Updated on June 6, 2025.
Released in December 2023, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (the Plan) was a key measure1 of the Government of Canada. It plans to invest $13 billion in this program over five years, and $4.4 billion per year after that. The Plan aims to provide access to oral health care for all. But who are the target groups and what are the eligibility criteria?
Canada Dental Care Plan
As of May 29, 2025, all Canadian residents are eligible for the Plan (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria).
Applications are accepted for the following groups as per the table below:
| Groups | Applications accepted |
| Persons aged 87 and over | As of December 2023 |
| Persons aged 77 to 86 | As of January 2024 |
| Persons aged 72 to 76 | As of February 2024 |
| Persons aged 70 to 71 | As of March 2024 |
| Persons aged 65 to 69 | As of May 2024 |
| Persons with a valid disability tax credit certificate and children under the age of 18 | As of June 2024 |
| Persons aged 55 to 64 | As of May 1, 2025 |
| Persons aged 18 to 34 | As of May 15, 2025 |
| Persons aged 35 to 54 | As of May 29, 2025 |
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for benefits, applicants must meet all four of the following requirements:
- No access to dental insurance;
- An adjusted family net income of less than $90,000;
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes; and
- Have filed their income tax return in Canada in the previous year.
The amount covered
The Plan reimburses a percentage of eligible expenses at a pre-determined rate. However, the person may have to pay a portion of the cost depending on the situation. The amount covered varies based on the previous year’s adjusted net family income, as follows:
| Adjusted net family income | How much the Plan will cover | How much the person will cover2 |
| Lower than $70,000 | 100% of eligible costs | 0% of eligible costs |
| Between $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of eligible costs | 40% of eligible costs |
| Between $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of eligible costs | 60% of eligible costs |
The Plan will help cover part of the cost of various care services and treatments (subject to preauthorization in some cases):
- Preventive and diagnostic care (dental examination, cleaning, etc.)
- Basic care (dental cavity treatment, root canal treatment, etc.)
- Major care (crown, dentures, etc.)
- Anesthesia or sedation services
- Orthodontic services (strict criteria and applicable limits)
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 oral health care. In Quebec, for example, children under 10 receive certain services covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) free of charge. The costs not covered by RAMQ could be covered under the Plan, in accordance with the established rules.
Impact on group insurance plans
Will the expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan have an impact on group insurance plans? Ultimately, some plans may wish to adjust their coverage to reflect the new federal plan. Several aspects have to be considered in order to make an informed decision.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options today!
1 Making dental care more affordable in Canada | Government of Canada
2 Additional charges may apply. Please visit the Government of Canada website for details.
