $90 |
| Filling | $200 | $0 | $80 | $120 |
| Root canal | $900 | $0 | $360 | $540 |
| Crown | $1,200 | $0 | $480 | $720 |
| Dentures | $2,000 | $0 | $800 | $1,200 |
What Is Covered
Preventive Services
| Service | Frequency |
|---|
| Dental exam | 1 per year |
| Cleaning (scaling) | 1 per year (2 for high-risk patients) |
| Fluoride | 1 per year (children and high-risk) |
| X-rays (bitewing) | 1 set per year |
| X-rays (full mouth) | 1 every 3 years |
| Sealants | Children under 18 |
Restorative Services
| Service | Coverage Notes |
|---|
| Fillings | Composite (white) and amalgam covered |
| Crowns | When tooth cannot be restored with filling |
| Inlays and onlays | When clinically necessary |
| Core build-ups | In conjunction with crown |
Other Covered Services
| Category | Services |
|---|
| Endodontics | Root canals, re-treatments |
| Periodontics | Scaling, root planing, gum surgery |
| Prosthodontics | Complete and partial dentures, repairs, relines |
| Oral surgery | Extractions, surgical extractions |
| Orthodontics | Children under 18 (limited coverage) |
| Emergency | Pain relief, trauma |
What Is NOT Covered
- Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, veneers for aesthetics)
- Dental implants (except certain medically necessary cases)
- Orthodontics for adults
- Sedation and general anaesthesia (except surgical necessity)
- Procedures not prescribed by a licensed dentist
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Filed most recent tax return
- Family net income under $90,000
- No private dental insurance
- Canadian resident with valid SIN
Step 2: Apply
| Method | Details |
|---|
| Online | CDCP application portal |
| Phone | 1-833-537-4342 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm ET) |
| In-person | Service Canada offices |
Step 3: What You Need
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Mailing address
- Confirm you do not have dental insurance
- Names of family members being enrolled
Step 4: Receive Your Card
| Timeline | Details |
|---|
| Processing | 4-8 weeks |
| Card delivery | By mail to your address |
| Activation | Automatic — use at participating provider |
Step 5: Visit a Dentist
Bring your CDCP member card to any participating oral health provider. Check the provider search tool on the CDCP website to confirm your dentist participates.
Finding a Participating Provider
Most dentists across Canada accept the CDCP. As of 2026:
| Provider Type | Participation Rate |
|---|
| General dentists | ~85% |
| Dental hygienists | ~75% |
| Denturists | ~80% |
| Oral surgeons | ~70% |
Before booking, call your dental office to confirm they accept the CDCP. Some providers may bill you upfront if not registered with the plan.
CDCP vs. Private Dental Insurance
| Feature | CDCP | Private Insurance |
|---|
| Monthly premium | $0 | $50-$200/month |
| Income limit | Under $90K | None |
| Coverage | Basic + restorative | Varies by plan |
| Orthodontics | Children only (limited) | Often included |
| Implants | Very limited | Often partial coverage |
| Annual maximum | Fee guide limits | $1,000-$5,000 typical |
| Waiting periods | None | 3-12 months common |
When to Keep or Get Private Insurance
- You earn over $90,000
- You need orthodontic work (adult braces, Invisalign)
- You need dental implants
- You want expanded coverage beyond basics
- Your employer offers no-cost dental benefits
Provincial Dental Programs (In Addition to CDCP)
| Province | Program | Who Qualifies |
|---|
| Ontario | Healthy Smiles Ontario, ODSP dental | Children, low-income |
| Quebec | RAMQ dental | Children under 10, social assistance |
| BC | BC Dental Fee Guide, BCEA dental | Social assistance recipients |
| Alberta | Alberta Adult Health Benefit | AISH, Income Support recipients |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Smiles | Children, low-income |
| Saskatchewan | Supplementary Health | Social assistance |
| Nova Scotia | MSI dental | Children, social assistance |
| New Brunswick | NB Dental Program | Children under 18 |
You can use both the CDCP and a provincial program. The CDCP coordinates benefits with provincial plans to maximize your coverage.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|
| Applications open (seniors 87+) | December 2023 |
| Rollout to ages 72-86 | January-March 2024 |
| Rollout to under 18 + DTC holders | June 2024 |
| Full rollout (all eligible) | 2025 |
| Ongoing enrollment | Anytime — no deadline |
Tips to Maximize Your CDCP Benefits
- File your taxes every year — eligibility is based on your most recent return
- Update your address with CRA so your card arrives correctly
- Book preventive visits first — cleanings and exams are fully covered for most
- Ask for treatment plans — get a cost estimate before major procedures
- Combine with provincial programs if eligible for additional coverage
- Report changes — if you get private insurance, you must notify the program
- Keep your card safe — replacement cards take 2-4 weeks