What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian government has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to make dental care more accessible for eligible families. Regular professional and preventive dental care can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, which are linked to serious health issues like strokes and cardiovascular diseases.
Currently, one-third of Canadians lack dental insurance. In 2022, many Canadians avoided dental visits due to financial constraints. To address this, the government has initiated a publicly funded dental benefit starting in May 2024. This plan is not intended to replace workplace or private dental insurance.
The plan will be implemented gradually. By April 2024, eligible seniors over 65 will have received application letters. By 2025, all eligible Canadians can apply.
Who Manages the Plan?
The CDCP is managed by Health Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and Sun Life, which processes dental claims for eligible individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CDCP, individuals must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed a tax return for the previous year.
- Lack access to private dental insurance.
- Have a family net income of less than $90,000.
Applications are phased, starting with seniors and expanding to children and disabled persons by June 2024, and all other eligible Canadians by 2025.
Coverage Details
The CDCP covers various dental services, including diagnostic, preventive, periodontal, restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, sedation dentistry, and oral surgery. However, not all services are covered, and some treatments may require prior authorization.
Application Process
Eligible seniors will receive application instructions by mail. If you need assistance with your application, you can seek help from a trusted person or a legal representative.