Many Canadians are struggling to afford the necessary dental services, which are necessary for overall well-being. To address this, the federal government has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This plan is implemented to help eligible residents access and afford essential dental care, reducing the financial strain that often comes with oral health treatments.
The CDCP specifically covers those who do not have access to any form of dental insurance and others who fulfil all the eligibility criteria. As of July 8, 2024, CDCP beneficiaries will be able to choose any dental care provider they prefer, provided that the provider agrees to directly bill Sun Life for the services. This direct billing arrangement makes it easier for clients to get the dental care they need without having to pay upfront costs.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the Canadian Dental Care Plan. You will find details about eligibility, how and when to apply, the covered services, and the specifics of the provided coverage.
Who is Eligible for CDCP?
To qualify for the CDCP, applicants must meet specific conditions:
- No Access to Dental Insurance: Individuals must not have access to dental insurance to be eligible for the CDCP.
- Income Requirements: Applicants must have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. This ensures that the plan targets those who need financial assistance the most.
- Residency: Applicants must be Canadian residents for tax purposes.
- Tax Filing: It is mandatory to have filed a tax return in the previous year.
If someone already has dental coverage through provincial, territorial, or federal social programs, they can still qualify for the CDCP. The coverage from these programs will be coordinated with the CDCP to ensure there are no duplicate or missing services. Each year, the individual needs to meet the eligibility requirements to continue receiving coverage from the CDCP.
Which Services are Covered under this Plan?
The CDCP aims to cover a wide range of oral healthcare services to maintain dental health, prevent issues, and treat diseases. The services covered under the CDCP include:
- Preventive Services: These include cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments, which are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental problems.
- Diagnostic Services: Examinations and X-rays fall under this category, helping in the early detection and diagnosis of dental issues.
- Restorative Services: This includes fillings that restore the function and integrity of damaged teeth.
- Endodontic Services: Root canal treatments, which are necessary for saving teeth that have infected pulp, are included.
- Prosthodontic Services: Services like dentures that replace missing teeth are covered under this category.
- Periodontal Services: Deep scaling to treat gum disease is included.
- Oral Surgery Services: This includes tooth extractions and other surgical procedures required for oral health.
Coverage Details
The CDCP reimburses a percentage of dental care costs based on established CDCP fees and the applicant’s adjusted family net income. However, there might be additional charges, known as co-payments, that individuals have to pay directly to the oral health provider. Co-payments are required if:
- The adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999.
- The cost of oral health care services exceeds the established CDCP fees.
- Services agreed upon are not covered by the CDCP.
When Can You Apply?
The CDCP is being implemented in phases to ensure a smooth rollout.
- Seniors: Certain seniors have been able to apply for coverage since the end of 2023.
- Children Under 18: Starting in June 2024, parents can apply for the CDCP for their children who are under 18 years old.
- Children Under 12: If a child is under 12 years old and does not have access to dental insurance, they might already be eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit. This benefit is available until June 30, 2024, and provides a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 for the child’s dental care as they transition to the federal dental care plan.
- Adults with Disability Tax Credit: Adults holding a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate can apply for the CDCP starting in June 2024.
- Remaining Eligible Residents: All other eligible Canadian residents can apply for the CDCP in 2025.
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
To apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you can choose to apply online or by phone. Here are the detailed steps for both methods:
- Visit the online application portal.
- Enter all required information accurately.
- After filling in the form, review your information.
- Upon successful submission, you will receive an Application Code or Client Number. Keep this number safe as it will be needed to check the status of your application.
By Phone
If you are unable to apply online, you can apply by phone by following these steps:
- Call the Application Line: Dial 1-833-537-4342 to reach the application support team.
- Provide Your Information: Be ready to provide the details asked. You will also need to confirm that you have filed your 2023 tax return and received your Notice of Assessment.
- Complete the Application with Assistance: The support team will guide you through the application process over the phone, ensuring that all necessary information is recorded.
- Receive Confirmation: At the end of the call, you will be provided with an Application Code or Client Number. Keep this number for future reference to check your application status.
Checking the Status of Your CDCP Application
Once you have applied, you can check the status of your application either online or by phone:
- Online: Visit the application status portal and enter your Application Code or Client Number.
- By Phone: Call 1-833-537-4342, select option number 2, and provide your Application Code or Client Number and SIN to verify your identity.
CDCP Documents Requirements
To apply, you’ll need:
- Social Insurance Number
- Date of Birth
- Full name
- Home and mailing address
- Information on any dental coverage through government social programs
- Filed tax return for 2023 and Notice of Assessment for yourself and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable).