BY: Matias de Dovitiis

The new Canada Dental Care Plan is the biggest change to our public health care system in a generation. So far, the program has been a great success. The program came about in a deal between the NDP and the Liberal government and over 2 million people have now registered across the country, with close to half a million people already receiving dental care. Importantly, many dental care providers have signed up to the program in the area and you can start to receive care in a very short time.

For those readers that are not familiar with the program, as part of the agreement to support the Liberal government in Ottawa, the NDP asked for the creation of a new dental care program about 2 years ago. The government agreed and there has been work since to roll out the program across the country. Children were made eligible first and now seniors, but starting next year, all Canadians that qualify for the income threshold will be able to apply. The process to apply is easy and takes less than 5 minutes online if you have all your documents. You can also apply by phone. It takes about 3 months for you to receive your processed application and member card.

The service covers preventative care, like cleaning, x-rays and so on, but also basic services like permanent fillings and root canals. It also covers major services such as dentures and oral surgery when required. There may be fees included and co-payments so be sure to check the small print on the services that you need.

How to qualify:

You must have no access to dental insurance
You must have an adjusted net income of less than $90,000 (net income for you and your spouse or common law combined)
Your must be a Canadian for tax purposes
You completed your taxes for the previous year (2023)

If you have not signed up it’s easy. Do it online: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html

Or over the phone: 1-833-537-4342

What you will need to apply:

Social Insurance Number
Date of birth
Full name
Home and mailing address
You and your spouse or common-law (only if it applies) must have complete your tax return for 2023 and have received your Notice of Assessment.