If you have been putting off the dentist because of the cost, learning how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan could change that. The Canadian Dental Care Plan, or CDCP, is a federal program that helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we meet many neighbours who live with tooth pain because a visit feels out of reach. We do not run the CDCP, but this guide explains who qualifies, how to apply and what to expect, in plain language.
Quick answer
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
First check that you meet all four rules: no access to private dental insurance, a tax return filed in Canada for the previous year, an adjusted family net income under $90,000 and Canadian residency for tax purposes. Then apply online through My Service Canada Account or the Canada.ca application, or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262). There is no fee to apply.
What the Canadian Dental Care Plan is
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (opens in a new tab) is run by the Government of Canada to make dental care more affordable. Applications are open for the 2026 to 2027 benefit period, and there is no fee to apply or renew.
The plan helps pay for a range of oral health services. Canada.ca has a full list of covered services, and your dental office can tell you what applies to your visit before treatment starts.
The four eligibility rules
Canada.ca says you must meet all four requirements before applying. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, some rules apply to them too.
| Rule | What it means | Your partner too? |
|---|---|---|
| No private dental coverage | You cannot have access to dental insurance through work, a pension, an organization or a plan you bought, even if you never use it | Coverage is checked for each applicant |
| Tax return filed | You must have filed your tax return in Canada for the previous year | Yes |
| Income limit | Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 | Combined family income |
| Canadian resident | You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes | Yes |
The tax return rule is the one people miss most often. If you have not filed, our guide on how to file taxes for free (opens in a new tab) explains how a free tax clinic can help.
What you need to apply
Have this information ready for each person applying. It makes the form much quicker to finish.
- Social insurance number (if available for children)
- Date of birth
- Full name
- Home and mailing address
- Any dental coverage you have through government social programs
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s information, if you have one
Your spouse or partner must send their own application to be covered. If you are applying for your children, include their information as the Canada.ca instructions explain.
How to apply, step by step
- Check the four eligibility rules above.
- Gather your information and your family’s information.
- Apply online through My Service Canada Account, or use the Canada.ca application if you cannot use that account.
- If you cannot apply online, call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262) to apply with an agent.
- Watch your mail for news about your application.
When you apply, you confirm that you do not have access to private dental insurance. Canada.ca notes that your application may be checked against your tax slips.
After you apply
If your application or coverage needs more review, Service Canada will tell you by mail. Keep your contact details up to date so letters reach you.
Once you are covered, ask your dental office whether they accept CDCP patients before you book. Ask them to explain what the plan will pay and whether you will owe anything before they start treatment.
Questions to ask your dental office
A few questions before treatment can prevent surprise bills. Write them down and bring them to your appointment.
- Do you accept patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
- Which parts of my treatment will the plan cover?
- Will I owe anything myself, and how much?
- Is any part of the treatment optional, or can it wait?
- Can you give me a written estimate before you start?
If the answers are not clear, ask the office to explain again. You have the right to understand the cost before you agree to treatment.
Renew every year
Coverage runs by benefit period, so you need to renew. Canada.ca says that if you had coverage and did not renew by the deadline, you can apply again, but you will have a gap in coverage.
- File your taxes every year, so your income can be checked.
- Watch for renewal notices and act quickly.
- Update Service Canada if your address or family situation changes.
Watch out for scams
Be careful with phone calls, texts or emails about the dental plan that you did not expect. Canada.ca warns people to be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal, banking or credit card information.
If something feels off, hang up and contact Service Canada yourself using the number on Canada.ca. Our guide on how to spot a scam (opens in a new tab) has more tips.
Caring for your teeth between visits
Good daily habits protect your teeth and can save money on dental work later. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth, and limit sugary drinks and snacks.
Drink water through the day, especially after meals. If you notice pain, swelling or bleeding that does not go away, book a dental visit rather than waiting.
Help with everyday needs in Brantford
When money is tight, every saving helps. Friendship House at 452 Grey Street offers free breakfast from 8 a.m., a hot meal Monday to Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., and the Food Bank on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab). Everything is free and open to everyone.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
You must have no access to private dental insurance, have filed your tax return in Canada for the previous year, have an adjusted family net income under $90,000 and be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
What is the phone number to apply for the CDCP?
Call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342, or TTY 1-833-677-6262, if you cannot apply online.
Is there a fee to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
No. Canada.ca says there is no fee to apply or renew your coverage.
Can I get the CDCP if I have dental insurance at work?
No. If you have access to private dental insurance, even if you never use it, you are not eligible.
Do I need to renew the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes. If you miss the renewal deadline, you can apply again, but you will have a gap in coverage.
Healthy teeth make it easier to eat well, work and smile with confidence. Check the rules, apply when you are ready, and see our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for help with food and clothing along the way.
