Canadian Dental Care Plan: Eligibility & How to Apply 2025

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps cover oral health expenses for uninsured Canadians earning less than $90,000 a year. Rolling out in phases since 2023, the plan opens applications to more age groups throughout 2025. Here’s what it actually takes to qualify and apply.

Administered by: Government of Canada · Targets: Uninsured Canadian residents · Covers: Select oral health care services · Application needed: Yes, online or phone · Key requirement: Income below threshold

The table below summarizes key eligibility thresholds and coverage details for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

What’s the Canadian Dental Care Plan and who qualifies?

The CDCP is a federal dental insurance program designed to bring oral health care within reach for Canadians who lack private coverage. The Government of Canada describes it as a way to help cover costs of oral health care for eligible residents, working through Sun Life Financial as the administrator.

Overview of CDCP

Unlike provincial programs that vary by region, the CDCP applies uniformly across Canada. It doesn’t cover every dental procedure—instead, it covers select oral health services at fees established by the government. The plan covers exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other preventive or basic restorative services. More complex procedures may have limited coverage or require pre-authorization.

Basic qualification criteria

Before applying, you must meet all four eligibility requirements. According to the Government of Canada, applicants need no access to private dental insurance, must have an adjusted family net income below $90,000, must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and must have filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year.

Even if you have some government social program dental benefits, you may still qualify for CDCP if other criteria are met. The key is that you lack access to private coverage—that includes employer plans, spouse’s insurance, or individual dental policies.

Do I qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The four eligibility rules exist to target the program precisely where private options have failed. Here’s how to check each one.

Income and insurance checks

• No private dental insurance: You cannot have access to dental coverage through an employer, a family member’s plan, or a private individual policy.
• Adjusted family net income under $90,000: This figure refers to your family’s total net income, not just yours.
• Canadian resident for tax purposes: You must have filed taxes in Canada and be considered a resident.
• Filed previous year’s taxes: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed Canadian tax returns for the prior year.

Residency requirements

Canadian residency for tax purposes means you file Canadian income taxes and are considered a resident under the Income Tax Act. This isn’t necessarily tied to citizenship—permanent residents and certain temporary residents who file taxes may qualify. The Canadian Dental Association confirms that those with government social program dental benefits may still qualify if they meet all other criteria.

What is the income limit for Canada’s dental benefit?

The CDCP uses three income tiers to determine how much of your dental costs the plan covers. Thresholds apply to adjusted family net income, not individual earnings.

General income thresholds

• Under $70,000: CDCP covers 100% of eligible services at established fees.
• $70,000–$79,999: CDCP covers 60%, with a 40% co-payment required from the applicant.
• $80,000–$89,999: CDCP covers 40%, with a 60% co-payment required from the applicant.

Seniors-specific limits

Seniors 65 and older were the first priority group for the CDCP rollout. The same income thresholds apply regardless of age—the difference is that seniors gained access starting in late 2023, before younger age groups entered the phased rollout. The Canadian Dental Association notes that coverage is always based on adjusted family net income, which accounts for the household’s total earnings.

How to apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The application process runs through the government’s online portal, with phone and mail options as alternatives. Here’s the breakdown of what you need and the steps to submit.

Documents needed

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Date of birth, full name, home and mailing address for each applicant
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
• List of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)
• Proof of income: tax returns, Notice of Assessment, or pay stubs

Application steps

Step 1 involves gathering all required documents before starting. You’ll need identification, proof of residency, and income verification materials. Empress Walk Dental recommends compiling your Notice of Assessment, recent tax returns, and any relevant dental coverage documentation first.

Step 2 requires logging into or creating a My Service Canada Account using your SIN and personal information. If you don’t already have an account, you can set one up using your SIN, date of birth, and a CRA security code or in-person verification. 123 Dentist outlines the account creation process as a prerequisite for the online application.

Step 3 covers entering your personal details, confirming you have no private dental coverage, and providing income and residency information. Danforth Dentistry emphasizes that this step includes declaring any existing government social program dental benefits you may have.

Step 4 is reviewing and submitting your application, after which you’ll receive a confirmation. Kelowna Dentistry notes that approved applicants can expect coverage to begin as early as June 1, 2025.

2025 updates

The 2025 rollout opened applications to additional age groups. Applications for ages 55-64 opened May 1, 2025, with ages 18-34 following on May 15, 2025, and ages 35-54 on May 29, 2025. This phased approach follows the earlier priority phases that covered seniors 65+, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.

How much is dental care under the plan in Canada?

Understanding what you’ll actually pay involves knowing both the coverage percentages and the potential extra costs that can appear at the dentist’s office.

Coverage details

CDCP coverage applies to services at established government fees, not at whatever your dentist normally charges. The Canada.ca coverage page confirms that applicants may face additional fees beyond CDCP established rates. This gap between what the plan pays and what your dentist charges is where out-of-pocket costs creep in.

The plan covers exams and cleanings, fillings and extractions, and other preventive or basic restorative services. More advanced procedures like crowns, bridges, or orthodontics have limited or conditional coverage. Clean Smiles emphasizes that not all dentists participate in CDCP, so finding a participating provider is essential before assuming your plan will be accepted.

Out-of-pocket costs

Your actual costs depend on two factors: your income bracket and your dentist’s participation status. Families earning under $70,000 pay nothing for covered services at established fees. Families in the $70,000–$79,999 bracket cover 40% of those fees out of pocket, while those earning $80,000–$89,999 are responsible for 60%.

Beyond co-payments, dentists who don’t participate in CDCP can charge whatever they like. Even participating dentists may charge for materials or services that fall outside CDCP coverage. The implication: “covered” doesn’t mean free at the chair.

Related reading: CPP eligibility and payments · Canada direct deposit dates for benefits

For a deeper dive into the nuances, this eligibility application and coverage guide complements the 2025 rollout specifics with practical application insights.

Frequently asked questions