Canada’s New Dental Care Plan

Canada has introduced a new dental care plan aimed at providing essential oral health services to those who need it. This initiative, which commenced on January 1, 2024, promises to alleviate the financial burden associated with dental care for eligible individuals and families across the country.

Who's Eligible?

The new dental care plan primarily targets low-income families and individuals who may struggle to afford essential dental services. Eligibility is determined based on various factors. Currently you must meet the following criteria:

• You do not have access to dental insurance

• You have a family net income of less than $90,000

• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes

• You have filed your tax return in the previous year

The schedule of when you can apply is based on your age as follows:

• Seniors aged 87 and above - December 2023

• Seniors aged 77 to 86 - January 2024

• Seniors aged 72 to 76 - February 2024

• Seniors aged 70 to 71 - March 2024

• Seniors aged 65 to 69 - May 2024

• Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate - June 2024

• Children under the age of 18 - June 2024

• All remaining eligible Canadian residents - 2025

What It Covers

Under this comprehensive dental care plan, eligible individuals will have access to a range of essential dental services. Examples of coverage include:

• preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants and fluoride

• diagnostic services, including examinations and x-rays

• restorative services, including fillings

• endodontic services, including root canal treatments

• prosthodontic services, including: complete dentures, and partial removable dentures

• periodontal services, including deep scaling

• oral surgery services, including extractions

Enrollment

Sun Life will manage the CDCP for the Government of Canada.  Once you’ve applied and your eligibility has been confirmed, the government will share your information with Sun Life who will enrol you in the CDCP.  You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life that will include information on the CDCP, your member card and your coverage start date.  Your start date will depend on when Sun Life receives your application and when your enrolment is completed.  The first group that will be eligible to visit an oral health provider will be as early as May 2024.

For more information on the CDCP, whether you’re eligible, and how to apply, check out the Government of Canada website Here.