The new CDCP: Here’s when seniors can apply for the federal government’s dental plan

“Far too many people have avoided getting the care that they need simply because it was too expensive, and that’s why this plan is essential,” Mark Holland, the federal health minister, said at a press conference on Dec. 11, 2023. He also noted that the plan is “going to help make life better for eligible Canadian residents because they won’t have to make the choice between paying their bills and getting the care that they absolutely need.”

The plan will cost $13 billion over the next five years, and $4.4 billion annually in subsequent years.

When can you apply for the federal dental plan for seniors?

The government has announced that application dates for the CDCP will be rolled out gradually. According to its website, it will mail letters to potentially eligible seniors aged 87 and older in mid-December; ages 77 to 86 in January 2024; ages 72 to 76 in February 2024; and ages 70 to 71 in March 2024. The letters will contain a personalized application code and instructions to call Service Canada and apply by phone.

Letters will only go out to those who had an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 in 2022, based on their tax return for that year, and they will be mailed to the address used in that tax return. (Haven’t filed your 2022 taxes? It’s a good time to catch up!) There’s no information yet on what to do if you think you qualify for the CDCP but don’t receive a letter, you could try calling a CDCP representative at 1-833-537-4342. And if your address has changed, contact the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure its records are up to date.

Starting in May 2024, potentially eligible Canadians aged 65 to 69, and those aged 70 and up who received a letter but could not apply by phone, can apply for the CDCP online. Those who are approved for the CDCP will be enrolled in the program by Sun Life, the service provider that has been contracted to manage the dental plan. 

When can other eligible Canadians apply for the federal dental care plan?

For children under age 12, applications for the Canada Dental Benefit are open until June 30, 2024—here’s how to apply. 

The government will start accepting CDCP applications for children under 18 and adults who have a valid disability tax credit certificate starting in June 2024. All other eligible Canadians can apply in 2025.

Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

To qualify for the CDCP, the government says that you must:

• Not have access to dental insurance through your employer or a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts; no dental insurance through your pension (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits; or no dental insurance purchased by yourself or by a family member or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company
• Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• Have filed your tax return in the previous year

Canadians must re-qualify for the CDCP each year. Information about the annual reassessment process is not yet available. Visit the federal government’s website for more details about government dental coverage.

Application schedule by age group

Here’s a breakdown of the Canadians who can apply for CDCP and when. 

Source: Government of Canada

What dental services will the CDCP cover?

According to the government’s website, services that may be covered include:

• Preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants and fluoride
• Diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays
• Restorative services, including fillings
• Endodontic services, including root canals
• Prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures
• Periodontal services, including deep scaling
• Oral surgery services, including extractions

How much does the federal dental plan for seniors cover?

Your coverage through the CDCP will depend on your adjusted family net income:

When does federal dental coverage for seniors begin?

The earliest that eligible seniors can see an oral health provider and receive coverage from the CDCP will be May 2024. According to the government, “Canadian residents who are enrolled in the CDCP will be able to start seeing an oral health provider as early as May 2024, starting with seniors. The start date to access oral health care will vary based on when each group can apply, when the application is received and when enrolment is completed.”

If you’re approved for coverage under the plan, you’ll likely want to confirm that your oral health provider (dentist, hygienist, denturist or dental specialist) has enrolled in the program, as this isn’t automatic. The government has yet to announce when oral health providers can start enrolling in the CDCP. 

Read more about budgeting:

• How Canadians can save money on gas, grocery, cellphone and other home bills
• 10 simple ways to save money
• It’s probably time you switched banks—4 easy steps for Canadians
• The cost of the average grocery bill in Canada—and how to lower yours
• Take control of your finances with these budgeting tips for young adults

About Jaclyn Law

Jaclyn Law is MoneySense’s managing editor. She has worked in Canadian media for over 20 years, including editor roles at Chatelaine and Abilities. Jaclyn completed the Canadian Securities Course in 2022.

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