Canadian Dental Care Plan: who qualifies and how it works
A plain-language look at the CDCP eligibility rules, co-payment levels and how to use the plan once you're enrolled.
You may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if you are a Canadian resident for tax purposes, have no access to dental insurance, have filed your taxes, and have an adjusted family net income under $90,000. You apply through the Government of Canada. Your income decides whether you pay a co-payment for covered care.
The eligibility rules
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program. To be eligible, you must meet all of these conditions:
- You don't have access to dental insurance, for example through an employer, a pension or a family member's plan
- You have filed your tax return for the previous year (and so has your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one)
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
How co-payments work
The plan pays part or all of the cost of covered services, based on your adjusted family net income. The co-payment is the share you pay yourself.
If your income is under $70,000, there is no co-payment. Between $70,000 and $79,999, the co-payment is 40%. Between $80,000 and $89,999, it is 60%.
Dental offices can also charge more than the amount the plan pays for a service. This difference is often called balance billing. At our office, we explain any co-payment or balance before treatment so there are no surprises.
How to apply
Applications are handled by the Government of Canada, not by dental offices. You can find the current application steps on the official CDCP page at canada.ca. Once you're approved, you'll receive a welcome package with your member information and the date your coverage starts.
Our office does not process CDCP applications. Once you have your member details, call us and we can book your visit and bill the plan directly.
Using your CDCP coverage at a dental visit
When you call to book, tell the office you're a CDCP member and have your member information ready. The office confirms your coverage and explains which parts of your treatment the plan covers.
Before treatment, ask about three things: whether you have a co-payment based on your income, whether the office charges more than the plan pays for any service, and whether any treatment needs approval from the plan first. Knowing these up front makes it easier to plan.
If you later get access to dental insurance, for example through a new job, your CDCP eligibility can change. Let the government know about changes to your situation as instructed in your plan materials.
What the plan does and doesn't cover
The CDCP covers a range of preventive, diagnostic and restorative care, such as exams, cleanings, X-rays and fillings, along with some other treatments. Some services may need approval from the plan before they're done.
Orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, is not covered under the CDCP. At our office we make partial dentures, which CDCP may cover with the plan's approval; we don't make complete dentures.
Frequently asked questions
I have insurance through my spouse. Can I still use CDCP?
If you have access to dental coverage through a spouse, partner or family member, you generally don't qualify. The government reviews this when you apply.
Do I need to apply every year?
Eligibility depends on filing your taxes each year, since your income is checked annually. Watch for any renewal notices from the Government of Canada.
Can my children use the plan?
Eligible children in your family can be enrolled. Check the government's application steps for how to add family members.
Does Lilac accept CDCP?
Yes. We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and bill it directly. Call 416-638-1374 with your member information to book.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-05.
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