Canadian Dental Care Plan

Helping Eligible Patients Access Dental Care

Learn About the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a Government of Canada program designed to help reduce financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. To qualify, your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 and you must meet the other eligibility requirements established by the federal government.


At Deer Lake Dental, we welcome eligible CDCP patients for a range of dental treatments covered by the plan. Coverage varies by patient and by procedure, and some treatments require preauthorization. Our team can help you understand your available benefits, anticipated costs, and whether additional approval may be required before treatment begins.

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Household Income and Coverage Levels

The amount paid by the CDCP depends on your adjusted family net income. The percentages below are based on the CDCP established fees, which may differ from the fees charged by a dental clinic. Depending on your income and the treatment provided, you may have a co-payment or additional charges to pay directly.

Adjusted Family Net Income CDCP Covers You Cover (Co-payment)
Under $70,000 100% of eligible services at CDCP rates 0% (you may still face additional fees)
$70,000 – $79,999 60% of eligible services at CDCP rates 40% of CDCP rates
$80,000 – $89,999 40% of eligible services at CDCP rates 60% of CDCP rates

Note: Even when the CDCP covers 100% of its established fee, additional charges may still apply if the clinic's fee is higher than the amount reimbursed by the plan or if you receive treatment that is not covered. We recommend confirming your expected costs before treatment begins.

Dental Treatments That May Be Covered

The CDCP covers a range of oral health procedures when eligibility requirements, clinical criteria, frequency limits, and other plan conditions are met. Some treatments can be covered without preauthorization, while others require approval from the CDCP before treatment begins.

Dental Examinations and X-Rays

Supports accurate assessment of teeth and oral health.

Dental Cleaning

Removes buildup and supports healthier teeth and gums.

Dental Fillings

Repairs teeth affected by cavities, decay, or damage.

Root Canal Therapy

Treats infection while helping preserve natural teeth.

Dental Crowns

Restores damaged teeth when coverage criteria are met.

Dentures

Replaces missing teeth for comfortable daily function.

Who is Eligible for the CDCP?

To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all four eligibility requirements established by the Government of Canada. Eligibility is reviewed regularly, and having access to private dental insurance can affect whether you qualify.

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No Access to Private Dental Insurance

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Adjusted Family Net Income Under $90,000

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Canadian Resident for Tax Purposes

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Required Canadian Tax Returns Are Filed

If you receive dental coverage through a federal, provincial, or territorial government social program, you may still qualify for the CDCP. The programs may coordinate benefits to help prevent duplicate coverage.

Remember to Renew Your CDCP Coverage

If you are already enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must renew your coverage each year to confirm that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Renewal dates may change from year to year, so be sure to check the Government of Canada website for the current renewal period and complete your renewal before the applicable deadline.


If you do not renew on time, you may experience a gap in your CDCP coverage. Dental care received during a gap in coverage will not be covered or reimbursed retroactively. We recommend confirming that your CDCP coverage is active before each dental appointment.

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Renew Your CDCP Coverage Each Year

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Check Current Renewal Dates and Deadlines

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Avoid Gaps in Your CDCP Coverage

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Confirm Coverage Before Dental Appointments

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about CDCP eligibility, coverage, co-payments, and using your benefits at Deer Lake Dental.

  • Does the CDCP cover all dental treatments?

    No. The CDCP covers a range of eligible oral health procedures, but coverage depends on the type of treatment, your oral health needs, frequency limits, clinical criteria, and other program requirements. Some treatments also require preauthorization before they can be covered. Our team can help you understand how the plan may apply to your recommended care.

  • How do I know if I qualify for the CDCP?

    You must meet four main requirements: you cannot have access to private dental insurance, your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, and the required Canadian tax returns must have been filed. The Government of Canada makes the final determination regarding eligibility.

  • Will I have to pay anything at my dental appointment?

    Possibly. Your co-payment depends on your adjusted family net income. You may also have additional costs if Deer Lake Dental's fee for a treatment is higher than the CDCP established fee or if you choose treatment that is not covered by the plan. We recommend asking about expected costs before proceeding with treatment.

  • Do some dental treatments require preauthorization?

    Yes. Certain treatments require preauthorization before the CDCP will consider them for coverage. For example, eligible crowns require preauthorization, as do certain denture, oral surgery, endodontic, and sedation procedures depending on the treatment and circumstances. Approval is based on CDCP criteria and is not guaranteed.

  • How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

    Applications are completed through the Government of Canada. Before applying, review the eligibility requirements and have the information needed to confirm your household and tax status. Once your application is processed, you will receive information about whether you qualify and when your coverage begins. Visit the official Government of Canada CDCP website to apply or learn more.