This is a blog site providing general information on the Canadian government dental program. For official information, please visit Canada.ca/dental
Independent guide to the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Reviewed September 23, 2026.
Independent information site. DentalCarePlanCanada.ca is not affiliated with the Government of Canada, Service Canada, Health Canada, or Sun Life. We do not process CDCP applications, renewals, or claims.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps lower financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadian residents. Learn how the plan works, who qualifies, and how to access your dental benefits.
Quick Summary of the CDCP
- Administered By: Health Canada and Service Canada.
- Primary Objective: To provide dental coverage for Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who lack access to private dental insurance.
- Source Verification: All information is compiled directly from official government frameworks. For official updates, verify directly via the Government of Canada Dental Care Page.
Who Qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
To be eligible for the CDCP, you must meet all of the following core criteria verified during the tax assessment process:
| Eligibility Requirement | Verification Criteria |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. |
| Tax Filing | Must have filed a valid tax return for the previous calendar year. |
| Insurance Status | Must have no access to private or employer-sponsored dental insurance. |
| Income Threshold | Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) must be strictly less than $90,000. |
What Dental Services Are Covered?
The CDCP covers a wide array of core oral health services aimed at preventing and treating dental disease. Covered services include:
- Preventive Services: Scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and topical fluoride applications.
- Diagnostic Services: Examinations, consultations, and digital X-rays.
- Restorative Services: Fillings, crowns, and treating tooth decay.
- Endodontic Services: Root canal treatments to save damaged teeth.
- Periodontal Services: Deep cleanings for gum disease management.
- Prosthodontic Services: Complete and partial removable dentures.
- Oral Surgery: Extractions and minor surgical procedures.
The CDCP pays a percentage of eligible costs at CDCP-established fees. There is no co-payment for adjusted family net income under $70,000; the co-payment is 40% from $70,000 to $79,999 and 60% from $80,000 to $89,999. You may still owe an additional amount if your provider charges more than the CDCP-established fee or if a service is not covered.
