Canadian Dental Care Plan

Affordable dental care is available through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – What You Need to Know

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to help make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians who do not have private dental insurance. If your adjusted family net income is under $90,000 a year and you do not 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 Promenade Village Dental in Thornhill.

Understanding Costs: Is Dental Care Free Under the CDCP?

Not always. While the CDCP helps cover many treatments, it is not a completely free program for everyone. The amount covered depends on your adjusted family net 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 May Pay (Co‑payment)
Less than $70,000	100% of eligible fees at CDCP rates	0% co‑payment, though you may still owe a gap if the office fee is higher than the CDCP‑established fee
$70,000 to $79,999	60% of eligible fees at CDCP rates	Up to 40% co‑payment, plus any difference between the CDCP fee and the office fee
$80,000 to $89,999	40% of eligible fees at CDCP rates	Up to 60% co‑payment, plus any difference between the CDCP fee and the office fee

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 would be responsible for that difference.

What Treatments Are Included?

The CDCP focuses on essential oral health care. Coverage generally includes services such as:

Exams, x‑rays, and routine cleanings
Fillings and root canals
Tooth extractions
Dentures (where clinically indicated)

Some treatments, especially more advanced or cosmetic‑adjacent procedures, may require pre‑authorization and are assessed by Health Canada based on your individual oral‑health needs.

Who is Eligible and How to Apply?

The CDCP is open to eligible Canadians aged 12 and older who meet the following criteria:

Live in Canada
Are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Do not have access to private dental insurance
Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000

Applications are made online through the Government of Canada website.

Reminder: Just because you’ve applied does not mean your coverage starts right away. You should check your CDCP welcome letter or member status in your My Service Canada Account for your official start date before booking treatment.

Yearly Renewal & Ongoing Eligibility

To ensure you maintain your coverage, please keep in mind that proof of income and insurance status are reviewed annually by the government. You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements each year to remain qualified for reduced-cost dental care under the plan.

Questions? We're Here to Help at Promenade Village Dental in Thornhill

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.

Call us at (905) 882-8818 to learn more or to book an appointment at our Thornhill clinic, Promenade Village Dental.