Canadian Dental Care Plan expands eligibility, invites new applications
Access to Affordable Dental Care Expanded Under Canada’s Dental Care Plan
Introduced last year, the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims to reduce dental expenses for Canadians earning under $90,000 annually. This initiative, supported by Ottawa, targets up to nine million uninsured Canadians in need of dental care.
Beginning May 1, Health Canada extended eligibility to include individuals aged 65 and older, allowing them to apply online for CDCP benefits. Recently, Minister of Citizens’ Services Terry Beech announced further expansions: now, children under 18 and adults holding a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate can also apply for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
“With applications opening today for two new groups of Canadians, approximately 1.2 million more people will soon have access to improved oral health,” Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said in a release. “This will mean approximately 938,000 children and close to 183,000 adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate will have more affordable access to the oral health care that they need.”
The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reported that over 11,400 oral health providers, including hygienists, dentists, and denturists, are actively providing a comprehensive array of services to CDCP clients.
“If CDCP clients do not already have an oral health provider, they can consult Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search to find a provider in their community or speak to their local oral health provider to see if they accept CDCP clients. As of July 8, any oral health providers will be able to bill Sun Life directly for care provided to any CDCP client without having to formally participate in the program,” it advised.
It’s important to understand that the plan does not directly reimburse eligible members for dental care costs. Individuals who qualify may still be responsible for any expenses not covered by the CDCP, payable to their oral health provider.
As the phased rollout of applications progresses, Canadians should stay informed about eligibility criteria and application timelines.”
Requirements for the Dental Plan
To qualify for the CDCP, you must be a Canadian resident without access to dental insurance, including coverage through an employer, family member’s employer benefits, pension plans (including those from previous employers or family members), or self-purchased insurance or group plans.
Additionally, your annual family income must be below $90,000, with no co-pays required for incomes under $70,000.
Even if you receive dental coverage through a provincial/territorial or federal social program, you may still be eligible for the CDCP provided you meet all other eligibility requirements.
When can i apply
The Canada Dental Care Plan is now open for applications from seniors aged 65 and older, adults holding a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and families with children under 18 in need of dental coverage.
However, families whose children’s dental costs are already covered by another government program are not eligible for the CDCP.
For those who do not currently qualify, eligibility will expand further in the coming months.
The next phase of the dental care plan rollout is scheduled for 2025, extending coverage to all remaining eligible Canadian residents.
The deadline to apply for the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), which differs from the CDCP, is June 30.
