Canadian Dental Care Plan
Affordable dental care is available through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): What You Need to Know
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new federal program designed to help make dental care more affordable for Canadians who don't have private dental insurance. If your household income is under $90,000 a year and you don't have coverage through work or another provider, you may qualify for reduced-cost dental care.
If you or someone you love might be eligible, here's what to know before your next dental visit at Panacea Dental in Waterdown.
Understanding Costs: Is Dental Care Free Under the CDCP?
Not always. While the CDCP helps cover many treatments, it's not a completely free program for everyone. The amount covered depends on your family's income, and some services may still require you to pay a portion out of pocket. This is called a co-payment.
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $70,000 | 100% of eligible fees | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of eligible fees | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of eligible fees | 60% |
What Treatments Are Included?
The CDCP focuses on essential oral health care. Coverage includes services like:
- Exams, X-rays, and cleanings
- Fillings and root canals
- Tooth extractions and dentures
Some treatments, especially more advanced ones, may require pre-approval. Since November 1, 2024, dentists have been able to submit preauthorization requests for services that fall outside the basic list. These are assessed by Health Canada based on your oral health needs.
Who Can Apply Now?
The phased rollout is finished. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is no longer restricted by age group, so any eligible Canadian resident can now apply, whatever their age.
To qualify you need to meet all of the following:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | Adjusted family net income under $90,000 per year |
| Insurance | No access to private dental insurance, including through work, a spouse, a parent or a pension |
| Residency | Canadian resident for tax purposes |
| Tax filing | Your most recent tax return must be filed and assessed |
Having access to insurance counts even if you choose not to use it. Coverage through a provincial or territorial program does not disqualify you.
Questions? We're Here to Help at Panacea Dental in Waterdown
If you're unsure whether you're eligible or want help understanding how much your appointment might cost under the CDCP, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to walk you through your options so you can get the care you need.
📞 Call us at 289-408-5100 to learn more or to book an appointment at our Waterdown clinic, Panacea Dental.
You Have to Renew Every Year
This is the part that catches people out, and it is worth reading even if you are already covered.
CDCP coverage runs on a benefit year, not indefinitely. You have to renew for each new benefit year, and renewal is not automatic for everyone. Every year a large number of people lose coverage simply because they did not renew in time, then find out at the worst possible moment, which is usually in the chair.
Two things make renewal go smoothly:
- File your taxes on time. Eligibility is confirmed against your most recent assessed tax return. If your return is not filed and assessed, renewal cannot be processed.
- Watch for the renewal window. It opens and closes on set dates each year. Check the current dates on the Government of Canada CDCP pages, since they change from year to year.
If you have missed a deadline, you can still apply for the current benefit year. Just be aware there may be a gap where you are not covered, so do it sooner rather than later.
How to Apply
- Check your eligibility. Income under $90,000 adjusted family net income, no access to private dental insurance, Canadian resident for tax purposes, and a filed and assessed tax return.
- Apply through the Government of Canada. Applications are handled by Service Canada, not by dental offices. We cannot apply on your behalf.
- Wait for your welcome package. Sun Life administers the plan and will send your member details and your coverage start date.
- Do not book treatment before your start date. Being approved is not the same as being covered. Treatment carried out before your coverage begins will not be reimbursed.
- Book with us. Call 289-408-5100 and tell our team you are a CDCP patient so we can verify your coverage in advance.
What the Plan Does Not Cover
Being clear about the limits avoids unpleasant surprises:
- Cosmetic treatment, including teeth whitening and veneers
- Orthodontic treatment such as braces and Invisalign
- Treatment carried out before your coverage start date
- The difference between the CDCP fee and a dental office's usual fee, where one exists
- Some advanced treatment, unless preauthorized by Health Canada first
If a treatment you need is not covered, we will tell you before we begin and go through the alternatives and payment options with you. See our financial arrangements page.
Using Your CDCP Coverage at Panacea Dental
Panacea Dental is a Canadian Dental Care Plan provider. We bill the plan directly, so you are not paying up front and waiting to be reimbursed.
We are at 105 Clappison Ave #103 in Waterdown, open until 7:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and we are accepting new patients. Bring your CDCP member card or client number and a piece of photo identification to your first appointment.
For more detail, see our CDCP frequently asked questions. For the official program rules, eligibility checker and current renewal dates, go to the Government of Canada CDCP pages, which are the authority on the program.