Dental care is a big part of staying healthy, but it can be expensive. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new program that helps people pay for their dental visits.
If you are looking for a dentist in New Westminster to help with your teeth, this plan can make things much more affordable. It is for people who don’t have dental insurance through a job or a private plan.
By helping with costs, the government wants to make sure everyone can get a checkup without worrying about money.
What Does The CDCP Do For You?
- Helps with Costs: It pays for a part or all of your dental bill, depending on how much money your family makes.
- Covers Basics: You can use it for cleanings, X-rays, and fixing cavities.
- Easy to Use: You just show your member card to a dentist near you who is part of the plan.
- Major Help: It can also help pay for bigger things like root canals or getting dentures.
The goal is simple: to make sure you can go to the dentist before your teeth start to hurt.
Most basic care is covered right away, but for some bigger jobs, the office might need to ask the government for permission first.
Who Can Get These Benefits In 2026?
To qualify for the plan this year, there are four simple rules you need to follow.
- First, you must live in Canada and file your taxes every year.
- Second, your family income must be less than $90,000 after taxes.
- Third, you must not have any other dental insurance, like a plan from your work.
- Finally, you can apply for the CDCP in New Westminster or anywhere else in Canada if you meet these points.
In 2026, the plan is open to kids, seniors, and adults who qualify based on their income.
How Much Will The Plan Pay?
| Your Yearly Family Income | What the Plan Pays | What You Pay |
| Less than $70,000 | 100% of the plan fees | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of the plan fees | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of the plan fees | 60% |
| $90,000 or more | Nothing | 100% |
Keep in mind that the “plan fees” might be a little lower than what the office usually charges. This means even if you have “100% coverage,” you might still have to pay a very small amount at the front desk.
What Kind Of Dental Work Is Covered?
- Cleanings: Getting your teeth polished and scaled to keep your gums healthy.
- Exams: Regular checkups to make sure you don’t have any hidden problems.
- Fillings: Fixing holes in your teeth so they don’t get bigger or hurt.
- Root Canals: Cleaning out a deep infection so you can keep your natural tooth.
- Dentures: Making new sets of teeth or fixing old ones so you can eat and smile easily.
Most of these services are covered once your application is approved. You will get a letter in the mail that tells you exactly when you can start using your benefits at your local clinic.
How To Sign Up For The Plan?
- File Your Taxes: The government uses your tax form to see how much money you make.
- Apply Online: Go to the official Service Canada website and fill out the form.
- Check the Mail: You will get a “Welcome Package” with your new dental card inside.
- Book a Visit: Call a dental office that takes the plan and give them your card number.
The sign-up process is meant to be very fast. If you already have a “My Service Canada Account,” you can even track your application on your computer to see when your card will arrive.
Why Going To The Dentist Is Important?
Taking care of your teeth is about more than just a nice smile. It also helps your heart and your overall health.
If you have bad germs in your mouth, they can move to other parts of your body and make you sick. The CDCP makes it much easier to go for a cleaning twice a year.
When you go regularly, the professional can find small problems before they turn into big, painful emergencies that cost a lot more to fix.
Keeping Your Benefits Active Every Year
Once you are in the plan, you need to make sure you stay in it. The most important thing you can do is file your taxes on time every spring. The government will automatically check your income each year to see if you still qualify.
If your income goes up or down, your “co-payment” (the amount you pay) might change too.
You should also let the government know if you get a new job that gives you private dental insurance, as that would mean you no longer need the CDCP.
Get Tooth Care Is Our Priority
We know that understanding new government rules can be a bit of a headache. At Artis Dental Centre, we are here to help you figure out your benefits so you can get the best care for your teeth.
Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you through every step of your visit.
We want everyone in our community to have a healthy mouth and a happy smile. Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the plan if I have insurance from my job?
No, if you have any kind of private dental insurance through work or school, you are not eligible for this plan. It is only for people who have no other way to pay for their dental care.
Does the CDCP eligibility expire?
Your eligibility is checked every year after you file your taxes. As long as your income stays under $90,000 and you don’t get other insurance, you can keep using your benefits.
Will it pay for teeth whitening?
No, the plan only covers things that keep your mouth healthy and free of pain. It does not cover “cosmetic” things like whitening or veneers that are just for looks.
What if I move to a different province?
The CDCP is a federal plan, which means it follows you wherever you live in Canada. You just need to update your address with Service Canada, so your mail goes to the right house.
