Why our customers prefer Blue Cross
- Option of getting insured without a medical exam
- Excellent rates
- Pioneer in the field of health insurance with over 80 years of experience
- Friendly service from experienced agents who can answer your questions and assist you when needed
- Coverage that can be customized to meet your specific needs
- Discounts and savings with our one-of-a-kind Blue Advantage program

Canadian Dental Care Plan or Individual Dental Insurance: Which Coverage Is Right for You?
Published on: July 21, 2025
Updated on: July 21, 2025
Have you heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? As of June 1, 2025, this federal program is now available to all eligible Canadians, making dental care more accessible than ever before. It’s great news, but naturally, it raises a few questions:
Who qualifies? What does the plan cover? And is it still worth considering individual dental insurance? We’ll help you sort through the details so you can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Am I Eligible?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all four of the following criteria:
- You do not have access to any other dental insurance (individual or group).
- You have completed your tax return for the previous year (as has your spouse, if applicable).
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 after taxes.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Please note: Enrollment in the CDCP is not automatic. You must apply each year and wait for approval before receiving treatment. Otherwise, your dental fees may not be reimbursed. According to the Canadian Dental Association, application processing may take up to three months.1
What’s Covered by the CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers most essential and medically necessary dental treatments. However, the amount reimbursed depends on your income, and if a treatment isn’t covered, you’ll be responsible for the full cost.
Covered treatments include:
- Preventive and diagnostic care: exams, X-rays, cleanings, etc.
- Basic care: fillings, root canals, gum treatments, extractions
- Major care: crowns, dentures, oral surgery
- Orthodontics: only when medically necessary
Reimbursement levels by income:
Adjusted Net Family Income (After Tax) |
Coverage Provided by CDCP (on eligible treatments) |
Out-of-Pocket Cost |
Less than $70,000 |
100% |
0% |
$70,000 to $79,999 |
60% |
40% |
$80,000 to $89,999 |
40% |
60% |
Should I Choose Individual Dental Insurance or the CDCP?
While you may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), enrollment is not mandatory, and it may not always be the best fit for your needs. The right choice depends on your existing coverage and how often you require dental care.
For instance, if you anticipate regular or costly dental treatments, and the CDCP only covers a portion of those expenses, an individual dental insurance plan might offer better value and coverage. Individual plans, such as those offered through Blue Cross Health®, provide more comprehensive and customizable coverage, starting at 60% reimbursement and going up to 80%, depending on the level of coverage selected, regardless of your income. Higher-tier plans may also cover treatments that the CDCP only partially reimburses or excludes altogether, such as orthodontics.
Need help deciding? Our certified agents are here to walk you through your options and help you find the coverage that works best for you.
Is Health Insurance Worth It for Me?
If you’re looking for well-rounded coverage tailored to your lifestyle, health insurance is definitely worth considering. While Blue Cross Health offers optional dental coverage, its value goes far beyond that. By protecting your smile, you’re also safeguarding your overall well-being from life’s unexpected health challenges.
With customizable plans, Blue Cross Health gives you access to an extensive network of health professionals—including physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychologists, optometrists, and more—based on the level of coverage you choose.
To support your day-to-day health, two wellness programs are also included at no extra cost:
- InConfidence®: Personalized support for stress management, counselling, legal and financial advice, and more.
- Blue Advantage®: Exclusive discounts on a wide range of health, wellness, and active living products and services.
With Blue Cross Health, you’re choosing more than just dental insurance—you’re investing in your well-being.
Enjoy health coverage that feels good—and makes you smile.
1Canadian Dental Association – Canadian Dental Care Plan. Prior authorization is required for certain services