As the Canada Dental Care Program (CDCP) expands eligibility, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) – now officially merged – are encouraging families to learn about and apply for the federal program to ensure they have the necessary dental coverage.
As the CDCP and Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) are being aligned, the public health agency says it’s important for parents and guardians to understand how the two programs work together. Public health is also happy to assist residents with the application process to ensure they don’t miss out on eligible benefits.
The CDCP is a subsidy program launched by the Canadian federal government to ease the burden of dental costs. Initially, the program was open to seniors over 65, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. As of last month, the CDCP has been expanded to eligible adults of all ages (18 to 64).
“Good oral health is a cornerstone of overall health,” said Anna Russak, health promotion officer at the HKPR District Health Unit. “Programs like HSO and CDCP provide invaluable dental care support for eligible children and youth.
As more dental offices ask patients to join CDCP, we want to make sure families are fully informed and prepared. We are also here to support them through the application process.”
CDCP Family Guide
Eligibility: Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income of up to $90,000, who do not have private dental insurance and file their taxes, can apply for family members.
What it covers: Covers routine dental exams, cleanings, basic treatments, and more to maintain oral health.
Program delivery: Eligible families will receive a welcome kit from Sun Life that includes a membership card, plan description, and benefit effective date. Families should wait until the effective date before scheduling a dental appointment.
How to find a dentist who offers CDCP services
First contact your existing dental office to ask if they accept CDCP.
If you don’t have an existing dentist, use Sun Life’s online search tool or call 1-888-888-8110 for help.
Things to know before your appointment:
Confirm that the dentist accepts CDCP clients;
Check your benefit effective date;
Understand what out-of-pocket costs may apply;
Request a breakdown of costs if there are additional services that are not covered by the plan.
Please note that families do not need to pay the full cost upfront, as the plan does not provide individual reimbursement.
Residents can apply for CDCP online or seek assistance from their local public health department. Health departments remind that learning about the plan and preparing for the application process early can help ensure that families continue to receive necessary dental care.
