The new Canadian Dental Care Plan is covering the costs of dental services and children will soon be eligible.
So, if you don't have insurance, you might be wondering how to get dental coverage from the federal government.
Here's what you need to know, including when you can apply for the new dental care plan to get services covered for your child.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan — which is also called the CDCP — is a new coverage plan from the federal government.
It's meant to ease the financial barriers of oral health care for eligible Canadian residents.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
To qualify for the CDCP, you must:
- not have access to dental insurance
- have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- have filed your tax return in the previous year
Your coverage will be coordinated so there are no overlaps or gaps.
Each year, you need to continue to meet the eligibility requirements to get coverage from the CDCP.When can you apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Applications for the CDCP are open in phases.
Certain seniors have been able to apply for coverage since the end of 2023.
You can apply for the CDCP for your child if they are under 18 years old starting in June 2024.
If you have a child under 12 years old and don't have access to dental insurance, you could already be eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit.
It's available until June 30, 2024.
You can get a tax-free payment of $260, $390 or $650 for your child's dental care as you apply to get onto the federal dental care plan.
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate can also apply for the CDCP in June.
Then, all remaining eligible Canadian residents can apply in 2025.
What services are covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
According to the federal government, the CDCP will help cover oral health care services that:
- keep your teeth and gums healthy
- prevent and treat oral health care issues and diseases
These are some services that could be covered under the CDCP when recommended by an oral health provider:
- preventive services, including cleaning, sealants and fluoride
- diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays
- restorative services, including fillings
- endodontic services, including root canal treatments
- prosthodontic services, including dentures
- periodontal services, including deep scaling
- oral surgery services, including extraction
How much is Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage?
The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of dental care costs based on established CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income.
You could have to pay additional charges — known as co-payments — directly to the oral health provider, if:
- your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999
- the cost of your oral health care services is more than the established CDCP fees
- you and your oral health care provider agree to services that the CDCP doesn’t cover
Sun Life is managing the CDCP for the government of Canada.
Once you’ve applied and it's been confirmed that you qualify, Sun Life will enroll you in the CDCP.
Then, you'll get a welcome package which will include:
- information on the CDCP
- your member card
- your coverage start date
Starting on July 8, 2024, CDCP clients can see any oral health provider of their choice if the provider agrees to directly bill Sun Life for services provided under the plan.
