The Canadian Dental Care Plan: What Employers Need to Know in 2025
As of May 2025, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding to include uninsured Canadians ages 18 to 64. This expansion has important implications for employers, especially when it comes to coordinating benefits and managing employee expectations.
This guide explains the basics of the CDCP, the eligibility changes, and what it means for your group benefits strategy.
What Is the CDCP?
The CDCP is a federal dental program created to provide coverage for Canadians who do not have access to private or employer-sponsored dental insurance. Administered by Sun Life, the program includes preventive and restorative services like cleanings, fillings, and dentures.
Key Changes in May 2025
Starting in May 2025, CDCP applications opened to the remaining adult population aged 18 to 64. The rollout was staggered:
May 1: Ages 55 to 64
May 15: Ages 18 to 34
May 29: Ages 35 to 54
Previously, only children, seniors, and eligible adults with disabilities qualified. Now, all age groups can apply if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the CDCP, a person must:
Not have access to private or employer dental coverage (including health spending accounts)
Have a family net income under $90,000
Under $70,000: 100 percent coverage
$70,000 to $79,999: 60 percent coverage
$80,000 to $89,999: 40 percent coverage
Be a Canadian tax resident and have filed a recent return
The annual coverage limit is $3,000 per person. Orthodontics is only covered if medically necessary.
Can Employees Use CDCP If You Offer Dental Benefits?
No. If an employee has access to any private dental plan, even if they decline it, they are not eligible for CDCP. The program is intended only for those without coverage.
This means:
Employees cannot opt out of your plan to qualify for CDCP
There is no coordination between CDCP and private plans
If you do not offer dental benefits, uninsured employees may qualify for CDCP
Should You Drop Your Group Dental Plan?
Generally, no. While CDCP helps uninsured Canadians, most employers should continue offering group dental coverage for the following reasons:
Employees earning over $90,000 (family income) are not eligible
CDCP involves co-pays for most income levels
Private plans offer broader or more predictable coverage
However, small businesses with modest-wage staff and no current dental plan might consider encouraging eligible employees to enroll in CDCP.
FAQ
Can CDCP be a backup if our plan does not cover something?
No. CDCP is not a secondary payer to private insurance.
I have a health spending account (HSA), do I qualify for the CDCP?
No. An HSA is considered dental coverage for the purpose of eligibility for the CDCP.
What if an employee transitions off our plan, such as leaving the company?
They can apply for CDCP once they no longer have coverage, assuming they meet the income criteria.
Do dependents qualify?
Only if they also lack access to any private dental coverage and meet the income criteria.
How do people apply?
Online at canada.ca/dental, by phone, or at a Service Canada location. Coverage begins after approval.
The CDCP fills a gap for uninsured Canadians but does not replace employer-sponsored plans. Employers should continue offering group coverage for eligible staff and share CDCP information with employees who are not covered.
Sources for Article:
Overview of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.htmlWho Qualifies for the CDCP
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/who-qualifies.htmlWhat Services Are Covered
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/what-services-are-covered.htmlInformation for Dental Care Professionals (including coordination of benefits)
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/information-dental-care-professionals.html