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Discover affordable, comprehensive dental care for the whole family with the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Book your appointment today for a brighter smile.
Canadian Dental Care Plan
Under the newly introduced federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, over one million Canadian seniors lacking dental coverage can access complimentary or reduced-cost care. Launched on May 1st, the program currently targets individuals aged 65 and above, and aims to extend dental services to uninsured Canadians with an annual household income below $90,000 in the future rollout phase.
This blog post is all about the CDCP and how it can benefit you. We’ll explain what the CDCP is, who qualifies, and the types of services it covers.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal initiative designed to alleviate financial obstacles to oral healthcare for Canadians lacking dental coverage. This program aims to offer dental subsidies to eligible Canadian residents without dental benefits and with an adjusted annual household income of under $90,000.
If you or a loved one qualify for the CDCP, here are key considerations to keep in mind before scheduling your next dental visit.
While the CDCP offers subsidized dental treatments, not all patients will receive the same amount of coverage. Depending on your family’s income, you may need to- pay a lower or higher percentage of the appointment cost, known as co-payments.
The federal government covers only a portion of the ODA (Ontario Dental Association) Fee guide, leaving patients responsible for additional charges or co-pay. Below is a breakdown of co-payments based on adjusted family income.
- Lower than $70,000: Close to 100% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees. There will always be a patient portion as the CDCP plan does not cover the full Ontario dental fee guide costs.
- Between $70,000 and $79,999: 60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.
- Between $80,000 and $89,999: 40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.
What Dental Benefits are Covered?
CDCP covers a range of dental services such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, extractions, and X-rays, among others.
Certain services require prior approval and are contingent upon a dentist’s recommendation. Preauthorization for these services will not be accessible until November 2024. For a full list of services covered, check here.
How much is Covered?
The CDCP provides coverage for a portion or the entirety of services, depending on income and the fees set by the Ontario Dental Association.
For households earning less than $70,000 annually, the plan covers almost 100 percent of eligible services at the CDCP’s specified fees, which may differ from your provider’s charges.
Families with incomes exceeding $70,000 will be responsible for co-payments. Those earning between $70,000 and $79,000 will receive coverage for 60 percent of services, while those with incomes ranging from $80,000 to $89,999 will receive coverage for 40 percent.
How Do I Apply for the Plan?
Health Canada is accepting applications in phases. Individuals aged 65 and older are eligible to apply. Starting from June 2024, those with a valid disability tax credit certificate or parents of children aged 18 and under can submit their applications. Other eligible Canadians can start applying in 2025.
When completing the application, you will need to provide details such as your name, home and mailing addresses, social insurance number, and date of birth. Additionally, you’ll be asked to disclose any existing dental coverage from government social programs.
You can apply here.
Not Everyone is Eligible for the Plan at the Same Time
Health Canada is implementing a phased approach to determine patients’ eligibility for care based on their registration date and age group. Below are the projected timelines for applying to the CDCP. It’s important to note that the application timeline indicates when the eligible group can apply to enroll in the CDCP but does not signify the date when dental care can commence under the plan.
We highly recommend that patients verify their eligibility letter/card for their coverage start date.
Group Applications Open
- Seniors aged 87 and above: Beginning December 2023
- Seniors aged 77 to 86: Beginning January 2024
- Seniors aged 72 to 76: Beginning February 2024
- Seniors aged 70 to 71: Beginning March 2024
- Seniors aged 65 to 69: Beginning May 2024
- Individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate: Beginning June 2024
- Children under the age of 18: Beginning June 2024
- All other eligible Canadian residents: Beginning in 2025
CDCP Makes dental care more accessible for Canadians
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a significant step towards making dental care more accessible for Canadians. Remember, a healthy smile goes beyond aesthetics; it impacts your overall well-being. By taking advantage of the CDCP and partnering with a trusted dental provider like Enhance Dental Centre, you can prioritize your oral health without financial constraints.