1-888-601-9980
- CDCP covers essential dental services for families with incomes below $90,000, but excludes implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures
- Personal dental insurance covers CDCP gaps, offering broader provider networks and premium treatment options
- Bundling both coverages can reduce co-payments and maximize yearly benefits for comprehensive care
- Top providers like Manulife, Sun Life, and Blue Cross offer plans ranging from $30-$40 monthly
Dental care is expensive for many Canadians. In 2022, 25.9% residents skipped dental check-ups, out of which 47.4% people without insurance delayed oral care due to high cost (Statistics Canada, 2024). CDCP aims to lessen this burden.
The Canadian government sponsored the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which makes basic dental coverage affordable for eligible families. However, not all dental services are covered. In this guide, you will learn what is covered, excluded, and what to do if you do not meet the eligibility requirements or lose coverage.
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What is the Canadian dental care plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, also known as the CDCP, is a federally sponsored dental care plan that provides dental care and oral health services to Canadians with limited incomes who do not have private health insurance and lack access to basic dental care.
Rolled out in phases, it aims to provide dental insurance to middle and low-income families, disabled people, seniors, and children. As of 2025, the plan covers millions of Canadians, improving access to affordable dental care.
How does CDCP work in Canada?
CDCP is overseen by Health Canada in partnership with Sun Life Canada and is designed to provide essential dental care to Canadians who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligible patients visit an enrolled dentist, who bills CDCP based on the national fee schedule. If the dentist charges more than the CDCP rates, the remaining balance is to be co-paid by you.
Understanding how CDCP works can help in planning your oral health care needs and maximizing the benefits provided.
Who qualifies for CDCP?
You must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for CDCP in Canada. Knowing the Canadian dental care plan eligibility requirements can help in making an informed decision about how much private coverage is required to meet dental care needs.
- You must be a Canadian resident
- Your adjusted annual family income must not exceed $90,000
- You should not have access to private or group dental insurance
- You must have filed a tax return in the previous year
CDCP coverage in 2025
CDCP offers coverage for essential dental care services in Canada, such as restorative care, oral surgery, periodontal services, and dentures.
- Restorative care, such as fillings and root canals
- Preventive services, including cleaning and fluoride treatment
- Oral surgery, such as tooth extraction, is covered
- Partial and full denture cost is covered under CDCP
- Periodontal services like scaling and root planing
How much does CDCP cover?
CDCP determines coverage based on the adjusted family net income. If the annual income is below $70,000, you will receive 100% coverage for essential dental services. The coverage lowers with an increase in the annual income.
- Families with an annual income below $70,000 are eligible for 100% coverage
- CDCP coverage pays 60% for annual incomes ranging between $80,000 – $89,999, 90% for $70,000 – $79,999, and 100% for annual salaries below $70,000
Why does personal dental insurance coverage matter in Canada?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a crucial step towards improving dental care access. However, CDCP has its limitations, making personal dental insurance coverage necessary to cover the gaps.
Canadians who are not eligible for CDCP can buy private dental insurance to meet their dental care requirements and avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding CDCP exclusions helps you decide how much personal dental coverage you need for comprehensive protection and access to essential dental services.
CDCP limitations and exclusions
Several essential dental services are not covered under CDCP, making private dental coverage necessary. For example, CDCP doesn’t cover dental services, such as teeth whitening, fixed implants, etc., which a private dental plan may cover.
Dental coverage in Canada: CDCP vs. private dental care services
| Type of services | CDCP coverage | Private dental care insurance coverage |
| Fillings and extractions | Yes | Yes |
| Basic cleaning and exams | Yes | Yes |
| Implants | No | Depends on the plan |
| Bridges and crowns | Might be covered in limited cases | Depends on the plan |
| Cosmetic procedures | No | Depends on the plan |
| Orthodontics | Limited (if medically necessary) | Available on enhanced plans |
Private dental insurance vs. CDCP: A comprehensive comparison
Comparing CDCP and private dental care insurance can enable you to improve coverage and maximize savings. Households with annual income below $90,000 are eligible for CDCP, through which they can have access to essential dental care services in Canada.
Private dental insurance in Canada is flexible, has fixed premiums, and a wider range of benefits, provided the premiums are paid every month.
Understanding the difference between CDCP and private dental coverage can help you decide the best plan and the benefits it must cover.
Comparing CDCP vs. Private dental insurance
| Factors | CDCP | Private dental insurance |
| Annual premium | Co-payments (based on income) | $480/year – $1080/year |
| Scope for coverage | Basic dental services | Basic coverage, along with covering gaps in CDCP |
| Access to providers | Limited to CDCP dentists | Access to any licensed dentists |
| Eligibility criteria | Annual income should be $90,000 or below | Available to all |
Why should you combine CDCP with private dental insurance Canada?
Combining your CDCP with a personal dental plan can help you maximize your dental coverage, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and have access to a broader range of dental benefits.
While CDCP offers coverage for basic dental services in Canada to lower, middle-class, and uninsured residents, there are, however, certain limitations which make it necessary to buy private dental insurance to cover the gaps in public dental coverage.
What are the key benefits of combining a public dental plan with personal dental coverage in Canada?
Combining CDCP with personal dental care coverage in Canada can help you lower your out-of-pocket expenses and have access to a wide range of dental care benefits.
- Protects family: The dual coverage offers benefits to your family members, including parents, seniors, and children
- The cost of treatment is shared: Having dual dental insurance reduces personal expenses. CDCP helps cover the basic eligible services, while your private dental plan can cover the rest, helping lower out-of-pocket expenses
- Affordable specialized care: Specialized treatments such as oral surgery and orthodontics are covered at an affordable cost. These benefits are generally included in an enhanced plan, with the cost dependent on coverage and waiting period
Who are the top dental insurance providers in Canada?
Choosing the right dental insurer in Canada is important for reducing personal costs and maintaining oral health. Several Canadian insurers offer private dental coverage based on your financial requirements. Before buying a private dental insurance plan, compare dental insurance quotes to make an informed decision.
Our experts at PolicyAdvisor can help you compare different dental insurance quotes and buy a comprehensive plan that meets your budget. Our advisors are available even after you have obtained dental coverage and are ready to clear your insurance-related questions.
Top private dental insurance in Canada
| Name of the insurer | Coverage options | Eligibility criteria | Estimated premiums |
| Manulife | Basic, major, and enhanced | Open to all Canadians, age restrictions | $40/month – $120/month |
| Sun Life | Basic, standard, and enhanced | Open to Canadian residents, no medical assessment required | $35/month – $110/month |
| Green Shield Canada | Basic, major, and comprehensive | Available to all Canadians, with a waiting period | $45/month – $130/month |
| Blue Cross | Basic, orthodontics, and comprehensive | Differs by province | $30/month – $125/month |
How to choose the cheapest personal dental insurance plan?
Choosing the right personal dental insurance plan is essential for having access to a broad range of dental benefits at an affordable cost. Various insurers in Canada provide dental care plans that cater to different dental needs. Before buying private dental coverage, compare different dental insurance quotes to buy a suitable plan.
You can also get in touch with our advisors at PolicyAdvisor, who will help you compare various insurance quotes and buy the most suitable dental plan based on your budget.
Understanding the key factors when looking for dental coverage can help you make an informed decision.
Things to consider when looking to buy private dental coverage in Canada
Before buying private dental insurance, consider factors such as cost, provider networks, services included, waiting period, and other benefits to ensure you have access to a cost-effective dental plan.
- Coverage type: Dental insurance typically covers three categories – basic, preventive, and major. Basic covers common dental services such as root canals and cavities, while preventive services include teeth cleaning and routine check-ups. Under major services, complex dental treatments that are typically expensive are covered
- Annual limits and maximums: Most of these plans have an annual limit ranging between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you exceed the limit, any additional expenses are to be paid out of your own pocket
- Network providers: Several Canadian insurance plans cover visits to a licensed dentist. Though the premiums remain fixed, the reimbursement can be lower in case of an out-of-network dentist
- Waiting period: Several dental care plans include a waiting period on certain services, ranging from a few months to a year. Knowing the waiting period can help you decide the type of dental coverage you require
- Additional benefits: Look for dental plans that offer additional coverage for services such as wellness programs, telehealth dental consultations, etc. You can also bundle your dental coverage with vision and/or drug coverage to maximize your benefits at an affordable cost
How to get the best dental insurance in Canada?
Evaluate your dental care needs and budget before looking for a new dental plan in Canada. You can contact our experts at PolicyAdvisor, who will help you compare various dental insurance quotes and buy the most suitable coverage.
Knowing the step-by-step process can help in making an informed decision and buying a comprehensive private dental insurance plan in Canada.
- Assess your dental care needs, including those of your family members. This will help you know the benefits you need and your budget
- Our experts at PolicyAdvisor can help you compare different dental insurance quotes and guide you to buy a comprehensive dental care plan. Our advisors are also available to help even after you have bought the coverage and have insurance-related queries
- Compare premiums, deductibles, and co-payments to get a better understanding of what coverage is suitable according to your budget
- Check provider networks to see whether the dental plan includes your preferred dentist or not
- Choose a plan with a low waiting period, especially if you need immediate dental services
- Our experts provide you with access to different online tools and calculators to help you buy a comprehensive coverage plan. Check out customer reviews to have a better understanding of what a dental plan would offer
- Fill out the application form and submit it along with the necessary documents for verification
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan free for low-and middle-income families?
No, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is not entirely free. If annual income ranges between $70,000 – $79,999, the co-payment is 10%, 40% for incomes $80,000 – $89,999, and no co-pay if annual income is below $70,000.
Can I use the Canadian Dental Care Plan if I have an employer’s dental insurance?
You cannot have access to CDCP if you have private coverage. However, on losing access to private dental insurance, you can apply for CDCP. However, those with a group dental plan typically do not qualify for CDCP.
How do I find a dentist who accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
You can find the list of dentists listed under CDCP by visiting the Health Canada website. You can also check with your local dental clinics and health community centres whether they are enrolled under CDCP.
How do wait times differ between CDCP and private dental coverage?
CDCP does not have waiting periods, and coverage begins immediately after enrolment, offering all the essential services promptly once approved. Private dental insurance may have a waiting period ranging between six months and one year, especially for major dental services such as orthodontics or crowns.
Does CDCP cover orthodontics and braces?
CDCP covers orthodontics only if it is medically necessary and to correct severe dental issues. Braces and other cosmetic procedures are excluded under CDCP. To access dental services such as braces and other major dental services, you can consider buying a comprehensive dental coverage.
How often can I renew my CDCP coverage?
CDCP is renewed annually provided you meet the eligibility requirements. Update your applications annually to continue receiving the CDCP benefits. Timely renewal helps ensure continuous dental care coverage.
CDCP supports Canadians with annual incomes below $90,000 by covering essential dental services with co-pays between 0% and 60%. However, CDCP excludes services such as implants and orthodontics. You can apply for CDCP if you don’t have access to private dental care and wish to cover gaps in CDCP coverage.
Source: Statistics Canada. “Dental insurance is a key predictor of oral health care access and use among Canadians.” The Daily — Health Reports, April 2024. Published April 17, 2024.
