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Scheduled to begin covering treatment in May 2024, the CDCP is a publicly funded dental benefit for those with an annual household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance. 

The plan covers the cost or a portion of the cost of an enrolled patient’s oral health treatments to prevent and treat oral disease which, in turn, can protect against serious health problems. 

Anyone wishing to participate in this plan must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below. 

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. 
• Filed an income tax return for the previous year. 
• Do not have dental insurance through a private or pension plan or with an employer. 
• Have a net (after tax) family income of less than $90,000 annually. 

Application periods are staggered between December 2023 and 2025. As of May 2024, seniors, 65+ are eligible to apply.

The CDCP has developed their own fee guide, which determines the fees the CDCP will pay for services covered under the plan. These fees can differ from provincial or territorial fee guides.

Not all patients will receive complete financial assistance through the CDCP due to required co-payments, so it is important to ask about costs not covered by the plan. These co-payments are the portion of treatment costs you would be expected to cover out of pocket, and the percentage is determined by your family’s net annual income shown on the previous year’s tax return. Co-payment or fees not covered are paid directly to the dental office.

If you are a senior (age 65 or older), there is no need to do anything, as you will receive a letter with instructions on applying and an application code. You can then apply over the phone by following the instructions included in the letter. 

From May 2024, people can apply online. At the time of writing, no information is available on applying online. 

Once you have applied, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, which will include: 

• The start date of your coverage. 
• Your membership card. 
• Information about the CDCP. 

Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility requirements each subsequent year with an annual reassessment. Details about the reassessment process have yet to be released. 

The CDCP covers oral health services designed to prevent and treat oral disease and to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following listed below. 

• Diagnostic services
• Dental x-rays
• Preventive services
• Periodontal services 
• Restorative services 
• Endodontic services
• Prosthodontic services 
• Sedation dentistry
• Oral surgery services