How to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
As of May 29, 2025, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — a federal program created to make dental care more affordable for Canadians without private dental insurance — is open to all age groups. The program has been rolling out access in stages during May 2025: first for people aged 55 to 64 (as of May 1), then for ages 18 to 34 (as of May 15), and finally for ages 35 to 54 (as of May 29). Earlier application windows included adults 65 and older, adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate for 2023, and children under age 18 for the coverage period ending June 30, 2025.
You can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan online. For the current coverage period you will need to have filed your 2023 income tax return and received your notice of assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP, announced in the federal 2023 budget, is intended to improve access to dental care for Canadian families with an adjusted net family income below $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance. Since its initial rollout at the end of 2023, the plan has expanded to include more age groups and eligible recipients. By late May 2025, government data showed that more than four million Canadians had been approved to participate in the program and about two million had already received care. Around 25,000 oral health providers participate in the program, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental specialists, denturists, and accredited dental schools and training institutions.
What is adjusted family net income?
Adjusted family net income (AFNI) is the measure used to determine CDCP eligibility and coverage level. In general terms, AFNI is calculated from family net income reported on tax returns (line 23600), combined for both partners if applicable, with specific adjustments for amounts such as the universal child care benefit (UCCB) and registered disability savings plan (RDSP) income. It also accounts for any UCCB or RDSP amounts that were repaid. For precise line references and the full calculation, consult the Canada Revenue Agency guidance on family net income.
Who can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
To qualify for CDCP coverage, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have no access to private dental insurance;
- Have filed tax returns in Canada for the previous year for you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable;
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000;
- Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
If you already receive dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program, you may still be eligible for CDCP benefits; in those cases, benefits are coordinated between programs.
How to check your application: CDCP Status Checker
The Canadian Dental Care Plan Status Checker is an online tool that lets you track the progress of your application for yourself or your child. Use the status checker to verify application reception, approval status, and next steps for receiving care.
What does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?
The CDCP covers a range of oral health services by paying a portion of eligible costs at CDCP-established fee levels. Covered services include:
- Diagnostic and preventive services: dental exams, cleanings and X-rays;
- Basic services: fillings and other cavity treatments;
- Major services: tooth restoration such as crowns and posts, prosthodontic services including dentures, and oral surgery such as extractions or tumour removal;
- Anaesthesia or sedation services;
- Orthodontic services, which are scheduled to be added in 2025.
Before receiving treatment, the government recommends that you ask your oral health provider which costs are covered by the CDCP and which charges you will be expected to pay directly. If a provider’s fees exceed CDCP-established fees, you may be responsible for additional charges in addition to any required co-payment.
How much does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?
CDCP coverage varies from 40% to 100% of eligible service costs, based on your adjusted family net income. The coverage levels at CDCP-established fees are summarized below:
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP coverage for eligible service costs | Your co-payment |
|---|---|---|
| Lower than $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Source: Government of Canada
Note: If the total cost of services exceeds what the CDCP covers at established fees, the difference may be charged to you directly by your oral health provider. Always confirm potential out-of-pocket expenses with your provider before agreeing to treatment. Examples of co-payments and additional charges can be found in CDCP guidance.
When can you renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage?
Participants already enrolled in the CDCP can renew coverage for the 2025–2026 period after filing their 2024 income tax return and receiving their NOA from the CRA. Renewal is completed through the CDCP online renewal application. You will need your client number, which appears on your renewal letter from Service Canada or on your CDCP member card.
More about government benefits
- Information on Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payment dates and related topics;
- Details on Old Age Security (OAS) payment dates and eligibility;
- Guidance on the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and related payments.