It has been over a year since the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) launched, and a lot has changed! As we settle into 2026, we want to make sure our community in the Bloor West and High Park area knows exactly how to use this benefit.
First things first: What is the CDCP?
If you are just hearing about this program or are unsure if it applies to you, here is a quick refresher.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal benefit designed to lower the financial barrier to oral health care. It is not a universal free dental program for everyone; rather, it is a government-funded insurance benefit specifically for Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance (through an employer, pension, or private purchase).
Who is it for?
To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- No Private Insurance: You do not have access to any other dental coverage.
- Income Limit: Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
- Residency: You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Taxes Filed: You have filed your tax return for the previous year (this is how they verify your income!).
What does it cover?
The plan covers a wide range of services to keep your teeth and gums healthy, including:
- Preventive services (cleanings, polishing, sealants, and fluoride)
- Diagnostic services (exams and X-rays)
- Restorative services (fillings)
- Endodontic services (root canals)
- Prosthodontic services (complete and partial removable dentures)
- Oral surgery (extractions)
Depending on your family income, the CDCP covers either 100%, 60%, or 40% of the CDCP’s established fees. (Remember: as mentioned below, this may still leave a balance for you to pay at the dental office).
At The Little Green Building, we are proud to say that we accept the CDCP. However, we know that understanding the rules (especially the new updates) can be confusing.
This is what is new for the CDCP program in 2026 and how to take advantage of it at our office:
- Yes, We Accept Direct Billing (Even If Others Don’t)
You may have heard that not all dentists accept the CDCP. Why is that?
The main reason is that the CDCP requires direct billing. This means the insurance pays the dentist directly, rather than the patient paying the full amount and getting reimbursed later. Many dental offices do not want to change their systems to accept this method, so they simply choose not to participate.
We are different. At the Little Green Building, we don’t mind direct billing at all. We are happy to accept it because it makes things easier for you. We want to ensure our community has access to care, so we have adapted our systems to work with the CDCP requirements.
- New for 2026: All Adults (18-64) Are Now Included
The biggest change is that the program is no longer just for seniors or children. As of early 2025, the program opened to all remaining eligible adults (ages 18–64).
This means all eligible Canadian residents can now apply, provided they meet the criteria we mentioned above (adjusted family net income of less than $90,000), being Canadian resident for tax purposes and not having access to private dental insurance.
If you have adult children or family members who have been waiting for this expansion, tell them to apply now!
- Major Services Now Require “Pre-Authorization”
If you need major dental work, the rules have become stricter, “major services” officially requires pre-authorization.
“Major services” include treatments like dental crowns and dentures.
How this works
Before we can touch your tooth, we must send a request to the CDCP for approval.
- We do this for you at no charge. We submit all the necessary documents, X-rays, and photographs to the insurance company to prove that the service is eligible for coverage.
- It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to get the approval back from the CDCP.
- Once we get the “green light,” we can schedule your treatment.
- Is it 100% Free? (The Honest Answer)
This is the most common question we get. The government often markets the plan as “100% coverage” for lower-income families, but in reality, there is usually a difference to pay.
Why? The CDCP pays dentists based on their own government fee schedule, which is often lower than the standard fee schedule used by dentists in Ontario.
For example: If the standard fee for a filling is $200, but the CDCP only pays $150, there is a $50 gap. Even if you qualify for “100% coverage,” that only applies to the government’s fee, not the full fee.
We believe in no surprises. At our office, we are open and upfront about costs. Before we start any work, we can give you an estimate showing exactly how much the CDCP will cover and what difference you can expect to pay out-of-pocket.
- Don’t Lose Your Spot: Re-qualify Every Year
CDCP coverage is not “set it and forget it.” Patients must requalify every year.
To keep your benefits, you have to submit a form online annually to confirm you are still eligible.
- You must check the exact renewal date for your file.
- You must resubmit based on your previous year’s income, as income can change, and you might not qualify from one year to the next.
Make sure you file your taxes on time, as your eligibility depends entirely on your tax return!
Ready to Book?
Whether you are a senior who has been with us for years, or a new family member joining under the 2026 expansion, we are here to help you navigate these new rules.
Contact us to book your appointment or ask questions about your coverage. We’ll be glad to help you navigate this benefit!
