Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

At Li Family Dental, we are proud to partner with the government-funded Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to ensure everyone has access to quality oral health care, no matter their circumstances. Here is everything you need to know.

What Is The Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan, or CDCP for short, was launched in 2023 by the Canadian federal government to help make the cost of dental health care more affordable for up to nine million eligible Canadian residents. Covering a wide range of services, this initiative aims to improve the oral health of Canadians by removing the financial barriers that many people face.

Who Is Eligible For The CDCP?

Canadians of all ages are now encouraged to apply for the CDCP, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

• You don’t have access to any other dental insurance (such as through your employer or a family member’s benefits)
• You must have filed your tax returns in Canada so that your family income can be assessed
• Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
• You are a Canadian resident

What Services Are Covered By The CDCP?

The following dental care services are included in the Canadian Dental Care Plan:

Diagnostic & Preventive Services:

• dental exams (complete, routine, specific, and emergency exams)
• x-rays
• cleaning & scaling
• fluoride applications
• sealants

Basic General Dentistry Services:

• fillings & other treatments for cavities
• pain control for diseased teeth
• root canals
• deep cleaning under the gumline
• abscess treatment
• non-surgical gum disease management

Major Intensive Dentistry Services:

• crown repairs
• posts & post removal
• complete dentures (standard & temporary)
• denture repairs
• oral surgeries

Anesthesia or Sedation Services:

• minimal sedation (conscious)
• moderate to deep sedation (requires preauthorization)
• general anesthesia (requires preauthorization)

Orthodontic Services:

• date of availability to be determined
• will be based on medical need with strict criteria for eligibility and will include a maximum spending limit

How Much Does The CDCP Cover?

Depending on your adjusted family net income and the CDCP’s established fees for specific services, the Plan may cover all or some of the full cost of your treatment. The Canadian Dental Care Plan will reimburse your dental health care provider directly, and you may be responsible for any co-payments or additional charges that are not covered. Talk to your dental care provider before receiving treatment to determine which services are covered and whether any co-payments will be required.

Here is a breakdown of the CDCP’s coverage percentages based on adjusted family net income, plus estimated co-payment structure:

• Income Lower than $70,000: 
  The CDCP covers 100% of eligible services; you may be responsible for additional charges if the service costs exceed the CDCP fees.
   
• Income Between $70,000 and $79,999: 
  The CDCP covers 60% of eligible services; you will be responsible for 40% plus any additional charges if the service costs exceed the CDCP fees.
   
• Income Between $80,000 and $89,999: 
  The CDCP covers 40% of eligible services; you will be responsible for 60% plus any additional charges if the service costs exceed the CDCP fees.

How Do I Apply For The CDCP?

The easiest way to apply for the CDCP is online through the application portal on the Government of Canada website. Make sure you all have the required documentation collected before you start, and simply follow the prompts to complete your application. You can also have a trusted family member or friend help you with the process, or you may call and speak to a representative for assistance.

The information above offers a general overview of the Canadian Dental Care Program. For full details and to apply for the CDCP, please visit the Government of Canada website by clicking here.