The federal government has now revealed the services which will be covered under the new Canada Dental Care Plan, which was introduced as a $13 billion item in the 2023 federal budget.

The services and procedures range from the basic all the way to the more intensive, including:

• preventive services – scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants and fluoride
• diagnostic services – examinations and x-rays
• restorative services -fillings
• endodontic services – root canal treatments
• prosthodontic services – complete and partial removable dentures
• periodontal services – deep scaling
• oral surgery services – extractions

Some services however will require pre-authorization.

A majority of what is being offered will be available in May, with other services coming being made available this fall.

Coverage works by having the CDCP reimbursing a percentage of the cost, base on established fees and the adjusted net family income, meaning for some Canadians they will have to pay additional charges directly to the oral care provider if:

• adjusted family income is between $70,000 and $89,999
• the oral health provider charges more than the established CDCP fees
• you and your oral health care provider agree to services not covered by the CDCP

When it comes to co-payments for those that are eligible the breakdown of coverage and fees is:

• Net adjusted family income lower than $70,000 – 100% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP fees
• Net adjusted family income between $70,000 and $79,999 – 60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP fees, with the remaining 40% covered by you.
• Net adjusted family income between $80,000 and $89,999 – 40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP fees, with the remaining 60% covered by you.

In December applications opened for seniors aged 87 and above, since then applications have been expanded to those aged 72 to 86, next month Canadians who are 70 and 71 years of age will be able to apply.

Seniors in those age groups who may be eligible will recieve letters inviting them to apply, with instructions on how to validate their eligibility and apply by phone.

In May an online application portal will open for seniors 65 and older, anyone with a valid Disabilty Tax Credit certificate and children under the age of 18 will be able to apply online as of June.

Remaining Canadian age groups will be able to apply online in 2025.

Anyone enrolled in the plan will be able to start seeing an eligible oral health provider such as a dentist, denturist, dental hygienist and dental specialist in May.