Dental care is expensive, and for years it’s been one of the biggest gaps in Canada’s public health coverage. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been closing that gap in phases since it launched, and as of the 2026–27 benefit year, it’s now open to all eligible Canadian residents regardless of age — not just the specific age groups it started with. If you’ve been waiting to see if you’d qualify, this is the guide to check.
What’s New in the 2026 CDCP Expansion
The biggest change for 2026 is that age restrictions are gone. Earlier phases of the CDCP rolled out coverage to seniors, children, and people with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate first — but the plan is now open to all eligible adults, regardless of age. As of the most recent figures, more than 6.3 million Canadians have already enrolled.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CDCP, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed your most recent income tax return (your 2025 return determines eligibility for the 2026 benefit year) — and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed too, if applicable
- Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Have no access to dental insurance through an employer or pension benefits, or through a spouse’s or partner’s plan
That last point catches a lot of people off guard — even if you don’t personally use employer-provided dental coverage, having access to it can make you ineligible for the CDCP.
Understanding the Income-Based Co-Pay Structure
The CDCP doesn’t cover 100% of dental costs for everyone — how much you pay out of pocket depends on your adjusted family net income:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Your Co-Pay |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 0% (fully covered at the CDCP fee schedule) |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 60% |
| $90,000 and above | Not eligible |
How to Apply or Renew for 2026–2027
You can apply online at Canada.ca/dental or by calling the Service Canada CDCP helpline. If you were enrolled in a previous benefit year, you’ll typically need to renew — renewal windows are announced in advance, so check your CDCP correspondence or Canada.ca directly for the current year’s exact dates rather than assuming last year’s schedule still applies.
If you miss a renewal window, don’t panic — check Canada.ca for your options, since missing a specific renewal period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re locked out for the rest of the benefit year.
What’s Covered vs. Not Covered
The CDCP covers a broad range of common services at its fee schedule, including:
- Regular exams and cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Some other preventive and basic restorative procedures
If you already have private dental insurance that doesn’t fully cover your needs, check how the CDCP coordinates with your existing plan — in many cases, you may not be eligible for the CDCP at all if you have access to private coverage, so this is worth confirming before assuming you’ll get both.
FAQ
Can I have the CDCP and private insurance at the same time?
Generally, having access to private dental insurance (through an employer, pension, or a spouse’s plan) makes you ineligible for the CDCP, regardless of whether that private coverage is comprehensive. Confirm your specific situation on Canada.ca before applying.
What if my income changed since my last tax return?
Eligibility is based on your most recently filed tax return, not your current income. If your income has changed significantly, that will typically be reflected the next time your eligibility is reassessed based on a newer tax filing.
Related reading: Already enrolled in the CDCP? You may also qualify for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not medical, dental, or tax advice. Dental coverage details and income thresholds can change — always confirm current eligibility and co-pay tiers directly on Canada.ca or with Service Canada before making decisions based on this article.