The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now open to all eligible Canadians with remaining age groups allowed to apply during open enrollment in May. Four qualifying factors are required for participation but all are simple to accommodate.
The CDCP is a government dental services program aimed at helping those who don’t have access to dental care through their employer or some other program. Before May’s application period started, 3.4 million Canadians gained approval for dental care through the CDCP. Of those, 1.7 million started receiving services. More than 4.8 million people are expected to be approved through the latest open-enrollment period.
Eligibility Factors
Qualifying for the CDCP isn’t complicated because the program is meant to assist those who don’t have access to dental services including working families, senior citizens, and young children. There are only four eligibility factors that must be satisfied to be approved.
1. No Dental Insurance Access
Those seeking approval for the CDCP must have no access to dental insurance. That is a step beyond being able to afford insurance, either through an employer or privately. This addresses those who aren’t offered insurance through an employer or private insurance company.
2. Tax Filing in Canada for 2024
To be eligible for the CDCP, individuals and their spouses or common-law partners must have filed their 2024 Canadian tax return.
3. Earn Less Than $90,000 a Year
One stipulation is that those applying have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. This is listed on the tax return, which is why the tax return is required.
4. Be a Canadian Resident
The government stipulates those applying must be a Canadian resident as they must have submitted a 2024 tax return.
⚠️ You Must Renew
The Canadian government states that those who were approved over the past year during open enrollment phases must renew their CDCP coverage to continue to gain services through 2025. Those who are approved now for coverage must renew coverage next year before their coverage lapses.
Those renewing must file their 2024 tax return and receive their 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency before applying for renewal.
When Can I See A Dentist?
Those who are approved for the CDCP had access to dental care as early as June 1. It’s easy to find a dentist accepting the CDCP because 98% of dentists, hygienists, specialists, and denturists across Canada are participating.
✅ Our dental office participates in the CDCP program. You can call us with questions about how to get an appointment using your CDCP approval.
💡 What If I Missed the Open Enrollment?
Those who missed the open enrollment period can still apply but you can’t receive services until you are approved. Check your eligibility and apply online. You can always contact customer support if you have questions.
Those who have been approved can call us for an appointment or to inquire what services are provided through our office under the CDCP plan.