Canadian Dental Care Plan applications are now open — here's what's covered
Applications for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) 2026-2027 benefit year are now open.
A new round of applications is being accepted as of Tuesday, June 2, for Canadians who want to sign up for the federal dental care plan. Those who already have CDCP coverage should have renewed on Monday, June 1.
Ottawa says over 6.5 million Canadians are now covered under the CDCP, with over 4.3 million receiving the care they need.
“The Plan is making life more affordable by saving CDCP members an average of $900 per year on their oral health services,” according to the government.
Applications are open to all eligible Canadian residents, including those who missed the renewal deadline.
Here’s what to know about coverage and eligibility before you apply.
What does the federal dental care plan cover?
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The CDCP helps pay a portion of the cost for a variety of oral health care services, aiming to help Canadians afford certain treatments.
According to the dental care plan’s website, many services are covered without preauthorization, while others require it.
Some services that could be covered under the CDCP when recommended by an oral health provider include:
- Diagnostic and preventive services — dental exams, cleaning, x-rays, fluoride applications, sealants
- Basic services — restorative services (like fillings or cavity treatments), endodontic services (root canals, pulpectomies, etc.), periodontal services (cleaning under the gumline, treating abscesses, etc.)
- Major services — restorative services (crowns, repairs, posts and post removal), removable prosthodontic services (dentures), oral surgery
- Anesthesia or sedation
For now, orthodontic services aren’t covered under the CDCP, but will be available in the future.
How much is covered under the CDCP?
Canadians who are eligible for dental care plan coverage will be reimbursed a portion of the cost for their treatment, but may not be paid the full amount.
“You may have to pay additional charges directly to the oral health provider,” explains the site.
The federal government says you may have co-payments based on your adjusted family net income.
“A co-payment is the percentage of the CDCP fees that isn’t covered by the CDCP, and that you will have to pay directly to the oral health provider,” it explains.
Canadians with an adjusted family net income of less than $70,000 will get 100 per cent of eligible oral health care services covered by the CDCP. However, they may still have to pay additional charges.
Those with an adjusted family net income between $70,000 to $79,999 will get 60 per cent of coverage from the CDCP, meaning they will need to cover 40 per cent of the dental care plan’s established fees out of pocket.
The CDCP will only cover 40 per cent of oral health care service costs for Canadians with incomes between $80,000 and $89,999. They will have to pay 60 per cent of the CDCP established fees out of pocket.
Who’s eligible?
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Canadians are eligible to apply for the dental care plan if they meet the four requirements:
- You don’t have access to private dental insurance, including through your employer, a family member’s benefits, pension plan, a professional or student organization, or a plan purchased from an insurance or benefits company
- You and your spouse or, if applicable, common-law partner must have filed your tax returns in Canada in order for your family income to be assessed
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes
However, if you already have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal social program, you may still qualify for the CDCP. The plan will be coordinated with your existing coverage to ensure there’s no duplication or gaps.
For more detailed information on coverage, check out the CDCP site.
Read more about what information you need for the application and how to apply.
With files from Irish Mae Silvestre