Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) 2026 | Complete Guide
Updated
Eligibility Requirements
Requirement
Details
Residency
Canadian resident for tax purposes
Income
Family net income under $90,000
Dental insurance
No access to private dental coverage
Tax filing
Must have filed your most recent tax return
SIN
Valid Social Insurance Number
Age
All ages now eligible (phased rollout complete)
Who Is NOT Eligible
Individuals with private dental insurance through employer, spouse, or parent
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP (covered separately)
Refugees or protected persons covered under the Interim Federal Health Program
Inmates of federal penitentiaries
Families with income above $90,000
Co-Pay Structure by Income
Family Net Income
Co-Pay
You Pay
Plan Pays
Under $70,000
0%
Nothing
100%
$70,000 - $79,999
40%
40% of cost
60%
$80,000 - $89,999
60%
60% of cost
40%
$90,000+
Not eligible
N/A
N/A
There are no monthly premiums. You only pay co-pays at the time of service.
Example Costs
Procedure
Typical Fee
Under $70K
$70K-$80K
$80K-$90K
Cleaning
$250
$0
$100
$150
Exam + X-rays
$150
$0
$60
$90
Filling
$200
$0
$80
$120
Root canal
$900
$0
$360
$540
Crown
$1,200
$0
$480
$720
Dentures
$2,000
$0
$800
$1,200
What Is Covered
Preventive Services
Service
Frequency
Dental exam
1 per year
Cleaning (scaling)
1 per year (2 for high-risk patients)
Fluoride
1 per year (children and high-risk)
X-rays (bitewing)
1 set per year
X-rays (full mouth)
1 every 3 years
Sealants
Children under 18
Restorative Services
Service
Coverage Notes
Fillings
Composite (white) and amalgam covered
Crowns
When tooth cannot be restored with filling
Inlays and onlays
When clinically necessary
Core build-ups
In conjunction with crown
Other Covered Services
Category
Services
Endodontics
Root canals, re-treatments
Periodontics
Scaling, root planing, gum surgery
Prosthodontics
Complete and partial dentures, repairs, relines
Oral surgery
Extractions, surgical extractions
Orthodontics
Children under 18 (limited coverage)
Emergency
Pain relief, trauma
What Is NOT Covered
Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, veneers for aesthetics)
Dental implants (except certain medically necessary cases)
Orthodontics for adults
Sedation and general anaesthesia (except surgical necessity)
Procedures not prescribed by a licensed dentist
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Filed most recent tax return
Family net income under $90,000
No private dental insurance
Canadian resident with valid SIN
Step 2: Apply
Method
Details
Online
CDCP application portal
Phone
1-833-537-4342 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm ET)
In-person
Service Canada offices
Step 3: What You Need
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Date of birth
Mailing address
Confirm you do not have dental insurance
Names of family members being enrolled
Step 4: Receive Your Card
Timeline
Details
Processing
4-8 weeks
Card delivery
By mail to your address
Activation
Automatic — use at participating provider
Step 5: Visit a Dentist
Bring your CDCP member card to any participating oral health provider. Check the provider search tool on the CDCP website to confirm your dentist participates.
Finding a Participating Provider
Most dentists across Canada accept the CDCP. As of 2026:
Provider Type
Participation Rate
General dentists
~85%
Dental hygienists
~75%
Denturists
~80%
Oral surgeons
~70%
Before booking, call your dental office to confirm they accept the CDCP. Some providers may bill you upfront if not registered with the plan.
CDCP vs. Private Dental Insurance
Feature
CDCP
Private Insurance
Monthly premium
$0
$50-$200/month
Income limit
Under $90K
None
Coverage
Basic + restorative
Varies by plan
Orthodontics
Children only (limited)
Often included
Implants
Very limited
Often partial coverage
Annual maximum
Fee guide limits
$1,000-$5,000 typical
Waiting periods
None
3-12 months common
When to Keep or Get Private Insurance
You earn over $90,000
You need orthodontic work (adult braces, Invisalign)
You need dental implants
You want expanded coverage beyond basics
Your employer offers no-cost dental benefits
Provincial Dental Programs (In Addition to CDCP)
Province
Program
Who Qualifies
Ontario
Healthy Smiles Ontario, ODSP dental
Children, low-income
Quebec
RAMQ dental
Children under 10, social assistance
BC
BC Dental Fee Guide, BCEA dental
Social assistance recipients
Alberta
Alberta Adult Health Benefit
AISH, Income Support recipients
Manitoba
Manitoba Smiles
Children, low-income
Saskatchewan
Supplementary Health
Social assistance
Nova Scotia
MSI dental
Children, social assistance
New Brunswick
NB Dental Program
Children under 18
You can use both the CDCP and a provincial program. The CDCP coordinates benefits with provincial plans to maximize your coverage.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Milestone
Date
Applications open (seniors 87+)
December 2023
Rollout to ages 72-86
January-March 2024
Rollout to under 18 + DTC holders
June 2024
Full rollout (all eligible)
2025
Ongoing enrollment
Anytime — no deadline
Tips to Maximize Your CDCP Benefits
File your taxes every year — eligibility is based on your most recent return
Update your address with CRA so your card arrives correctly
Book preventive visits first — cleanings and exams are fully covered for most
Ask for treatment plans — get a cost estimate before major procedures
Combine with provincial programs if eligible for additional coverage
Report changes — if you get private insurance, you must notify the program
Keep your card safe — replacement cards take 2-4 weeks