Updated on January 19, 2024.
Released in December 2023, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (the Plan) is replacing the Canada Dental Benefit. This is a key measure of the budget, which is supported by a government investment of $13 billon over five years, followed by $4.4 billion in permanent annual funding. Eventually, the Plan will provide universal access to dental and oral health care. But who will be covered at first and what are the eligibility criteria?
Canada Dental Benefit (until June 30, 2024)
The Canada Dental Benefit implemented in 2022 is intended for children under 12 whose parents do not have access to a private dental insurance and have an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
This interim benefit is available for dental care received during a preset period. Applications are open until June 30, 24 for dental care received between July 1st, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
For more information on the eligibility conditions, benefit amounts or other details on the Canada Dental Benefit, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage Expansion Starting in 2023
By June 2024, the new Plan will be available to Canadians under 18, persons with disabilities, and seniors with an annual adjusted family net income under $90,000.
Applications will be accepted for the following groups as per the calendar below:
| Groups | Applications accepted |
| Persons aged 87+ | Starting December 18, 2023 |
| Persons aged 77-86 | Starting January 2024 |
| Persons aged 72-76 | Starting February 2024 |
| Persons aged 70-71 | Starting March 2024 |
| Persons aged 65-69 | Starting May 2024 |
| Persons with disabilities and persons under 18 | Starting June 2024 |
In 2025, the Plan should cover all Canadians with an annual adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to a private dental insurance1.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the benefit, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as:
- Not have access to a private dental care insurance;
- Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000;
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes;
- Have filed an income tax return in the previous year.
Amount covered
The amount covered varies based on the adjusted family net income in the previous year, as per the table below:
| Adjusted family net income | Amount covered under the Plan |
| Under $70,000 | 100% of eligible costs |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of eligible costs |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of eligible costs |
Visit the Government of Canada website to learn more about the Plan or to apply.
Overlap Between the Canadian Dental Care Plan and Other Programs?
If another level of government also provides a dental program, the benefits will be coordinated to avoid duplication and gaps in dental and oral health care. For example, in Quebec, children under 10 receive free of charge certain services covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). The costs not covered by RAMQ could be covered under the Plan, in accordance with the planned rules.
Impact on Group Insurance Plans
Will the Canadian Dental Care Plan have an impact on group insurance plans? In time, some plans may wish to adjust their coverage to reflect the new federal Plan. Several aspects will have to be considered in order to make an informed decision.
Do not hesitate to contact us for further discussion!
1 Making dental care more affordable in Canada | Government of Canada
