What's Holding You Back? The Canadian Dental Care Plan

Have you ever delayed a dental visit because of the cost? Access to oral health care has been a challenge for many Canadians for a long time. That's why the federal government designed an initiative for uninsured individuals and families of all ages to access essential services: the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

The program assists people who do not have private dental insurance and whose household income falls below a specified threshold. By reducing financial barriers, the plan aims to ensure cost is no longer a reason to delay or avoid necessary dental treatment. Some families or individuals can receive up to 100% coverage on their dental services, based on annual household income.

What's covered

The CDCP focuses on essential dental care and includes exams and x-rays, cleanings, fillings, some extractions, and — with criteria — crowns or root canals. Like any government program there may be limitations. Depending on household income there may be a co-payment, meaning the plan covers part or most of the treatment and you pay the rest.

The government also uses fee guides that may be a few years old, so at times there may be a small portion not covered. We send estimates to the CDCP for recommended services so there are no surprises.

Can I use it at any office?

No — not all dental offices enroll in the government program. The good news is that we do. We've helped hundreds of patients since the roll-out get the care they need. In a time when living costs are high, this is a program that can change the way you access dental care. Oral health isn't a privilege; it's an essential part of your overall health.

If you think you might qualify but don't know where to start, let us help. Lina and Rose, our receptionists, can guide you through every step — just give them a call. Even partial coverage makes a difference, making routine care more manageable. It's all about prevention and treating problems early, keeping small issues from turning into painful and pricey ones.