What you should know about the Liberal government's dental care plan launching today (2024)

Uninsured seniors over the age of 65 can begin to receive coverage under The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launching today.

The first one million who are eligible and have signed up online will receive coverage in May, according to a Liberal government release.

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The plan will cover low and middle income Canadians of all age groups by 2025.

Here’s what you need to know about the CDCP.

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What is the CDCP?

It’s a Liberal government program to provide oral health insurance to Canadians with a household income of less than $90,000. The CDCP is designed for people who aren’t already covered through work, school or private insurance.

The plan is a key part of an agreement between the NDP and Liberal government to keep the minority government in power until 2025. It will cost $13 billion over five years, and an estimated $4.4 billion a year after that.

Who is eligible?

Seniors aged 87 and older were first able to sign up under the plan in Dec. 2023. In June, adults who receive disability, and children under the age of 18 will be able to apply.

Up to nine million people who do not have dental coverage are expected to be covered. You can check here to see when you can expect to be able to apply.

Those who have signed up should receive a letter from the government by the end of May, if they qualify. Those who are already covered by another public program can still qualify for the CDCP.

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Where can I receive care?

More than 6,500 oral health providers have signed up to provide care under the CDCP, according to the Liberal government.

The plan will eventually allow dentists to use direct billing without having to sign up. “Starting July 8, CDCP patients will be able to see any oral health provider of their choice, as long as the provider agrees to direct bill Sun Life for services provided under the plan,” the release says.

Participating providers can be found using this search.

What services are covered?

A range of major, minor and preventative services are covered. This includes: check ups, fillings, pain management and control, root canals, X-rays, cleanings, gum care, crowns, removals and dentures, among others.

The full list can be found here.

Is the service free?

Those have an adjusted family income of under $90,000 are covered, but there can still be a co-payment required, similar to private insurance. Those with household incomes between $70,000 and $90,000 will have to pay for part of the service. Providers may also charge service fees that the plan does not cover.

Patients should confirm parts of the service not covered by the CDCP, which they will have to pay their provider. A full payment grid can be found here.

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