New Canada Plan Launches in 2025: The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is officially launching in 2025, bringing free or significantly subsidized dental care to millions of Canadians. If you’ve ever avoided a dentist visit because of cost—or if you’ve worried about how to afford care for your children or aging parents—this new national program could be exactly what you need. It’s part of a broader federal commitment to expanding access to healthcare and improving quality of life for low- and middle-income families across the country.
As the costs of dental services soar and more households are forced to put off critical oral health procedures, the CDCP comes as a timely and historic intervention. With a wide range of benefits, structured income-based assistance, and a phased rollout, this initiative aims to close the oral health equity gap and help Canadians protect not only their teeth but also their overall health. Let’s explore exactly how the plan works, what it covers, how to qualify, and how to apply.
New Canada Plan Launches in 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) |
| Launch Timeline | Phased rollout (2023–2025); full access begins mid-2025 |
| Eligibility | Canadian residents without private dental insurance, income below $90,000, and tax filing up to date |
| Coverage | Preventive, restorative, surgical, and diagnostic dental services |
| Co-Payment | Sliding scale (0%–60%) based on household income |
| Application | Online or by phone via Service Canada; must receive invitation letter first |
| Plan Administrator | Sun Life Financial (under federal contract) |
| Official Website | canada.ca/dental |
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is an ambitious and impactful program that expands public healthcare into a domain long considered private: dental care. It is designed to improve accessibility, reduce long-term medical costs, and provide peace of mind for families who have long struggled with the financial burden of oral health.
With millions expected to benefit, Canadians should take steps now to ensure they’re ready—file your taxes, watch for your invitation, and talk to your dentist about participating. Whether you’re a parent, retiree, self-employed worker, or someone living on a modest income, CDCP has the potential to change your oral health for the better.
Don’t miss out on this major benefit—your healthier, happier smile starts with CDCP!
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a major federal health policy initiative that will provide financial support to eligible Canadians for dental care costs. It was created in response to long-standing public health concerns: many Canadians, especially those without insurance or with lower incomes, skip dental appointments due to the cost.
Oral health is directly tied to overall health. Untreated dental problems can lead to serious complications—ranging from infections and chronic pain to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. With the CDCP, the government seeks to reduce emergency room visits for preventable dental issues and improve health outcomes nationally.
This program represents a $13-billion investment over 10 years, and it’s being implemented in partnership with Sun Life, which is handling administrative functions such as claim processing and provider enrollment.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the CDCP, applicants must meet these criteria:
1. Income Threshold
- Your family’s adjusted net income must be less than $90,000/year.
- If your family earns less than $70,000, you qualify for 100% coverage (no co-payments).
- Partial coverage is offered for families with income between $70,000 and $89,999.
2. Lack of Private Dental Insurance
- You must not have access to a private or workplace dental insurance plan.
- This includes any employer-sponsored, group, or individual dental policies.
3. Tax Filing Requirement
- Applicants must have filed a tax return in the previous year.
- This is how eligibility and income are verified.
Your eligibility is automatically reassessed annually when you file your taxes.
How Much Will It Cost Me?
The CDCP uses a tiered co-payment system based on your household’s net income:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Coverage Level |
|---|---|
| Less than $70,000 | 100% coverage (fully covered by CDCP) |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 60% covered by CDCP; 40% co-pay by patient |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 40% covered by CDCP; 60% co-pay by patient |
Note: The co-pay is applied to the CDCP’s set fee guide. If your dental provider charges more than the fee schedule, you will need to pay the difference.
New Canada Plan Launches in 2025
The CDCP covers a broad range of essential oral health services, including:
- Preventive care – Checkups, fluoride applications, sealants
- Diagnostic services – Oral exams, bitewing and panoramic x-rays
- Restorative care – Fillings, crowns, and dental bonding
- Endodontic care – Root canal therapy
- Periodontal services – Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning for gum disease)
- Prosthodontic care – Dentures (full and partial)
- Oral surgery – Tooth extractions and minor soft-tissue procedures
Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are not covered. You should confirm coverage eligibility with your provider before treatment.
Rollout Timeline: When Can You Apply?
The CDCP is being gradually implemented in stages based on age and special eligibility categories:
Application Phases
- Seniors (65+) – Applications opened December 2023
- Children under 18 – Eligible as of June 2024
- Adults with valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – Eligible as of June 2024
- All remaining eligible adults (18–64) – Can apply starting May 2025
Applicants will receive a letter from Service Canada inviting them to apply. Once approved, their details will be shared with Sun Life, who will issue enrollment and benefit cards.
New Canada Plan Launches in 2025 Apply
- Wait for your CDCP invitation letter in the mail.
- Apply online via Service Canada or by calling their toll-free number.
- No need to apply until you’re invited.
Do not apply early. Applications are processed in waves to manage demand.
Real-Life Scenarios
Susan, 67 (Retired)
Susan earns $45,000/year in pension income and has no dental coverage. She applied in December 2023 and now receives 100% coverage. She has already completed a full cleaning and two fillings at no out-of-pocket cost.
Amir, 34 (Freelancer)
With an income of $82,000 and no workplace benefits, Amir qualifies for 40% CDCP coverage when he applies in May 2025. He plans to use the coverage for overdue gum treatment.
Olivia, 9 (Student)
Olivia’s parents were notified in July 2024. Her family earns $68,000, so she receives 100% coverage for cleanings, exams, and basic restorative work.
Important Considerations
- The CDCP does not cover elective or cosmetic procedures (e.g., whitening, veneers, orthodontics).
- Not all dentists are enrolled yet. Ask your provider if they bill through Sun Life CDCP.
- You may have out-of-pocket expenses if a dentist charges more than CDCP’s fee schedule.
✉️ Ask your dental office whether they are participating in the CDCP billing system.
FAQs On New Canada Plan Launches in 2025
Can I use my regular dentist?
Yes, if they’re enrolled with Sun Life under the CDCP. If not, you may need to pay first and seek reimbursement or switch to a participating provider.
What if I move to a new province?
The CDCP is federally administered, so your coverage continues as long as you remain eligible.
Can I use this alongside provincial dental benefits?
Yes. CDCP can be used in addition to provincial or territorial dental assistance programs.
Will braces or orthodontics be covered?
No. Orthodontic procedures are excluded from coverage under the CDCP.
Do I need to renew enrollment?
Yes. Your eligibility will be reviewed each year when you file your tax return.
