Federal program covers up to 100% of dental costs for eligible Canadians of all ages.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit is encouraging residents to review their eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a federal initiative that offers significant financial support for oral health services.
The plan, now open to Canadians of all ages who meet specific criteria, covers between 40% and 100% of dental costs depending on family income and the types of services received.
The health unit — officially named Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland, Peterborough District Health Unit (HKNP) following a recent merger — is urging residents, especially families, to check their eligibility and apply for the program.
Families currently enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO), a provincial dental program for children and youth aged 17 and under, are also being advised that some dental offices may require them to enroll in CDCP. The federal and provincial governments are working together to coordinate how claims will be submitted and reimbursed under both programs.
“Good oral health is fundamental to overall well-being, and programs like HSO and the CDCP play a critical role in making dental care accessible to qualifying children and youth,” said Anna Rusak, health promoter with HKPR District Health Unit.
“With more dental providers requesting patients to enroll in CDCP, we want to ensure families are informed and supported throughout the application process.”
Program Rollout and Eligibility
The Canadian Dental Care Plan launched in December 2023, initially for seniors aged 70 and older. In May 2024, it expanded to seniors aged 65 and up. By June, the program opened to children under 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. In May 2025, it became available to all Canadians aged 18 to 64.
As of May, over four million Canadians had applied, including more than 1.5 million in Ontario. Nationwide, more than two million applicants have already received dental care through the program. In Ontario alone, 792,689 people have benefited.
There are 25,668 oral health providers currently participating in CDCP across Canada — including dentists, dental specialists, denturists, and independent dental hygienists — with 10,956 providers located in Ontario.
To qualify for CDCP, applicants must:
- Be Canadian residents for tax purposes
- Have filed a tax return in the previous year
- Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- Not have private dental insurance coverage
People already receiving dental coverage through other government programs — such as Healthy Smiles Ontario or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) — may still qualify, with benefits coordinated to prevent overlap or coverage gaps.
What the Plan Covers
The CDCP covers a wide range of oral health services, including:
- Dental exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Periodontal care
- Posts and crowns
- Dentures
- Oral surgery
Some services may require preauthorization. Orthodontic services will be added in 2025, but only for patients with a documented medical need under strict eligibility guidelines.
Coverage rates vary depending on income. Those with lower incomes may qualify for full coverage, while others may be responsible for a portion of the cost.
