Canada Dental Care Plan: When Seniors Can Apply

More Canadians will soon have access to affordable dental care. A new federal program is making it easier to receive preventive cleanings, necessary fillings, root canals or new dentures. Earlier this month, the Government of Canada provided additional details about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which was first announced in the 2023 federal budget. The CDCP is designed to improve access to dental care for Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance. At present, dental support is available to children under 12 through the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), and the federal plan will extend coverage to seniors and other eligible groups.

“Far too many people have avoided getting the care that they need simply because it was too expensive, and that’s why this plan is essential,” Health Minister Mark Holland said at a press conference on Dec. 11, 2023. He added that the program will help eligible Canadians avoid having to choose between paying bills and getting essential dental treatment.

The plan is funded at $13 billion over the next five years, with ongoing annual costs estimated at $4.4 billion in later years.

When can you apply for the federal dental plan for seniors?

The government will phase in application dates for eligible seniors. According to the federal website, the rollout includes mailings of personalized invitation letters and application codes. Letters will be sent to seniors based on age cohorts and tax-year residency: those aged 87 and older received letters in mid-December; ages 77 to 86 in January 2024; ages 72 to 76 in February 2024; and ages 70 to 71 in March 2024. Each letter contains an application code and instructions for applying by phone with Service Canada.

Letters will be mailed only to individuals who reported an adjusted family net income under $90,000 on their 2022 tax return, and they will be sent to the address on that return. If you did not file your 2022 taxes, this is a good time to do so. If you believe you qualify but did not receive a letter, you can try calling a CDCP representative at 1-833-537-4342. If your address has changed since your last tax return, contact the Canada Revenue Agency to update your information.

Beginning in May 2024, eligible Canadians aged 65 to 69—and seniors aged 70 and up who received a letter but were unable to apply by phone—will be able to complete their applications online. Approved applicants will be enrolled in the program through Sun Life, the service provider contracted to administer the CDCP.

When can other eligible Canadians apply for the federal dental care plan?

Applications for the Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 are open until June 30, 2024; details on how to apply are available on the government site. The CDCP will begin accepting applications for children under 18 and adults who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate starting in June 2024. All remaining eligible Canadian residents will be able to apply starting in 2025.

Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

To be eligible for the CDCP, the government states you must meet all of the following:

• Not have access to dental insurance through your employer or a family member’s employer benefits (including health and wellness accounts), through a pension (current or former), or through private or group insurance purchased by you or a family member;
• Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000;
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes;
• Have filed a tax return for the previous year.

Applicants will need to re-qualify annually. The government will release more information about the yearly reassessment process at a later date. For full program details and updates, consult the federal government’s dental coverage information.

Application schedule by age group

Below is a concise schedule showing when each group can apply for the CDCP.

Source: Government of Canada

What dental services will the CDCP cover?

The CDCP may cover a range of oral health services, including preventive, diagnostic, restorative and surgical care. Examples listed by the government include:

• Preventive care such as scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants and fluoride;
• Diagnostic services like examinations and X-rays;
• Restorative treatments, including fillings;
• Endodontic procedures such as root canals;
• Prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures;
• Periodontal treatments, including deep scaling;
• Oral surgery services, including extractions.

How much does the federal dental plan for seniors cover?

Coverage under the CDCP depends on adjusted family net income. The plan uses a co-payment structure based on income brackets:

When does federal dental coverage for seniors begin?

Eligible seniors may start receiving covered services as early as May 2024. The exact start date for an individual depends on when their group can apply, when their application is received and when enrollment is finalized. Once approved, beneficiaries should confirm that their oral health provider—whether a dentist, hygienist, denturist or dental specialist—has enrolled in the CDCP. Provider enrollment is not automatic; the government will announce when oral health professionals can begin registering with the program.

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