Jun122025
The Canadian Dental Care Plan

What You Need to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Maintaining regular dental health is an important part of overall well-being. Yet nearly one-third of Canadians over 12 have no access to dental insurance. For many, the high cost of dental care makes it difficult to seek regular treatment. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a major step in making dental care more accessible for previously uninsured Canadians.

While this initiative offers significant benefits for those in need, it raises important questions for individuals with existing dental coverage and employers who provide dental insurance as part of their employee benefits package. Who qualifies for the CDCP? What changes does it bring for small business owners, and what opportunities or challenges should they take note of?

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federal program that helps eligible Canadians afford dental care. Initially limited to seniors and children (under the Canada Dental Benefit), as of May 2025, the program is now open to all Canadians who meet the plan’s specific criteria.

CDCP Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the CDCP, all the following must be true:

  • You are not covered through work, school, or a spouse or family member’s dental plan.
  • Everyone in your household has filed their most recent tax return (to verify income).
  • Your household net income is under $90,000.
  • You are a resident of Canada.

What Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?

The CDCP covers many routine dental services and is a promising step toward improving access to care. However, there are some limitations and exclusions. For instance, orthodontic treatment is not covered, and other procedures may require pre-authorization.

Unlike traditional dental insurance plans that use an annual dollar maximum, the CDCP uses a frequency-based model, which could limit how often individuals can visit their dental provider. Additionally, those eligible should be prepared for out-of-pocket expenses as co-pays may apply based on household income:

  • Under $70,000: No co-pay
  • $70,000–$79,999: 40% co-pay
  • $80,000–$89,999: 60% co-pay

It’s important to note that services not covered by the CDCP must be paid entirely out-of-pocket.

What If You Already Have Dental Benefits?

If you currently have access to dental insurance through an individual plan, employer, pension, student coverage, or a family member’s plan, you are not eligible for the CDCP. The program is intended for Canadians without existing dental coverage. Meaning you can’t simply opt out of your current plan.

This raises an important consideration for employers: should they remove dental coverage from their employee benefits plan, knowing that some employees might not qualify for the CDCP?

While the idea of reducing costs may seem attractive, there are several risks:

  • Dental benefits are valued highly by employees and play a key role in recruitment and retention.
  • Employees with household incomes over $90,000 would not qualify for the CDCP.
  • Not all dental providers participate in the CDCP, particularly in rural areas, which can limit access to care.
  • Group plans often offer immediate coverage, which is appealing to new hires.
  • Tax benefits are available for businesses that provide private dental insurance, potentially offsetting 25–30% of costs depending on employers’ tax brackets.

Should You Keep Your Private Plan?

As mentioned, If you already have private dental coverage, you’re not eligible for the CDCP. The program is intended for Canadians without access to dental insurance—not as a replacement for existing plans.

Eligible for the CDCP but thinking about private insurance? An advisor can help you weigh your choices. You may be able to find affordable, flexible options that either work alongside the CDCP or exclude dental coverage entirely.

The Takeaway

The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a historic investment in public health, aiming to make dental care more accessible for millions of Canadians. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For eligible individuals without dental insurance, the CDCP offers meaningful coverage. For those with existing plans, it’s important to know that you won’t qualify—even if your income falls within the program’s limits. Employers and individuals should view this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their coverage, not to eliminate it outright. Consider how it aligns with employee needs, business goals, and long-term value. In a competitive job market and a health-conscious society, thoughtful dental benefits remain a powerful asset.

If you’re unsure what this means for you or your team, speaking with an advisor can help you make an informed choice tailored to your unique situation.