CDCP Explained: Eligibility, Costs & Better Options
PolicyMe is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the CDCP. This information is based on the most current details as of May 2025. For the most accurate and up-to-date eligibility and coverage details, please refer directly to Canada.ca.
Who’s eligible?
To enrol in the CDCP in 2025, all of the following must apply:
- You have no access to private dental insurance (through work, spouse, pension, school, etc.)
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- You and your spouse (if applicable) filed taxes for 2023
- Your adjusted family net income is below $90,000
Skip the guess work: See your personalized Health & Dental quote in 60 seconds—and find out if you’ll pay less than CDCP.
Rollout timeline (as of May 2025)
- Seniors (65+): Enrolled since December 2023
- Children under 18 and eligible adults with a DTC certificate: Enrolled since early 2024
- Adults aged 18–64: Application openings were staggered through May 2025 and the coverage start date is June 2025
Why the CDCP will likely cost you more
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a well-intentioned step forward. But it's not the full solution many Canadians think it is. It only covers basic dental services and leaves out vision, prescription drugs, therapy, and paramedical services. Worse, it often still leaves patients with hundreds of dollars in surprise out-of-pocket costs.
1. Strict eligibility for full benefits
Only households earning under $70,000 qualify for full coverage.
For a two‑person household, that’s about $35,000 in pre‑tax income per earner—so even two full‑time minimum‑wage workers would be excluded.
2. “Full coverage” doesn’t cover a typical dental bill
CDCP reimbursements are well below typical market fees. If your dentist charges $300 for a procedure and CDCP covers only $150, you’re responsible for the remaining $150.
3. Expensive co-pays if you aren’t fully covered
Households earning $70,000–$79,999 pay 40% of the bill, and those over $80,000 pay 60%. Since CDCP covers less than what most dentists charge, dental bills can end up costing much more than some private insurance plans.
The bottom line: Just because you qualify for CDCP doesn’t mean it’s the best option. You could easily end up paying more for less coverage.
“Patients keep asking me when they’ll be fully covered. The reality is, unless their income is under $70K and their dentist accepts CDCP, they could still be on the hook for most of the cost.”
— Dr. Harrison Wong, DDS, Toronto
PolicyMe’s Health & Dental is a better alternative or supplement:
- Use any licensed dentist—no provider restrictions
- Up to $1,200 in annual dental coverage, plus $10,000 for dental accidents
- Health inclusions: prescription drugs, vision care, mental health, physio, massage, and more
- Coverage starts fast—no tax return review or income verification required
How much does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?
The plan only covers a portion of a pre-set government fee guide, which is typically lower than what most dentists charge. Your family income determines how much the government covers—and how much you still owe.
Real-world example: Kate pays more under CDCP
Meet Kate—she’s self-employed, single, and makes $84,000 a year. That means she qualifies for CDCP with a 60% co-pay. Here's a look at what she'll pay when she goes in for a standard cleaning (2 units of scaling):
The takeaway is: Even a routine cleaning costs Kate more under CDCP than it would under private coverage.
What services does the CDCP actually cover?
Covered services
- Preventive and diagnostic services: Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, sealants
- Basic restorative: Fillings, extractions
- Major restorative: Root canals, crowns, dentures (requires preauthorization)
- Oral surgery: Cyst/tumour removal, impacted teeth
- Sedation/anesthesia: Only when medically required (requires prior approval)
Coming soon
- Orthodontics: Only in medically necessary cases, starting late 2025
The top misconceptions about CDCP
“If I qualify, I won’t have to pay anything.”
Even if you qualify for 100% CDCP coverage, you still owe the difference between the CDCP rate and what your dentist actually charges.
“It’s better to cancel my plan and go with CDCP.”
Dangerous move. Dropping private or workplace coverage to qualify can leave you worse off—with less coverage, fewer options, and more costs.
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“The CDCP should be additive, not a downgrade. But it’s pushing people to give up protection just to get partial help.”
— Andrew Ostro, PolicyMe
Canadians are still delaying care
A 2025 study by PolicyMe and Angus Reid shows that:
- 56% of Canadians delayed oral health care due to cost
- 35% skipped dental appointments specifically
- Even 52% of insured Canadians delayed care
- 29% paid more than $1,000 out-of-pocket last year for health or dental
The takeaway: Canadians are under-covered, even with the CDCP program. Predictable, all-in-one coverage is a better solution for many Canadians.
PolicyMe Health & Dental: Coverage that works now
We also offer a no-dental plan for Canadians using CDCP who still need:
- Drug, vision, therapy, and extended health coverage
- Dental accident protection
- Tax-deductible options for the self-employed
But remember: Before opting for a no-dental plan, make sure you’re adequately covered with CDCP (most people aren’t).
Final word from our CEO
“The CDCP is a step forward, but far from a solution. It’s limited in scope, riddled with eligibility traps, and often more expensive than people realize. Until it’s improved, Canadians need a fallback they can trust—and that’s what PolicyMe is here to provide.”
— Andrew Ostro, CEO of PolicyMe (Benefits & Pensions Monitor)
Useful Resources
- CDCP Eligibility & Coverage – Canada.ca
Understand who qualifies for the CDCP and what services are covered. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html - CDCP Fee Guide & Co-Pay Examples – Canada.ca
Detailed information on reimbursement rates and co-payment structures. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.htmlCanada.ca+2Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2 - Search for CDCP Dentists – Sun Life
Find participating oral health providers in your area. https://www.sunlife.ca/sl/cdcp/en/member/provider-search/
- CDCP Application Process – Canada.ca
Learn how and when to apply for the CDCP. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.htmlCanada.ca+5Canada.ca+5Canada.ca+5 - CDCP Dental Benefits Guide – Canada.ca
Comprehensive guide detailing CDCP policies and coverage. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/guide.html
- Andrew Ostro’s CDCP Op-Ed – Benefits & Pensions Monitor
Expert analysis on the CDCP's implications for Canadians. https://www.benefitsandpensionsmonitor.com/benefits/group-health/more-dental-care-more-problems-with-the-canada-dental-care-plan-expert/392013
Sources
¹ Based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide for General Dentists https://www.albertadentalassociation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Abbreviated-Dental-Fee-Guide-For-General-Alberta-Dental-Association.pdf
2 Based on the CDCP established fee https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage/examples-copayments-additional-charges.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3 PolicyMe typically covers services based on the provincial fee guide which is what dentists usually charge
PolicyMe is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or the CDCP. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.