Private Dental Insurance vs the CDCP: Who Should Buy What?

The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has no premium and is for people with family income under $90,000 and no access to dental insurance. Private dental insurance makes more sense if you earn more, already have access to a plan, or want health coverage the CDCP doesn't offer. The catch is that having private dental coverage generally makes you ineligible for the CDCP, so decide before you buy.

How the CDCP works

The CDCP is a federal program. The Government of Canada runs it, and Sun Life processes claims on its behalf. As of 2026, all eligible age groups can apply.

To qualify, you generally must:

• Be a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
• Have filed your tax return for the previous year, along with your spouse or common-law partner.
• Have adjusted family net income under $90,000.
• Have no access to dental insurance.

There is no premium. Instead, you may pay a co-payment at the dentist, based on income.

The CDCP covers a range of services, including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canals, dentures and extractions. Some services need approval in advance. Cosmetic work isn't covered.

Two things can surprise people. First, your dental office must accept CDCP patients. Second, the office may charge more than the CDCP fee, and you pay the difference. Ask before treatment starts.

See the Government of Canada's CDCP page for current eligibility, covered services and how to apply.

Who is excluded from the CDCP?

The key word in the rules is "access." The CDCP looks at whether dental insurance is available to you, not whether you use it.

You are generally not eligible if you have access to dental insurance through:

• Your employer or your family's employer, even if you opted out.
• A pension plan, including one from a former employer.
• A professional or student association.
• A private dental insurance plan you bought.

Coverage through government social programs is treated differently and doesn't usually count as access. Adjusted family net income of $90,000 or more, or not filing your taxes, also rules you out.

Tip: Before you buy a health and dental plan, check whether you might qualify for the CDCP. Buying private dental coverage first could make you ineligible.

How private dental insurance works

Private dental insurance comes in two main forms: group plans through an employer, and individual plans you buy yourself. This section focuses on individual plans.

Individual health and dental plans are sold by insurers across Canada. They usually bundle dental with prescription drugs, vision care and paramedical services like physiotherapy. There are three common types.

Guaranteed issue plans. You don't answer medical questions. In exchange, coverage is lighter. Maximums are lower, and major dental work may have a waiting period.

Underwritten plans. You answer health questions. If you're approved, you usually get richer coverage for the price. The insurer may decline you or exclude some conditions.

Conversion plans. These are for people leaving a group plan. You can often buy one without medical questions, but only within a short window after your group coverage ends.

Individual plans use three cost controls. Coinsurance means the plan pays a percentage of each eligible bill. Annual maximums cap what the plan pays each year. Waiting periods delay coverage for some services, often major dental work.

Here are illustrative premiums from the Instasure pricing model for a mid-tier health and dental plan.

Instasure model, example profiles, mid-tier plan with drugs, dental, vision and paramedical. These are illustrative ranges, not quotes. Prices vary by insurer, province, plan design and health questions.

Do the math before you buy. If you only need two cleanings a year, compare the premium with what you would pay out of pocket.

Private dental insurance vs CDCP: side by side

This table compares the two options on the points that matter most.

Who should buy what?

Your income and your access to other plans decide most cases.

Income under $90,000 and no access to any dental plan. Apply for the CDCP first. If you also want drug or paramedical coverage, ask about a health-only plan with no dental component. Confirm with the insurer and the CDCP that it won't affect your eligibility.

Self-employed and earning over $90,000. The CDCP isn't an option, so compare individual plans. If you're healthy, an underwritten plan often gives more coverage for the price. If you're incorporated, ask an advisor or accountant about a health spending account.

Just lost workplace benefits. Look at the conversion plan before the deadline passes. At the same time, check whether your family income now qualifies you for the CDCP.

Retired with a pension dental plan. That plan generally counts as access to dental insurance. Check the CDCP rules before dropping it, and compare its cost and coverage with individual options.

Business owners with staff. A group benefits plan can cover employees and may cost less per person than individual plans. Note that employees with access to it generally can't use the CDCP.

Dental coverage is only one part of health protection. If an illness or injury could stop your income, read our guide on critical illness vs disability insurance.

If you have a complaint about a private health insurer that you can't resolve, the OmbudService for Life and Health Insurance may help.

Next steps

The right choice depends on your income, your access to other plans and the care you expect to need. Get an instant estimate for health and dental insurance to see what an individual plan might cost. A licensed advisor can then compare guaranteed issue and underwritten options and flag anything that could affect CDCP eligibility. You can also browse our health and dental insurance overview or compare coverage types.