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The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a free Canadian insurance program available to seniors aged 65 and older, as well as children under 18. Starting in 2025, the plan will expand to include coverage for orthodontic services. In other words, CDCP braces and CDCP Orthodontics will only be accepted in cases of medical necessity; however, there will be a maximum limit for these services. Let's explore the details together.
Does CDCP cover braces?
Yes, it does, but only for medical needs. To explain further, let’s consider an example: imagine you have a serious bite issue, such as a crossbite or open bite, that causes jaw pain. If left untreated, the condition could worsen, potentially leading to dental loss. In such cases, CDCP orthodontics can provide significant help for individuals with limited income.
However, as of now, “canada.ca” has not released additional information about CDCP braces or orthodontic coverage under the program.
How Much Will CDCP Cover?
The Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) will reimburse a portion of the cost, though it may not cover the full treatment cost in certain cases. You might need to pay additional charges to your orthodontist or dentist if:
- Your adjusted family income (annual income) is between $70,000 and $89,999.
- The cost of your treatment exceeds the amount covered by the CDCP.
- u opt for services that are not covered by the CDCP.
Read More: Orthodontics for Teenagers
Reimbursement for Services
- At York Orthodontics, we accept reimbursement for services covered under CDCP orthodontics.
- Individuals who qualify for the CDCP do not need to pay upfront, though they may be responsible for additional charges to their oral care provider
Who Qualifies for CDCP Insurance?
To qualify for the CDCP Insurance, you must meet the following criteria:
- Lack of Coverage: You do not currently have access to dental or orthodontic insurance.
- Residency: You are a resident of Canada and have filed a tax return for the previous year.
- Income Threshold: Your annual net income is less than $90,000.
- Tax Filing: Both you and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed Canadian tax returns to determine your family income for the previous year.
- Tax Residency: You are considered a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Read More: Kid Dental Clinic
Individuals are not eligible for the CDCP if they already have access to dental coverage through a federal, provincial, or territorial social program.
The CDCP does not coordinate with private, employer-provided, or other similar plans.
Provincial and Territorial Social Dental Programs
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
FAQs
No, the Canadian Dental Plan is a free insurance program available only to Canadian citizens with an annual income below $90,000. Immigrants and individuals with Canadian permanent residency (PR) are not currently covered by this program.
The Canadian Federal Government's Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides free dental services for emergency cases such as pain, infection, or trauma. These services are available to certain newcomer groups, including:
- Resettled refugees
- Refugee claimants
- Other eligible groups
Starting in 2025, the CDCP will cover orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign. Please note that CDCP insurance only covers medically necessary cases and is subject to strict eligibility criteria. If your condition is purely cosmetic, CDCP will not cover the costs.
Canadians without dental insurance must pay out of pocket, which can cost hundreds of dollars. There are three main ways to obtain dental insurance:
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
- Workplace benefits plan
- A plan you purchase for yourself or your family
Last Note
If you are concerned about the legitimacy of any CDCP communication, you can directly contact them (work time, Monday to Friday) via:
- Phone Number: 1-833-537-4342.
- TTY Number: 1-883-677-6266.