Dental care can be expensive, and for millions of Canadians without workplace coverage, the cost has meant skipping appointments altogether. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is changing that. Launched by the federal government to help low-to-moderate income households access the care they need, the plan is now open to all age groups and could benefit nearly 9 million uninsured Canadians.
Who qualifies for the CDCP? And how do you apply? This guide breaks it all down for you. And if you’re looking for a dental team that works with CDCP patients and will walk you through every step, Kawartha Dental Clinic is here to help.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program designed to help make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents. It could close the oral health inequity and financial barriers for nearly 9 million uninsured Canadians.
It covers individuals and families without private dental insurance and a household income under $90,000 per year.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP?
This plan is intended for those and families of low-to-moderate income without private or workplace dental insurance. Combined household income must be less than $90,000. The plan has been completely open to all age groups since May 2025.
The 4 Eligibility Boxes You Need to Tick
The latest information on canada.ca indicates that to be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you must meet all four following requirements:
☐ You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
☐ You filed your tax return for the previous year.
☐ You do not have access to private dental insurance (including through an employer, pension, or family member).
☐ Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 per year.
Understanding the CDCP Income Requirements
As we stated before, your family’s net income must be under $90,000 a year to qualify. This amount is based on the information from your tax return and includes your and your spouse or common-law partner’s total income, if applicable.
Your income level also affects how much of your dental costs the CDCP may cover:
- Less than $70,000: You may receive the highest level of coverage.
- $70,000 to $79,999: You may need to pay a portion of your dental costs.
- $80,000 to $89,999: You may have a higher co-payment amount.
- $90,000 or more: You are not eligible for the CDCP.
If you aren’t certain what your adjusted family net income is, you can find this information on your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or consult a tax professional for assistance.
Keep in mind that meeting the income requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. You must also satisfy the other CDCP requirements.
Who Does Not Qualify?
While the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is helping millions of Canadians access affordable dental care, not everyone qualifies.
You may not be eligible for the program if any of the following apply to you:
You Have Access to Private Dental Insurance
One of the most important eligibility rules is that you must not have access to private dental insurance. This includes coverage through:
- An employer or workplace benefits plan
- A spouse’s or parent’s dental insurance plan
- A pension benefits package
- A privately purchased dental insurance policy
Even if you choose not to use your dental insurance, simply having access to it may make you ineligible for the CDCP.
You Have Not Filed Your Tax Return
The government uses tax information to determine eligibility. If you have not filed your most recent tax return, your application may not be approved until your tax records are up to date.
You Are Not a Canadian Resident for Tax Purposes
Applicants must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes. Generally, people who don’t meet that requirement are ineligible for CDCP coverage.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Many patients are unsure whether workplace benefits, family coverage, or income thresholds affect their eligibility. If you’re uncertain, our team at Kawartha Dental Clinic can help you understand the requirements and determine whether you may be eligible before scheduling treatment.
How to Apply for the CDCP
If you qualify, the process to apply for the CDCP is easy. Before you start, make sure you have filed your most recent tax return and have available any personal information that may be required.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
First, there are the four eligibility requirements:
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
- You have submitted your tax return.
- You have no private dental insurance.
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
Step 2: Gather Your Information
You may need documents or information like the following:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Your date of birth
- Your current address
- Information from your latest tax return or Notice of Assessment
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Follow these steps below:
- Go to MSCA website.
- Sign in or register for an account
- When you logged into MSCA, navigate to the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” portion of your MSCA dashboard.
- Then click on “Apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage” and follow the instructions.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
Your application will be reviewed, and you’ll be told if you’re eligible and what you’re covered for. If you are approved, you will be notified when your coverage begins and what services may be available to you.
Step 5: Book Your Dental Appointment
You may schedule an appointment with Kawartha Dental Clinic after your coverage begins. It’s a good idea to check your coverage specifics and any possible out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment.
What Dental Services May Be Covered?
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services, in which, Kawartha Dental Clinic will provide a pre-determination depending on your dental treatment needs.
Preventive and Diagnostic Care
This is the foundation of the plan and includes regular check-ups, x-rays, teeth cleaning (scaling) and fluoride treatments. These services help you detect problems early and keep your oral health on track.
Basic Restorative Treatment
If you need a dental filling or a dental crown to repair a damaged tooth, these are covered by the plan. Keep in mind, crowns are subject to approval, meaning your dentist must confirm coverage before the procedure starts.
Root Canals and Gum Treatment
Coverage also includes endodontic work such as root canals and periodontal treatments like deep cleanings (scaling and root planing). These treatments help to address infections and gum disease before they develop into more serious problems.
Oral Surgery
Tooth extractions and other oral surgery procedures are covered. Emergency extractions and similar urgent treatments generally don’t require approval and can be handled on the spot, with any documentation submitted after the fact if needed.
Anesthesia or Sedation
CDCP is provided for basic and higher levels of sedation if clinically necessary and requires preauthorization for deeper sedation.
Dentures and Major Dental Work
The plan covers prosthodontic services (complete and partial dentures and denture repairs). These, too, need preauthorization, like crowns, which means your dentist has to get approval before treatment.
Examination Frequency Restrictions
The CDCP sets limits on how often each type of examination is covered within a given period. Here’s a breakdown:
| Examination Type | How Often It’s Covered | Notes |
| Complete Oral Examination | Once every 5 years | Counts as your recall exam for that period; replaces the new patient limited exam, if applicable |
| Recall Examination | Once every 12 months | Standard check-up visit |
| New Patient Limited Examination | Once every 12 months | Can substitute for the recall exam |
| Specific Examination | Once every 12 months | If done alongside recall services, it’s counted as the recall exam |
| Emergency Examination | No limit | If done alongside recall services, it’s counted as the recall test |
| First Dental Visit / Oral Assessment (children aged 3 and under) | Once per lifetime | Orientation visit for very young patients |
| Specialist Examination; Complete (requires preauthorization) | Once every 5 years per specialty | Replaces the specialist limited exam within the same specialty for that 12-month period |
| Specialist Examination (Limited) | Once every 12 months per specialty | _ |
How Our Clinic Helps CDCP Patients
If you are covered under CDCP, don’t postpone your appointment. Looking for a CDCP dentist in Peterborough, or just want a dental team who explains things clearly? Kawartha Dental Clinic is ready to welcome you.