Good oral health is very important for your overall health. Regular dental checkups by a dentist in Toronto help prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease. But for many people, the cost of dental care can be a challenge. That’s why the Government of Canada introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — a government program that helps make dental care more cost-effective for families, seniors, and individuals with low to middle incomes.
Who is Eligible for CDCP?
The CDCP is not for everyone. It is specifically for Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance and meet certain income requirements.
To qualify for Canada’s dental care plan, you must check off all requirements. It’s important to understand this clearly before you ask how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan Toronto.
- No Private Dental Insurance: You cannot have dental coverage through your work, a family member’s work, or a dental plan you bought yourself. If you have this kind of insurance, even if you choose not to use it, you are generally not eligible. (Some exceptions exist for very specific government pension opt-outs, especially for the senior dental plan group).
- Filed Your Taxes: You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one) must have filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year. This is how the government checks your income.
- Income Limit: Your family’s “adjusted net income” must be less than $90,000 per year.
- Canadian Resident: You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
If you have dental coverage through a different government program (like a provincial plan), you can still apply for the CDCP! The plans will work together so you get the most coverage possible.
Quick Look at Income Coverage
The amount the CDCP covers depends on your family’s income level:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | What CDCP Covers | What You Pay (Co-payment) |
| Below $70,000 | 100% of the CDCP Rate | 0% (No cost to you for covered services) |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of the CDCP Rate | 40% of the CDCP Rate |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of the CDCP Rate | 60% of the CDCP Rate |
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The application is handled by the government (Service Canada) and has been rolling out in different groups based on age to make sure it’s smooth for everyone.
Important: Applications generally require you to be enrolled or signed in to a My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
Step-by-Step Guide for Applying:
- Wait for the Invitation or Check the Schedule: The government started by inviting eligible seniors (65 and older). Then, kids under 18 and anyone with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate may apply. All other eligible Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 can now apply, following a phased schedule based on their age.
- Gather Your Information: Before you start, have these ready for yourself and your spouse/partner:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Your full name and date of birth.
- Your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This is what proves your income.
- Go Online (The Easiest Way!): Log in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Look for the section about Canada’s dental care plan and follow the steps.
- Apply by Phone: If you can’t apply online, you can call Service Canada’s special phone number. You’ll use an automated system.
- Wait for Your Welcome Package: Once approved, the plan administrator (Sun Life) will mail you a welcome package. This package is very important! It tells you your coverage start date and provides a member card. This can take up to three months after you apply.
After you receive your welcome package, the next step is to call a CDCP dental clinic to book your appointment. Not all dentists take part in the CDCP, so it’s always best to call a dental clinic near you first and ask:
Ready to Use Your CDCP? Find a CDCP Dental Clinic!
At Bayview Dental Centre, we’re here to help you get started on your journey to better oral health. We care about your smile, and CDCP makes it easier for people to access important dental care. Regardless of whether you require a cleaning, filling or a check-up, our friendly team will be here to assist with ethical, gentle, and professional dental care that you can afford.
Book your appointment, get in touch with Bayview Dental Centre today