Canadian Dental Care Plan: Understanding "No Access"

Understanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now available. It’s designed to help people in Canada who don’t have access to dental insurance. But before applying, it’s important to understand one key rule: you must have “no access” to any other kind of dental coverage.

This rule can be confusing, so let’s break it down. At Apple Dental Center in Ancaster, we want to help you understand what this means and whether you might qualify.

What Does “No Access” to Dental Insurance Mean?

To qualify for the CDCP, you must not have any way to get dental coverage. This isn’t just about whether you currently have insurance—it’s about whether you could get it.

You’re considered to have access if you could get dental coverage in any of these ways—even if you don’t use it or turned it down:

• Through your job or a family member’s job: This includes dental plans or Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) that can be used for dental care.
• Through a student or professional group: Some organizations offer dental coverage to members.
• Through a pension plan: If your pension or your spouse’s pension includes dental benefits, that counts as access.
• Through a plan you purchased yourself: Any dental insurance you bought on your own or through a group also counts.

Important: If you had the option to get dental coverage from any of these sources—even if you declined—you likely do not qualify for the CDCP.

Examples of “Access”

• “I said no to dental benefits at work.” If your job offered a plan and you chose not to take it, you still had access. You would not qualify for the CDCP.
• “My HSA is small or I don’t use it for dental.” If your HSA could cover dental expenses, it counts as access—regardless of how much is in it or how you use it.
• “I’m retired and have a pension.” If your pension offers dental coverage, even if you’re not using it, you’re considered to have access.
• Exception: If you opted out of your pension’s dental benefits before December 11, 2023 and can’t rejoin the plan, you may still qualify.
• “We bought our own dental insurance.” If you or a family member purchased a plan directly, that’s considered access and disqualifies you from the CDCP.

Why Is the Rule So Strict?

The CDCP is meant for Canadians who truly have no other options for dental care. This rule helps make sure the support goes to those who need it most.

Who Might Qualify?

You may qualify for the CDCP if:

• You don’t have dental insurance,
• You can’t get coverage through work, a group, a pension, or by purchasing it yourself,
• You meet other CDCP rules (like income and tax residency in Canada).

Other Things to Know

• Employers now report access on your T4 slip: Even if you didn’t use the coverage, it may show on your tax slip if it was available.
• Canceling your plan doesn’t help: If you cancel a plan you had access to, you still won’t qualify for the CDCP.
• The CDCP may not cover everything: Even if you qualify, you might have to pay part of the cost depending on your income and treatment type.

Quick Access Check

*Note: Retirees who opted out before December 11, 2023, and can’t rejoin may qualify.

Need Help Figuring It Out?

If you're not sure whether you have access to dental insurance, check with your employer, HR department, pension provider, or insurance company.

Still have questions? The team at Apple Dental Center in Ancaster is here to help guide you through your dental care options. We’re happy to help you understand what’s covered and how to get the care you need.