Canadian Dental Care Plan: No-burden dental care for low-income families

Canadian Dental Care Plan: No-burden dental care for low-income families

About 26% of Canadians suffer from oral pain or dietary restrictions due to dental problems. However, the high cost of dental care has led people to be reluctant to seek treatment. In response to this phenomenon, the Canadian government launched the Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which aims to make dental care services affordable for eligible Canadian residents.

Participating in the CDCP can help low-income families save an average of $730 per person in dental care costs. The specific amount of savings depends on the family's adjusted net income.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The CDCP is a federal program that focuses on uninsured Canadians, including low-income families and seniors who may have difficulty affording dental care. The CDCP aims to make dental care more accessible by covering part of the costs associated with oral health care services.

Advantages of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

☑️Covering Part of the Cost of Dental Care

  • Adjusted Family Net Income Less Than $70,000: The CDCP will cover the majority of eligible oral health care services in accordance with the fee schedule set by the CDCP. If the cost of services exceeds the CDCP fee schedule, you may have to pay additional fees.

  • Adjusted Family Net Income Between $70,000 and $79,999: CDCP will cover 60% of the cost of eligible oral health care services at the CDCP fee schedule. You will be responsible for 40% of the CDCP fee, plus any additional costs above that.

  • Adjusted Family Net Income Between $80,000 and $89,999: CDCP will cover 40% of the cost of eligible oral health care services at the CDCP fee schedule. You will be responsible for 60% of the CDCP fee, plus any additional costs above that.

☑️Comprehensive Dental Care Coverage

  • Preventive Services: CDCP covers necessary preventive care, such as regular exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, which help maintain oral health and prevent more serious problems.

  • Diagnostic Services: Comprehensive exams and X-rays are covered to detect dental problems early, allowing for more effective treatment.

  • Restorative and Surgical Care: The program covers restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, and root canals, as well as necessary oral surgeries, ensuring that individuals have access to the care they need to restore their dental health.

☑️Accessible Dental Care

  • Increasing Access to Care for Low-Income Families: CDCP aims to reduce financial barriers and make dental care more accessible to low- and moderate-income families who previously had difficulty affording necessary treatments.

  • Participating Dentist Network: The program includes a directory of participating dentists, making it easier for beneficiaries to find qualified providers in their area.

The Johnsons and Maria’s Path to Dental Health

The Johnsons

With an adjusted net income of $65,000, the Johnsons often skipped dental visits due to high costs. When the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was introduced, they learned that the program could cover most dental expenses.

The family’s first visit to a participating dentist cost a total of $400 for a comprehensive exam and cleaning for both children. Thanks to CDCP, they only paid $50 out of pocket.

Later, their son needed a filling that cost $200, and again, CDCP covered most of the cost, leaving the family with only $25.

Overall, participating in the Canadian Dental Care Plan has allowed them to prioritize their children’s oral health without worrying about financial stress.

Ms. Maria

Maria is a 67-year-old retiree with an adjusted net income of $72,000 who had been putting off dental care due to cost. She was relieved to finally qualify for assistance after learning about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Maria received a full exam and X-rays at her first visit, which cost $300. The CDCP covered 60% of the cost, so she only paid $120.

The dentist also recommended that Maria get a root canal, which cost $800, and CDCP again covered 60% of the cost, so Maria only paid $320.

Overall, she saved $480 on dental care, allowing her to address her dental issues worry-free and regain confidence in her oral health.

Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Get Dental Care Done with Ease!

Both the Johnsons and Ms. Maria have benefited greatly from the CDCP, which plays a role in reducing financial barriers to dental care and improving the overall oral health of eligible Canadians. If you are still worried about not being able to afford dental care, suffer from oral pain or dietary restrictions, you can find relief by applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan!

Who is Eligible for the CDCP?

  • ☑️Seniors aged 65 and over
  • ☑️Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate
  • ☑️Children under 18 years old
  • ☑️Canadians aged 18 to 64 who do not have dental insurance: Applications will open in May 2025, and insurance will be effective as early as June 1, 2025.

How to Apply for CDCP

The easiest way to apply for CDCP is through the online application portal:

  • Visit CDCP Online Application
  • Fill out the application form following the prompts
  • Submit all required documents and personal information

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