Federal dental plan opens new enrollment as 6.5M Canadians covered
Applications for 2026-2027 benefit year begin Tuesday. Members save average $900 yearly on oral care.
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The Canadian Dental Care Plan opened applications Tuesday for the 2026-2027 benefit year, with over 6.5 million Canadians now covered under the federal program.
New applicants can enroll as of June 2, while existing members had until Monday to renew. Ottawa says those who missed the renewal window can still apply this month.
The CDCP covers a range of oral health services: diagnostic and preventive care (exams, cleaning, X-rays, fluoride), basic services (fillings, root canals, gum treatment), and major restorative work (crowns, dentures, oral surgery). Orthodontics will be added in future years. Most services don't require pre-authorization from a provider.
Coverage levels depend on family income. Canadians with adjusted family net income under $70,000 get 100 per cent of eligible services covered (though may still pay additional charges above CDCP fees). Those earning $70,000 to $79,999 receive 60 per cent coverage; those earning $80,000 to $89,999 get 40 per cent. Income over $90,000 makes you ineligible.
To qualify, you must have no private dental insurance through an employer, family member, pension, professional organization, or purchased plan. You and your spouse (if applicable) must have filed Canadian tax returns so family income can be assessed.
The government says members save an average of $900 per year on oral health services. For eligible Canadians without workplace coverage, the program can mean the difference between getting a cavity treated and leaving it to worsen.