More than nine million Canadians now qualify for dental coverage through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) yet uptake has been far lower than expected.
That means millions of people are still paying out of pocket, skipping dental visits, or living with untreated pain, even though affordable care is finally within reach.
At Canadian Dental Care Providers (CDCPcanada.ca), we talk with Canadians every day who are eligible but haven’t applied. What we’ve learned is clear: awareness, confusion, and accessibility gaps are keeping too many people from using a program designed to help them.
This article explains why and what we’re doing to close that gap.
What the Canadian Dental Care Plan Is (and Who It Helps)
The CDCP is a federal program designed to make dental care affordable for people without private insurance and with household incomes under $90,000 per year.
It covers a large portion, sometimes up to 100% of common dental procedures such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Here's the eligibility at a glance:
- No access to private or employer-provided dental insurance
- Family income under $90,000
- Canadian residency for tax purposes
- Filed the most recent income tax return
The rollout began with seniors, children under 18, and people with disabilities, and is expanding to adults aged 18–64 throughout 2025–26.
Depending on income, the plan covers:
- 100% of costs (under $70,000 income)
- 60% of costs ($70,000–$79,999)
- 40% of costs ($80,000–$89,999)
To apply, visit the official Government of Canada website and look for “Canadian Dental Care Plan Apply.”
If you need help, our advisors can walk you through the process step by step from checking eligibility to finding a nearby dentist who accepts CDCP coverage.
Why Millions of Eligible Canadians Still Aren’t Using It
Even though the CDCP promises affordable care, many Canadians haven’t applied or used it yet. Here’s what we’re hearing most often:
Low Awareness
Some assume it’s only for seniors or people on social assistance. Others think the program hasn’t reached their age group yet when in fact, it’s rolling out province-wide right now.
Confusing Eligibility Rules
Terms like “access to insurance” can be unclear.
For example, if your employer offers a dental plan but you didn’t enroll, you may still be ineligible for CDCP benefits. That gray area discourages people from applying at all.
Limited Provider Participation
While more dental offices are registering every week, not all clinics have signed up yet.
Patients may call their dentist only to learn the office hasn’t joined the program leaving them unsure where to go next.
Partial Coverage for Middle-Income Families
For households near the $90,000 threshold, the 40% co-pay can still feel expensive. Many assume that if the plan doesn’t cover everything, it’s not worth applying. (It is.)
Non-Financial Barriers
Fear, confusion, transportation issues, or limited local availability, especially in rural areas keep people from booking care even when they qualify.
Why This Gap Matters
Oral health is essential to overall health.
Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and premature birth, while untreated infections can lead to serious complications and costly ER visits.
Every year, thousands of Canadians visit emergency rooms for preventable dental issues exactly what the CDCP was designed to reduce.
When eligible Canadians don’t use the plan, it’s not just a missed opportunity it’s a public health problem that affects everyone.
How Canadian Dental Care Providers Is Helping Close the Gap
We created Canadian Dental Care Providers (CDCPcanada.ca) to make the CDCP simple, accessible, and human.
Our mission is to turn eligibility into access by meeting Canadians where they are online, on the phone, and even in their communities.
Simplifying the Message
We skip the jargon.
Our advisors explain eligibility in plain language and help applicants fill out the correct forms or find the right links to apply online.
Targeted Digital Awareness
We run outreach campaigns designed to reach the people who need the plan most seniors, part-time workers, young adults without benefits, and single parents.
Our ads and articles link directly to the official CDCP application page and verified dentists who accept coverage.
Partnering With Trusted Dentists
We maintain a vetted network of participating dental providers who accept CDCP patients.
When someone calls or texts 1-833-333-CDCP, our team connects them with a nearby clinic that meets quality and compliance standards.
Real People, Real Success
We share stories from Canadians who’ve used the CDCP successfully, like Maria in Hamilton:
“I didn’t realize I qualified. CDCP helped me apply, book a visit, and get my first cleaning in years, all covered.”
What You Can Do Today
If you or someone you know avoids the dentist because of cost, don’t wait.
Check your eligibility in one minute at CDCPcanada.ca or call 1-833-333-CDCP for free guidance.
Our advisors can help you:
- Confirm eligibility
- Navigate the application process
- Find a dentist who accepts CDCP coverage near you
And if you’re a business owner or community organization, you can join the CDCP Community Initiative to share awareness materials in your location. Together, we can make sure more Canadians use the coverage they already qualify for.
Turning Awareness Into Access
The Canadian Dental Care Plan has the potential to transform access to oral health in Canada but awareness and trust must catch up to policy.
By closing that communication gap, we can help millions of Canadians finally smile with confidence, not because of a new law, but because they received the care they deserve.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
Canadians without private dental insurance and with household incomes under $90,000.
How do I apply?
Visit the Government of Canada’s “Apply for the CDCP” page. Our team can guide you step by step if you call or text 1-833-333-CDCP.
Do all dentists accept CDCP?
Not yet, but participation is growing daily. We maintain an updated list of trusted clinics accepting CDCP coverage.
Is CDCP free?
It’s fully free for households under $70,000, and partially subsidized up to $90,000.
Disclosure
Canadian Dental Care Providers (CDCPcanada.ca) is an independent awareness organization. We are not affiliated with or funded by the Government of Canada. Our goal is to help Canadians understand and access dental care under the CDCP safely and confidently.