Understanding Dental Insurance in Canada: CDCP, Employer Plans, and More

01. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Federal plan for Canadians without private dental insurance, earning under $90,000 adjusted family net income. Covers preventive and basic restorative care. Launched 2024, now covering millions.

02. Employer group benefits

The most common form of dental coverage in Canada. Typically covers 80% of basic care and 50% of major restorative work. Coverage limits vary widely — always verify your annual maximum.

03. Provincial programs

OHIP+ covers children under 18 in Ontario. RAMQ covers some dental for Quebec residents. Each province has different rules — know what applies to you.

04. NIHB for Indigenous Peoples

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides dental coverage for First Nations and Inuit individuals. Coverage is broad but requires pre-authorization for many procedures.

05. Can you combine plans?

Yes — coordination of benefits allows you to submit to your primary plan first, then the secondary plan for the remainder. CDCP can act as secondary coverage in some cases.