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 how the plan works across Canada.

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 inco

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: You can request a predetermination through your provider to estimate 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. Once you receive your CDCP card, you can book with any participating clinic that offers direct billing

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

Pro Tip: If you need help with the portal, be sure to check the official instructions on the Health Canada website

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: Dentists across Canada can choose whether or not to participate in the CDCP by signing an agreement with Sun Life.
• Fee grid awareness: CDCP reimbursement rates are generally 5–15% lower than some provincial fee guides, so patients may encounter additional out-of-pocket costs depending on the provider.
• Provider preparation: Participating clinics may receive updated resources and training on topics like forms, consent, and billing codes to help align with CDCP processes.

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 and are not included in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Currently, the CDCP only funds medically necessary orthodontic care, with specific eligibility guidelines expected in late 2025. For patients interested in cosmetic orthodontics, such treatments remain out-of-pocket regardless of CDCP coverage for other services.

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.

5. Where can I view the CDCP fee grid before my appointment?
   Health Canada posts provincial fee-grid PDFs on its provider portal. Reviewing the fee grid can help patients better understand how CDCP benefits apply to different services across Canada.

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) covers any remaining eligible costs up to its fee limits. This coordination is handled automatically based on payer rules and eligibility..

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.