CDCP Eligibility: Who Qualifies & Income Criteria

Who Is Eligible For The CDCP, The Dental Plan Canada Offers?

To be approved for the dental plan Canada offers through the CDCP, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Have submitted a tax return for the previous year
• Not have access to private or public dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000

CDCP Income Limits And Coverage For The Federal Dental Plan Canada Offers

The Canadian Dental Care Plan provides sliding-scale coverage tied to your household income:

• Income under $70,000: 100% coverage of eligible services
• Income $70,000–$79,999: 60% coverage, 40% co-payment
• Income $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage, 60% co-payment

Those with an income of $90,000 or more do not qualify for the CDCP.

One important note: dental offices may bill at rates higher than the CDCP fee guide. If that happens, you will be responsible for the difference, even if you receive full or partial coverage under the plan.

CDCP Eligibility: Why Income Matters

Affordable dental coverage in Canada has historically been out of reach for many low-income adults, newcomers, and seniors living on fixed incomes. The CDCP was created to close that gap by providing support to people who are not covered by traditional employer-sponsored plans. Its income-based structure is what sets it apart as one of the most accessible dental plans in Canada to date.

This dental plan Canada has introduced is intended to reduce inequalities in oral health care and help more people afford routine treatment – regardless of their employment status or stage of life.

Dental Plan Canada Co-Payments Explained

If your income falls within the 40% or 60% coverage brackets described above, a co-payment will apply. Here is how it works in practice:

• A $200 treatment with 60% coverage means the CDCP covers $120 and you pay $80.
• If your dentist charges $250 instead of $200, the extra $50 comes out of your own pocket on top of your regular co-payment.

There are no monthly premiums or deductibles – only the co-pay, where it applies.

Why Filing Taxes Matters For CDCP Eligibility

Your income is confirmed through your tax return. If you have not filed taxes for the prior year, you will be ineligible for this public dental plan Canada offers – even if your earnings would otherwise qualify you.

Eligibility is reviewed on a yearly basis. Filing your return on time each year ensures your status and level of coverage can be reassessed accurately.

Dental Plan Canada: Examples On How CDCP Applies According To Income

Consider Jasmine, a single parent with two children and a $68,000 income. She has no workplace dental coverage and qualifies for 100% CDCP dental coverage in Canada.

Now suppose Jasmine marries Peter, who earns $70,000 per year. Their combined adjusted family net income would reach $138,000 – well above the CDCP eligibility threshold. As a result, neither would qualify for coverage under the dental plan Canada currently offers through the CDCP.

In contrast, her brother Malik earns $78,000. He qualifies for partial coverage and contributes 40% co-payments on eligible services.

Income Based Dental Plan Canada Coverage Table

Adjusted Family Net Income	CDCP Coverage	Co-Payment
Under $70,000	100%	$0
$70,000–$79,999	60%	40%
$80,000–$89,999	40%	60%
$90,000+	Not eligible	N/A

How To Handle Income Changes Regarding CDCP Eligibility

If your income shifts from one year to the next, your eligibility for this federal dental plan may shift as well. Someone who earned $69,000 in 2023 could receive full coverage for 2024, but if their income climbs to $91,000 the following year, they will not qualify in 2025. It is worth reviewing your income each year and reapplying when appropriate.

What To Do If You Are Over The Income Limit For The Dental Plan Canada Offers?

If your income exceeds $90,000, you will not be eligible for CDCP benefits – but you still have options available:

• Ask your dentist about flexible payment arrangements
• Check whether your province has a dental assistance program
• Look into private or employer-sponsored dental insurance
• Set aside funds in advance for routine dental care

Alternative Dental Coverage In Canada

If you exceed the CDCP income threshold, several provinces run their own public dental programs. For example:

• Ontario: Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (for low-income seniors)
• British Columbia: Ministry programs offer limited dental support for people on assistance
• Alberta: Dental benefits are available through Alberta Adult Health Benefit
• Quebec: Offers public dental coverage for children under 10 and those on social assistance
• Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland: Provide basic dental support for children and low-income individuals

These programs differ by province, so be sure to check what is available in your area.

Future Access To Dental Plans In Canada

While the CDCP represents a meaningful step forward, ongoing conversations about expanding dental support across the country continue. Over time, we may see broader dental coverage in Canada – whether through the CDCP itself or through new provincial initiatives. Possible changes could include higher income thresholds or partial support extended to middle-income households.

As the program evolves, the aim is to make the dental plan Canada offers more responsive to real-world circumstances – including rising costs and shifting demographics.

Is the CDCP Similar To Other Dental Plans In Canada?

Some government employees in Canada receive dental benefits as part of their employment package. While the CDCP shares the same goal of accessible oral health care, there are clear differences:

• CDCP is needs-based, while government employee plans are employment-based
• CDCP follows a national fee guide; workplace plans may provide broader coverage
• CDCP does not require monthly premiums or deductibles

Does The CDCP Eligibility Account For Inflation?

At present, CDCP income thresholds are fixed, and there is no confirmed plan to adjust them for inflation. That said, periodic program reviews may bring future changes to help ensure more Canadians retain access as living costs continue to rise.

Next Steps On Your Dental Plan Canada Journey

Want to see if you qualify? Check here.