Canadian Dental Care Plan

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 Cosmic Dental in Edmonton.

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%

Note: Even when the CDCP covers a portion of the fees, there may still be a gap between what the government pays and what your dental office charges. You’d be responsible for that difference.

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.

When Can You Apply?

The CDCP is being rolled out in phases, so not everyone can apply at the same time. Here’s the latest schedule:

Group	Applications Open
Seniors aged 65+	Now open
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit	Now open
Children under 18	Now open
Adults aged 55–64	May 1, 2025
Adults aged 18–34	May 15, 2025
Adults aged 35–54	May 29, 2025

Reminder: Just because you’ve applied doesn’t mean your coverage starts right away. Be sure to check your welcome letter or card for your official start date before booking treatment.

Questions? We’re Here to Help at Cosmic Dental in Edmonton

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.