CDCP Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps Canadians without dental insurance access affordable dental care.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet ALL of the following:
1. Canadian Residency
✓ You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes
2. No Dental Insurance
✓ You must not have access to dental insurance, including:
- Private insurance (through work or purchased)
- Provincial/territorial dental programs
- Federal dental programs (NIHB, CAF, RCMP, Veterans)
If you have some coverage, you may still qualify if it's minimal—check specific rules.
3. Income Requirement
✓ Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000
4. Tax Filing
✓ You must have filed your tax return for the relevant year
Income Thresholds & Coverage Levels
Your income determines your coverage level (based on the CDCP fee guide):
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Coverage Level |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of fee guide (no co-pay) |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of fee guide (40% co-pay) |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of fee guide (60% co-pay) |
| $90,000 or more | Not eligible |
Note: If a provider's fees exceed the CDCP fee guide, you may have additional out-of-pocket costs.
Adjusted family net income = Total income from your tax return minus certain deductions (RRSP contributions, union dues, etc.)
Phased Rollout by Age
CDCP is being rolled out in phases:
| Phase | Eligibility | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Seniors 87+ | December 2023 |
| Phase 2 | Seniors 77-86 | Early 2024 |
| Phase 3 | Seniors 72-76 | Spring 2024 |
| Phase 4 | Seniors 70-71 | Spring 2024 |
| Phase 5 | Seniors 65-69 | May 2024 |
| Phase 6 | Persons with disabilities, children under 18 | June 2024 |
| Phase 7 | Adults 18-64 | 2025 |
Check canada.ca for the most current rollout schedule.
Who Is NOT Eligible
You do not qualify if you:
- Have private dental insurance (even if partial)
- Are covered by a provincial dental program
- Are covered by NIHB, Veterans Affairs, or military benefits
- Have family income of $90,000 or more
- Haven't filed your tax return
- Are not a Canadian resident
Special Situations
Partial or Limited Existing Coverage
If you have:
- Workplace coverage you declined: You may still not qualify
- Very limited coverage: Rules vary—check your specific situation
- Insurance through spouse: You likely don't qualify
Disability Tax Credit
Persons with valid Disability Tax Credit certificates may be eligible in earlier phases and may have expanded coverage options.
Children Under 18
Children under 18 in qualifying families became eligible in 2024. Parents/guardians apply on behalf of children.
Students
Students are assessed based on their own income if filing independently, or family income if claimed as dependents.
What CDCP Covers
Eligible services include:
Preventive Care
- Exams and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
Basic Services
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals
- Periodontal treatment
Major Services
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Some oral surgery
Cosmetic services (whitening, veneers) are generally not covered.
We're a CDCP Provider
BluSky Dental participates in CDCP at all three locations: Centrepointe, Holland Cross, and McCarthy.
We can verify your eligibility, explain your coverage, bill CDCP directly, and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility is reassessed annually based on your tax return. If your income drops below $90,000, you may become eligible.
Generally no. CDCP is for those without dental insurance. If you have private insurance, even partial, you typically don't qualify.
Check your Notice of Assessment from CRA, or log in to My CRA Account to see your adjusted family net income.
Processing times vary. Apply early and allow several weeks for card delivery.
Need Help Understanding Eligibility?
We can help answer questions about CDCP eligibility and coverage.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝