Canadian Dental Care Plan applications open on June 2
Canadians looking to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) should take note as applications open next week.
The next round of applications is set to begin on Tuesday, June 2, for Canadians who want to sign up for the federal dental plan. However, if you already have CDCP coverage, make sure to renew your coverage as the renewal deadline is on June 1.
According to the Government of Canada, the CDCP “is one of the country’s largest social programs and it is making the cost of dental care more affordable for millions of Canadian residents.”
Last year, 6.58 million eligible applicants were approved, while 4.34 million received care. The program, which first launched in 2023, gives Canadians access to over 28,000 participating oral health providers across the country.
With applications set to open next week, here’s what you need to know.
What does the CDCP cover?
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If you have CDCP coverage, you may not get paid for the entire cost of your treatment, but you could be reimbursed for part of it.
“Many services are covered without preauthorization, and others require preauthorization,” states the coverage website.
Some oral health provider-recommended services that could be covered 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.
The CDCP may not pay you for the full cost of your treatment, but you will be reimbursed for part of it. You may have a co-payment based on your adjusted family net income. For example, if your adjusted family net income is less than $70,000, CDCP will cover 100 per cent of service costs.
Are you eligible?
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Before applying for the CDCP, it’s important to check the eligibility criteria. You could be eligible to apply if you 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.
What do you need to apply?
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If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you’ll need to have the personal information for each applicant, such as your children, spouse, or common-law partner. Before you start your application, make sure you have the following information:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if available for children)
- date of birth
- full name
- home and mailing address
- list of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)
- you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your tax return in Canada for the previous year and have received your notice of assessment
How can you apply?
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There are several ways to submit an application.
One way to apply is online using your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or on Canada.ca. If you want to receive email notifications about your application, select “digital” under communications preference — it’s faster than receiving updates by mail.
If you can’t use MSCA or Canada.ca, another way to apply is by phone, by calling Service Canada at 1 (833) 537-4342. For TTY, call 1-833-677-6262. You can also assign a delegate or a trusted person to help you with your application.
When do applications open?
The upcoming CDCP benefit year runs from 2026 to 2027 and provides coverage from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Applications open at 8 a.m. E.T. on Tuesday, June 2.