Introducing the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Written by: Jack Lumsden, MBA, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Assante Financial Management Ltd.

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In January 2024, Canada introduced the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), aiming to provide essential dental care support to Canadians.

Link to the Government of Canada SITE

Key Facts:

1. Your family’s annual income must not exceed $90,000.
2. You cannot have private dental insurance.
3. The program is being rolled out gradually by age group, and eligible individuals will receive application instructions from the Government of Canada.
4. Sun Life is administering the program on behalf of the Government of Canada.
5. Enrolled Dentists/Oral Care providers are essential for participation in the program.

 

PLEASE NOTE: It appears that if you currently have a private dental coverage plan, and then opt out, you will not qualify for this new plan.

FAQs: Link from the Canadian Dental Association

Eligibility Criteria:

• To qualify for the CDCP, individuals must meet the following criteria:
• Lack access to dental insurance.
• Have an adjusted annual family income below $90,000.
• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Filed an income tax return the preceding year.

Application Process:

Applications are staggered based on age groups. Applicants will receive instructions via mail. Refer to the following schedule for application openings:

• Age 87 and above: December 2023
• Age 77 to 86: January 2024
• Age 72-76: February 2024
• Age 70-71: March 2024
• Age 65-69: May 2024
• Adults with DTC: June 2024
• Children under 18: June 2024
• All remaining children: 2025

Note: DTC= Disability Tax Credit

Sun Life, on behalf of the Government of Canada, will manage the program. Upon successful application, applicants will receive a welcome package and necessary information from Sun Life.

Covered Services (as per the Government of Canada website):

Source: What services are covered.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will help cover a wide range of oral health care services that:

• keep your teeth and gums healthy
• prevent and treat oral health care issues and diseases

 

Examples of services that could be covered under the CDCP when recommended by an oral health provider, include:

• preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), 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

 

Coverage Details:

• If adjusted net family income is less than $70,000, CDCP covers 100% of eligible services.
• For adjusted net family income between $70,000 and $79,999, CDCP covers 60% of eligible services.
• Adjusted net family income between $80,000 and $89,999 qualifies for 40% coverage by CDCP.

 

It is advisable to confirm the participation of your dentist and oral health care providers in the CDCP plan.

What To Do Next

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For more information, refer to Preserving Wealth: The Next Generation – The definitive guide to protecting, investing, and transferring Wealth by Jack Lumsden, MBA, CFP® or schedule a call with Jack at 905-332-4403