Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) 2025 Guide

Last updated 29 April 2025

Cost keeps roughly one-quarter of Canadians away from the dentist each year (Statistics Canada). The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)—the largest public-oral-health investment since medicare—aims to change that. Below you’ll find clear answers on eligibility, coverage, timelines, and practical tips from our dental clinic in Vancouver.

Why the New Federal Dental Plan Matters

• Access gap: Uninsured adults are three times more likely to avoid care .
• Preventive value: Every dollar spent on hygiene saves up to $12 in emergency treatment.
• Local context: A standard cleaning in Vancouver averages $230. CDCP could cover 60-100 % depending on income.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Overview of Canada’s New Federal Dental Plan

Created under Bill C-31 in 2022 and expanded in Budget 2023 with $13 billion over five years plus $4.4 billion annually, CDCP offers publicly funded oral care to uninsured Canadians earning under $90 000 (Department of Finance Canada).

Legislative Roadmap

CDCP Eligibility 2025 – Who Qualifies?

Core Criteria

1. Canadian resident with no private or employer dental insurance
2. Filed a 2024 tax return.
3. Adjusted family net income below $90 000.

Enrolment Phases

*See copay details below.

Common search query: “Can I keep my workplace plan and still get CDCP?”
No. Access to any private coverage—even if unused—makes you ineligible

Dental Services Covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan

• Preventive & Diagnostic: exams, X-rays, fluoride, check-ups and cleanings.
• Basic Restorative: fillings, crowns, bridge repairs.
• Endodontic & Periodontal: root-canal therapy (e.g., our root-canal service), deep scaling.
• Prosthodontic: dentures and relines.
• Oral Surgery & Sedation.
• Orthodontics: medically necessary cases—guidelines coming late 2025.

Tip: We can submit a predetermination for major work so you know the CDCP portion before treatment.

CDCP Copays & Real-World Cost Examples

(­Health Canada – Coverage)

Example: Jason earns $75 000. A $220 hygiene visit → CDCP covers $132; Jason pays $88 at check-out.

How to Apply for CDCP Benefits

1. Sign in to CRA My Account (create one if needed).
2. Wait for your phase date (see above).
3. Complete the online form—CRA auto-pulls your income.
4. Receive your CDCP card from Sun Life in about two weeks.
5. Book with us, bring the card, and we’ll direct-bill—no paperwork.

Full instructions live on the Health Canada “Apply” page.

Pro Tip: Nervous about the portal? Our front-desk team can walk you through the steps on a clinic tablet.

CDCP Timeline & Key Dates (2025-2026)

(Global News)

Coordinating the CDCP With Other Dental Coverage

BC’s Healthy Kids and income-assistance programs remain first payer; CDCP pays the residual up to its fee grid (Province of BC). If you regain workplace insurance, inform CRA; CDCP may end at your next renewal.

Dentist’s Perspective – How We’re Ready for CDCP

• Voluntary enrolment: We’ve signed the Sun Life agreement.
• Fee grid awareness: CDCP fees are roughly 5-15 % below BC’s guide; we’ll always outline any top-ups before treatment.
• Ongoing training: Weekly staff sessions keep our team up-to-date on forms, informed-consent rules, and direct-billing codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will Invisalign be covered by the new federal dental plan?
   No—clear aligners such as Invisalign are classified as elective orthodontics rather than an essential service under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). At this time, the program funds only medically necessary orthodontic care, and detailed criteria will not be released until late 2025. If you’re interested in straightening your smile, you can still explore flexible financing on our Invisalign page while you enjoy CDCP coverage for preventive and restorative needs.

2. Are dental veneers included in CDCP coverage?
   Veneers fall into the cosmetic category and therefore are not covered by CDCP. Because the plan’s mandate is to expand functional dental coverage in Canada, purely aesthetic procedures remain out-of-pocket. You can learn more about elective options and payment plans on our dental veneers service page.

3. Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan pay for teeth whitening?
   No. Like veneers, professional whitening is cosmetic. The CDCP budget is focused on essential oral-health services such as exams, cleanings, fluoride, fillings and dentures.

4. How often can I get a check-up and cleaning through CDCP?
   The program allows one routine exam and standard hygiene visit every 12 months, plus a set number of scaling units and bite-wing X-rays based on clinical need. If you require additional visits, talk to us first—we can help you understand how much of the fee will fall under CDCP and how much you may owe.

5. Where can I view the CDCP fee grid before my appointment?
   Health Canada posts provincial fee-grid PDFs on its provider portal. If you prefer a hard copy, just ask at reception and we’ll print the latest schedule for you. Having the grid on hand makes it easier to see exactly how the dental benefits for seniors in Canada and other groups translate to real-world prices.

6. What happens to my coverage if I move to another province?
   Your CDCP eligibility is tied to your CRA file, not your postal code, so the benefit follows you anywhere in the country. Simply update your address in CRA My Account after you relocate; no need to re-apply for CDCP.

7. Can I combine CDCP with the BC Healthy Kids program for my child?
   Yes. Provincial plans, like Healthy Kids, are billed first; the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) pays any remaining eligible amount up to its fee limit. This coordination of benefits helps families maximize overall dental coverage Canada without duplication.

8. How do I apply for CDCP when my enrolment phase opens?
   Visit CRA My Account, confirm you meet the “no private insurance” rule, and submit the short online form. Approval letters and welcome cards are mailed by Sun Life within two to three weeks. Need help? Bring two pieces of ID to your appointment and our front-desk team will walk you through the apply for CDCP process step-by-step.

Conclusion – Next Steps

CDCP is a pivotal step toward universal oral health for Canadians. Wondering how it fits your smile goals?

• Book a CDCP consultation by calling 604-555-1234 or using our online form.
• Questions? Email the care team or drop by—find us on Google Maps via our site footer.
• Join our CDCP email list for updates and appointment reminders.

An accessible, healthy smile is finally within reach—let’s achieve it together.

Disclaimer: Information is current as of 29 April 2025 and may change as regulations evolve.

Key Takeaways

• CDCP offers income-based dental coverage for uninsured Canadians earning < $90 000.
• Adults aged 55-64 apply 1 May 2025; all adults 18-54 apply by 29 May 2025.
• Copays range 0-60 % depending on income.
• Our Vancouver clinic is fully enrolled to direct-bill Sun Life.
• Schedule your CDCP appointment early—demand will increase quickly.