The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental coverage in Canada more accessible for families and individuals with limited financial means. But one of the biggest factors in determining eligibility for your dental plan Canada is income. If you’re wondering whether your income level qualifies you for this public dental plan, this guide explains what you need to know—from CDCP income limits and co-payments to renewal requirements and provincial alternatives.

Who Is Eligible For The CDCP, The Dental Plan Canada Offers?

To qualify for the dental plan Canada offers through the CDCP, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Have filed a tax return for the previous year
• Not have access to private or public dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000

CDCP Income Limits And Coverage For The Dental Plan Canada Offers

The Canadian Dental Care Plan offers sliding-scale coverage based on your income:

• Income under $70,000: 100% coverage of eligible services
• Income $70,000–$79,999: 60% coverage, 40% co-payment
• Income $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage, 60% co-payment

Anyone with income over $90,000 is not eligible for the CDCP.

Keep in mind: dental offices may charge more than the CDCP fee guide. If they do, you’ll be responsible for the extra cost, even if you qualify for full or partial coverage.

Why Income Matters

Dental coverage in Canada hasn’t always been within reach for low-income adults, newcomers, or seniors on fixed pensions. The CDCP aims to bridge that gap by offering support to people who fall outside traditional employment-based plans. This income-based approach is what makes the CDCP one of the most accessible dental plans in Canada to date.

That’s why this dental plan Canada has introduced aims to reduce disparities and ensure more people can afford basic care—regardless of job status or age.

Dental Plan Canada Co-Payments Explained

If you are in the 40% or 60% coverage brackets detailed above, you will be responsible for a co-payment. Here is how it works:

• A $200 treatment with 60% coverage means CDCP pays $120; you pay $80.
• If the dentist charges $250 instead of $200, you’ll pay the extra $50 out of pocket in addition to your co-payment.

There are no premiums or deductibles—just the co-pay, when applicable.

Why Filing Taxes Matters For The CDCP

Your income is verified through your tax return. If you haven’t filed your taxes for the previous year, you won’t be eligible for this public dental plan Canada offers—even if your income is low enough to qualify.

Income is reviewed annually. That means it’s important to file on time each year so your eligibility and coverage can be updated.

Dental Plan Canada: Examples On How CDCP Applies According To Income

Consider Jasmine, a single parent with two children and a $68,000 income. She has no workplace coverage and qualifies for 100% CDCP dental coverage in Canada.

Now imagine Jasmine marries Peter, who earns $70,000 annually. Their combined adjusted family net income would rise to $138,000—well above the CDCP threshold. As a result, neither of them would qualify for coverage under the dental plan Canada currently offers through the CDCP.

By contrast, her brother Malik earns $78,000. He qualifies for partial coverage and pays 40% co-payments on eligible services.

Income Based Dental Plan Canada Coverage Table

Adjusted Family Net Income	CDCP Coverage	Co-Payment
Under $70,000	100%	$0
$70,000–$79,999	60%	40%
$80,000–$89,999	40%	60%
$90,000+	Not eligible	N/A

How To Handle Income Changes Regarding CDCP Eligibility

If your income changes year to year, your eligibility for this federal dental plan may also change. Someone earning $69,000 in 2023 may get full coverage for 2024—but if their income jumps to $91,000 the next year, they won’t qualify in 2025. Always check your income status and reapply as needed.

What To Do If You Are Over The Income Limit For The Dental Plan Canada Offers?

You won’t qualify for CDCP benefits if your income is over $90,000—but you still have options:

• Ask your dentist about flexible payment plans
• See if your province offers a dental assistance program
• Look into private or workplace dental insurance
• Save ahead for routine care

Alternative Dental Coverage In Canada

If you’re over the CDCP income limit, some provinces offer their own public dental plans. For example:

• Ontario: Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (for low-income seniors)
• British Columbia: Ministry programs offer limited dental support for people on assistance
• Alberta: Dental benefits are available through Alberta Adult Health Benefit
• Quebec: Offers public dental coverage for children under 10 and those on social assistance
• Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland: Provide basic dental support for children and low-income individuals

These vary by province, so check your eligibility at the local level.

Future Access To Dental Plans In Canada

While the CDCP is a major step forward, there are discussions about expanding dental support nationally. In time, we may see more inclusive dental coverage in Canada—whether through the CDCP or provincial initiatives. This could include raising income thresholds or offering partial support for middle-income families.

As access evolves, the goal is to make the dental plan Canada offers even more responsive to real-world needs—including inflation and demographic changes.

Is the CDCP Similar To Other Dental Plans In Canada?

Some government employees in Canada receive dental coverage as part of their benefits. While the CDCP shares the goal of accessible care, it is different:

• CDCP is needs-based, while government employee plans are employment-based
• CDCP uses a national fee guide; workplace plans may offer more coverage
• CDCP doesn’t require monthly premiums or deductibles

Does The CDCP Account For Inflation?

Currently, CDCP income thresholds are fixed, and there’s no confirmed plan to index them for inflation. However, ongoing program reviews could lead to changes in the future to ensure more Canadians maintain access as costs rise.

Next Steps On Your Dental Plan Canada Journey

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