The federal dental care plan is expanding. Here’s how you can get access 

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is undergoing an expansion this month. As of May 2025, all remaining eligible adults aged 18 to 64 can apply for dental coverage, with benefits beginning as early as June 1. Since its launch, 3.4 million Canadians were approved to be part of the plan, and 1.7 million have already received care, Ottawa says . The program initially prioritized seniors, children, and people with disabilities, notes the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario . Applications are now being accepted throughout the month of May based on age: ages 55 to 64 since May 1, ages 35 to 54 since May 15, and ages 18 to 34 as of May 29. How do you qualify? To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents for tax purposes, not have access to private dental insurance (for example, through employer or pension plans), have filed their 2024 tax return (and partner’s if applicable) and have a net income less than $90,000. These criteria aim to make dental care more affordable for people without access to private insurance, particularly targeting low- and middle-income Canadians , Ottawa says. What does the plan do? The CDCP reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket costs for essential dental services. This could be beneficial for families and individuals who have delayed or avoided dental visits due to cost, enabling them to receive regular check-ups and timely treatments. With the expansion, more Canadians will be able to access preventive services like cleanings and check-ups , which help reduce the risk of severe dental issues and improve long-term oral health outcomes. While the plan covers many essential services, not all treatments are included, and some patients may still face balance billing if the cost of care exceeds the plan’s reimbursement rates, says the RCDSO . However, the expansion is expected to make dental care more affordable and accessible for eligible Canadians. What are the coverage limits? The annual reimbursement limit has increased from $2,500 to $3,000 per year as of Jan. 1, 2025, with further increases planned by 2027. Coverage for major restorative services (such as complete or partial dentures and crowns) has increased to 65 per cent for eligible individuals aged 23 and above, up from previous levels. Several new dental services are now covered, including tomography, oral surgery anesthesia, injections and assessments for temporomandibular joint (jaw) disorders, and orthodontic services (covered only in cases of strict medical need and with pre-authorization; subject to a maximum spending limit). Some services, especially those beyond established frequency limits, require preauthorization by the CDCP. Not all requests will be approved , and patients may still choose to pay out of pocket for non-covered procedures. How do you maintain coverage? Current CDCP members must renew their coverage for the upcoming period. Renewal applications must be submitted by June 1, 2025, to avoid any interruption in benefits. Coverage will end on June 30, 2025, for people who do not renew, and any dental services received during a lapse will not be reimbursed.

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