Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

2025 Guide For Canada

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Oral health shouldn’t depend on your wallet. Yet cost keeps one in four Canadians from seeing a dentist each year (Canadian Press, Mar 2025). The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)aims to close that gap—starting with seniors, children and people with disabilities, and expanding to almost nine million residents by mid-2025 (Health Canada, Apr 2025)

In this in-depth guide we explain the plan in plain language, answer the internet’s most-asked questions, and show how our GreenBrook Dentistry can help you use your benefits seamlessly.

Why the CDCP Matters

  • Equity: Low-income Canadians have double the rate of untreated decay (CDA, 2024) (Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – CDA).
  • Prevention: Every dollar spent on preventive dentistry saves up to $12 in emergency costs (Health Canada, 2023) (The Canadian Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca).
  • Local impact: In GTA, average hygiene visits run $225—often out-of-reach for fixed-income seniors. CDCP covers up to 100% if family income < $70 k.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Purpose & Budget

The CDCP is a federally funded program created under Bill C-31in 2022 and expanded in Budget 2023 with $13 billion over five years plus $4.4 billion ongoing (Department of Finance, 2023). Its goal: provide publicly funded oral-health care to uninsured Canadians with household incomes below $90 000.

Legislative Background

  • 2022: Bill C-31 passes, creating an interim child benefit (Justice Canada)
  • 2023: Supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP secures full program funding.
  • Nov 2024: CDCP Dental Benefits Guide takes effect (Health Canada, Feb 2025 update)

CDCP Eligibility 2025: Who Qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Eligibility also requires no private or employer dental insurance and Canadian residency.(Health Canada, Apr 2025; Global News, Mar 22 2025)

 

Common Google Questions

 

 

“Can I keep my workplace plan and still apply?”

No. Access to any private plan—even if unused—makes you ineligible.

“What if my income crosses $90 k after I’m accepted?”

You keep coverage for the balance of the benefit year but must report changes at renewal.

Dental Services Covered Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

CDCP covers a broad menu, from cleanings to dentures:

  • Preventive & Diagnostic: exams, X-rays, scaling, fluoride.
  • Basic Restorative: fillings, crowns and other Greenbrook Dentistry procedures when pre-authorized.
  • Endodontic & Periodontal: root canals, deep cleanings.
  • Major & Prosthodontic: complete and partial dentures, repairs.
  • Oral Surgery & Sedation.
  • Orthodontics: medically necessary cases starting late 2025.

Cost-Sharing: Copay Tiers

Out-of-Pocket Scenarios

  • Nikki (income $68 k): Scaling $220 → CDCP covers full fee; she pays $0.
  • Singh (income $75 k): Same procedure → CDCP covers $132; he pays $88.
  • Chloe (income $85 k): Crown quoted $1 000, CDCP fee $750 → Plan covers $300; Chloe pays $700.

Need an estimate? Our Greenbrook Dentistry will calculate your share in advance.

How to Apply for CDCP Benefits – Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Get your CRA My Account ready—applications run through the tax portal.
  2. Check phase dates above. When your window opens, complete the online form; paper forms available on request.
  3. Provide:
    • Social Insurance Number
    • Income confirmation (CRA auto-pull)
    • Confirmation you have no private coverage
  4. CRA forwards approvals to Sun Life. Expect:
    • Welcome package & CDCP card in 2 – 3 weeks.
    • Effective date printed on the card.
  5. Book your visit. Bring the card; we’ll direct-bill Sun Life.

CDCP Timeline & Key Dates Through 2025–2026

Coordinating CDCP With Provincial Dental Programs & Private Insurance

Ontario’s Healthy Kids and Income Assistance dental programs remain first payer for eligible patients. CDCP pays second, based on its fee grid Ontario Factsheet . Private or employer insurance disqualifies you from CDCP—so employees should weigh whether to opt out of workplace benefits.

What Dentists Need to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan

  • Voluntary enrolment with Sun Life; claim-by-claim billing allowed.
  • Fee grid is below the ON Dental Association guide; discuss balance billing with patients.
  • Assignment of benefits signature required on all paper claims.
  • Informed consent: providers must explain any service not covered or any fee above CDCP rates.

Our clinic is already registered and trains staff weekly on CDCP coordination, so your visit stays stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CDCP (CDCP Eligibility, Coverage, Applications)

1. When will orthodontics be covered?

Medically necessary cases—such as severe malocclusion—can be submitted after clinical criteria are released in late 2025 (CDCP Guide)

2. Does the plan cover teeth-whitening?

No. Cosmetic procedures (e.g., cosmetic dentistry options) aren’t insured, but we still offer them separately.

3. I’m a student with part-time job benefits; am I eligible?

If any private plan exists, even with low limits, you’re not eligible.

 

4. What if my dentist doesn’t participate?

You can ask them to submit a claim-by-claim, or visit a participating practice like ours.

5. How often can I have a check-up?

Routine exams every 12 months; some preventive limits (e.g., scaling units) apply.

6. Are implants covered?

Not yet. Ask about financing for dental implants if needed.

 

 

Conclusion – Next Steps to Access Your Canadian Dental Care Plan Benefits

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a game-changer for Ontario families—bridging cost barriers and prioritizing preventive care. Ready to see how it fits your oral-health goals?

  • Book a CDCP consultation at our front desk or call +1-519-578-1340.
  • Still have questions? Email our coordinator or visit us in person— 421 Greenbrook Drive Unit 23A, Kitchener, Ontario, N2M 4L3, Canada

Your smile, health and peace of mind matter. Let’s make the most of this new federal benefit—together.

Disclaimer: Information is current as of May 6 2025 and may change as the government finalizes regulations.