Canada Just Opened Up Free Dental Coverage to Millions More—Here’s What Toronto Clinics Need to Know

As of May 1, 2025, Canada’s Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is officially expanding to include low-income adults aged 18 to 64. This major policy shift is expected to benefit up to 9 million Canadians who lack private dental insurance—and Toronto-based clinics should prepare for a sharp increase in new patient flow.

At EBIKO Dental, we’re already seeing rising demand for disposable dental supplies across the Greater Toronto Area. If you’re a clinic owner or office manager, now’s the time to stock up and be ready.

🗓️ Who Can Apply and When?

The rollout for new applicants is staggered by age:

• May 1 – Ages 55–64

• May 15 – Ages 18–34

• May 29 – Ages 35–54

Previously, only seniors over 65, children under 18, and eligible persons with a Disability Tax Credit could apply. This expansion changes the game for adult care access in Ontario.

✅ CDCP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:

1. Be a Canadian resident

2. Have no access to private dental insurance (not through work, school, or pension)

3. Filed a 2023 tax return

4. Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000

Even those receiving dental care through provincial social assistance may qualify if all the above apply.

🦷 What Services Are Covered?

CDCP reimburses providers for a wide range of treatments, including:

Basic Services:

• Cleanings, polishings, fluoride treatments, sealants

• Dental exams and X-rays

• Fillings, extractions

• Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing)

As of October 2024, additional services include:

• Crowns and root canals

• Complete specialist exams

• Major oral surgeries

• Denture repairs

• Sedation and anesthesia

Note: CDCP pays the provider directly, but patients may still owe a co-pay if the procedure exceeds the CDCP rate.

⚠️ A Cautionary Tale for Clinics: Insurance Eligibility Confusion

One retired couple on Vancouver Island shared a frustrating experience—after being approved for CDCP, their eligibility was revoked. The reason? The husband was technically still “eligible” for dental insurance through his old employer’s pension, even though he opted out over 10 years ago due to high premiums.

This loophole is important for clinics to be aware of. Patients may assume they qualify but later be denied coverage if they are technically still eligible for unused insurance plans. Always confirm their status before submitting claims.

📌 How to Apply

The application process is entirely online via the government portal:

Apply here

Steps include:

1. Agreeing to terms and privacy policy

2. Providing SIN number and family info

3. Confirming no private dental insurance

4. Submitting contact details

5. Receiving a confirmation code

Applicants will receive a decision within 30 business days.

📅 Renewing CDCP Coverage

Current recipients must reapply by June 1 for the 2025–2026 term. This includes submitting the latest Notice of Assessment from CRA.

🛍️ How EBIKO Dental Supports Clinics During CDCP Surge

At EBIKO Dental, we’re here to support clinics across Toronto and the GTA during this new wave of dental demand. Our affordable disposable products include:

• Sterilization Pouches (Class 4 indicators, multiple sizes)

• 3-Ply Dental Bibs in 8 colors

• High-quality Air Water Syringe Tips

• Fluoride Trays, Evacuator Cups, Mouth Props, and more

We offer:

• Same/next-day local delivery in the GTA

• Free shipping on orders over $99

• A growing catalog with new items added monthly

As more patients walk through your doors under the new federal plan, trust EBIKO to keep you stocked with high-quality essentials at the best prices.