Looking for affordable dental care for your child in 2026? The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) continues to help families access essential dental services for children under 18, often at little to no cost. In this guide, we explain canadian dental care plan for children. We will cover everything parents need to know, from eligibility and coverage to how to access benefits.
Stay with us to discover what’s covered, who qualifies, and how to get started.
Importance of Children’s Oral Health and the CDCP
Children’s oral health plays a key role in their overall well-being. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infections, trouble eating or speaking, and even poor performance in school. Regular dental visits can prevent these issues early on.
Also, teaching kids healthy oral habits from a young age sets them up for a lifetime of good hygiene and confidence. However, some families delay or skip dental care because of costs, and that’s where the CDCP steps in.
How the CDCP Supports Pediatric Dentistry
The CDCP is Canada’s largest-ever investment in dental care. It helps children access vital services by reducing or even eliminating out-of-pocket costs for families. By focusing on preventive and basic dental services, the CDCP is designed to reduce long-term oral health problems for future generations.
Additional Note: According to the CDA report, the total number of approved applicants as of January 31, 2026, reaches 6,270,771.
Consultation with a Dentist in Toronto
Eligibility for Children Under 18
To benefit from the CDCP, a child must meet specific eligibility criteria. Below, we’ve explained what you need to know.
Age and Residency Requirements
The child must be under 18 years old at the time of application and be a Canadian resident. Also, their parent or guardian must have filed a 2025 tax return, with the child listed as a dependent, and received a Notice of Assessment.
Family Income Thresholds for Child Eligibility
Eligibility for the CDCP depends on the family’s adjusted net income. Here’s how it breaks down.
| Family Net Income | Co-Payment Rate (You Pay) | CDCP Pays |
| Less than $70,000 | 0% | 100% |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 40% | 60% |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $90,000+ | Not eligible | 0% |
Absence of Private Dental Insurance
To qualify, the child must not be covered by any private dental insurance plan, even partially. However, having provincial or territorial dental coverage does not disqualify them; CDCP can work alongside public programs.
Important Reminder: Eligibility must be renewed annually by June 1, 2026, for continued coverage, and coverage ends on June 30, 2026, if not renewed. This is critical for parents to avoid gaps in coverage. Read more on: Canada.ca
Contact Us Today!
At Pearl Dental Group, we’re proud to support families by offering dental care through the CDCP. Our caring children’s dentistry team is ready to welcome your child and answer all your questions.
Services Covered for Children
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services essential for children’s oral health. Coverage focuses on preventive and routine care but may also include some more extensive treatments when medically necessary.
Preventive Dental Care
These services are key to preventing cavities and maintaining oral hygiene.
- Regular oral exams and checkups
- Cleanings (scaling and polishing)
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel
- Dental sealants to protect molars from decay
- X-rays when needed
Basic Restorative Treatments
If your child develops a cavity or dental issue, the CDCP covers dental fillings for cavities, non-surgical extractions of damaged or decayed teeth, root canal therapy, and treatment for dental pain or infection.
Specific Orthodontic or Major Services for Children
As of February 2026, orthodontic treatments like braces are not automatically covered. However, if a child has a medical need for orthodontic care, for example, due to a birth defect or serious misalignment affecting health, there may be exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Pre-authorization and medical assessment are usually required.
Accessing CDCP Benefits for Your Child at Our Clinic
At Pearl Dental Group, our goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free for parents. Keep reading to understand how we help you use your child’s CDCP benefits.
Streamlined Enrollment and Verification
Although you must first apply through the Government of Canada website, our friendly staff can guide you through checking eligibility, preparing documents, and understanding the next steps.
Once approved, you’ll receive information from Sun Life, the insurance provider managing CDCP claims. When you visit our clinic, just provide your child’s CDCP ID or details, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Gentle and Child-Friendly Dental Environment
We believe that going to the dentist should be a positive and fun experience for kids. That’s why our office is designed with children in mind; our pediatric and family dentists are patient, gentle, and great at making little ones feel at ease during every visit.
At Pearl Dental Group, we will always explain costs clearly before any procedure so there are no surprises.
Final Word
The Canadian Dental Care Plan for Children is a game-changer for families across Canada. It helps ensure that cost never stands in the way of your child’s bright and healthy smile.
At Pearl Dental Group, we’re proud to be part of this journey with you. From your child’s first visit to routine cleanings and treatment, we make dental care simple, stress-free, and accessible.
Have more questions? Ready to book a visit? Let’s get your child started on the path to excellent oral health with the CDCP. Call us today or schedule an appointment through our website.
FAQs: CDCP for Children
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At what age do children become eligible for the CDCP?
Children are eligible from birth up to their 18th birthday as long as they meet residency, income, and insurance requirements.
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Do infants also qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes, infants qualify, and early dental checkups (around age 1) are encouraged. Early visits help monitor baby teeth and establish a dental home for your child.
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Are orthodontic treatments for children covered by the CDCP?
In general, orthodontic treatments are not fully covered, but medically necessary cases may be eligible for limited support through prior approval. Cosmetic braces are not included.
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What happens when a child turns 18 under the CDCP?
When a child turns 18, they may qualify for adult CDCP coverage under different income and eligibility guidelines. They will need to apply separately.
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Can a child use the CDCP if a parent has private dental insurance?
A child typically cannot use the CDCP if they are covered by a parent’s private dental insurance. However, if the private plan does not cover the child or offers insufficient coverage, the child may be eligible for the CDCP to fill those gaps.
Do you have questions or experiences with the CDCP? Share your thoughts or ask us anything in the comments below; our team is here to help you and your family!
