The CDCP Explained: Who Qualifies, What's Covered

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps eligible Canadians pay for dental care. Since it launched, we have had many questions at our Woodbridge office about who qualifies, what it covers and what a visit actually costs. This guide walks through the basics in plain language, based on the information the Government of Canada publishes. Program details can change, so always confirm your own situation on Canada.ca or by calling Service Canada.

Who qualifies for the CDCP?

According to the Government of Canada, you must meet all four of these conditions:

No access to private dental insurance. That includes coverage through your job or a family member’s job, a pension plan, a professional or student association, or a policy you bought yourself. (There is a limited exception for some retirees who opted out of their pension dental benefits before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in.)
You have filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year, and so has your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one.
Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.

If you receive dental coverage through a provincial or federal government program, you may still qualify. The CDCP coordinates with those programs so the same service is not paid twice.

One detail people often miss: you must confirm every year that you still do not have access to private dental coverage. Renewing on time helps avoid a gap in coverage.

What does the CDCP cover?

The plan covers a broad range of everyday dental care. Based on the government’s coverage summary, this includes:

Diagnostic and preventive care – exams (including emergency exams), X-rays, cleanings, fluoride and sealants.
Basic services – fillings, root canal treatment and gum (periodontal) care.
Major services – crowns, complete and partial dentures, and oral surgery such as tooth extractions.
Some sedation – for example nitrous oxide, with deeper sedation requiring approval first.

Some services, such as crowns and partial dentures, need preauthorization. That means your dental office submits a treatment plan and the plan approves it before the work is done. It adds a little time, so it is worth planning ahead.

The government notes that orthodontic services (such as braces) are not currently available under the CDCP. Cosmetic treatments like whitening are also not part of the plan.

Will I have to pay anything?

This is the most common question we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends. Two things affect what you pay.

1. Your co-payment, based on income

The CDCP pays a percentage of its own set fee for each covered service. That percentage depends on your adjusted family net income:

Adjusted family net income	CDCP pays	Your co-payment
Under $70,000	100% of the CDCP fee	0% of the CDCP fee
$70,000 – $79,999	60% of the CDCP fee	40% of the CDCP fee
$80,000 – $89,999	40% of the CDCP fee	60% of the CDCP fee

2. The difference between the CDCP fee and the office fee

The CDCP has its own fee schedule. If a dental office’s fee for a service is higher than the CDCP’s established fee, the patient may be charged the difference. You may also pay for any service that the plan does not cover.

Because of this, a visit may not be fully paid by the plan even if your co-payment is 0%. The Government of Canada recommends asking your dental office about any costs that will not be covered before treatment starts. At Occlura Dental, we are happy to go over an estimate with you before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

How do I apply?

There is no fee to apply for or renew the CDCP. You can apply:

Online through your My Service Canada Account, or through the application page on Canada.ca.
By phone with Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).

Once you are enrolled, you will receive confirmation along with your plan member details. Bring these with you to your appointment so our team can confirm your coverage.

A word of caution about scams

The government warns that there have been scams by phone, text, email and mail asking for personal, banking or credit card information in the name of the dental care plan. Applying is free. If something feels off, contact Service Canada directly using the phone number above rather than replying to the message.

Using your CDCP coverage at Occlura Dental

If you are enrolled in the CDCP, here is what to expect when you visit us:

Let us know when you book that you are a CDCP member, and bring your member information to the appointment.
We start with an exam and any X-rays needed to understand your oral health.
We explain the options and give you a clear estimate, including any portion the plan will not cover.
If preauthorization is needed, we submit it for you and let you know once we hear back.

Frequently asked questions

My employer offers dental insurance but I didn’t sign up. Do I qualify?
Generally, no. The eligibility rule is about access to private coverage, not whether you enrolled in it. Check the details on Canada.ca if you are unsure.

Can my children be covered?
Children can be covered when the family meets the eligibility conditions. Applications are made through Service Canada.

Does the CDCP cover braces or aligners?
The government currently lists orthodontic services as not available under the plan.

What if my income changes?
Your co-payment level is based on your adjusted family net income from your tax return, which is why filing your taxes every year matters.

Questions? We’re here to help

Navigating a new benefit program can feel confusing. If you have questions about using your CDCP coverage at our office, call us at (905) 851-0075, email care@occluradental.com, or request an appointment online. Occlura Dental is located at 136 Winges Road, Unit 10, in Woodbridge.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Explained: Who Qualifies, What’s Covered and What You’ll Pay