Canadian Dental Care Plan Expands to Adults Aged 18 to 64 Starting May 2025

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding to include a wider range of eligible Canadians. Starting in May 2025, adults aged 18 to 64 may be able to access affordable dental care under the program.

At Bow River Dental Centre, we continue to support patients in Cochrane and the surrounding area by helping them understand how to access and benefit from the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This blog outlines what the expansion means, who qualifies, and how to prepare for your application.

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Program Expansion Timeline

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is being rolled out in phases. As of now, it primarily covers seniors, children, and certain individuals with disabilities. The next stage will open the plan to more adults.

The application schedule is as follows:

• Aged 65 and older: Open now
• Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023: Open now
• Children under the age of 18: Open now
• Aged between 55 to 64 years old: May 1, 2025
• Aged between 18 and 34 years old: May 15, 2025
• Aged between 35 to 54 years old: May 29, 2025

This marks a significant expansion aimed at improving access to essential dental care for working-age adults who previously had limited options. The program is expected to cover approximately 9 million Canadian residents.

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Who Will Be Invited to Apply?

The Government of Canada will begin sending letters of invitation to Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 who may qualify, based on income data from their 2024 tax returns. These letters are meant to inform potentially eligible individuals that they can apply for the CDCP once their age group opens.
However, it’s important to note: You do not need to wait for the letter to apply.

As long as you—and your spouse or partner, if applicable—have filed your 2024 tax return and received your Notice of Assessment, you can apply as soon as the application window opens for your age group.

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How to Prepare for Application

If you fall within the 18–64 age range, you can prepare for the upcoming application period by:

• Filing your 2024 income tax return on time
• Keeping your Notice of Assessment from the CRA accessible
• Reviewing any existing dental coverage through other government programs to determine eligibility
• Watching for a letter from the Government of Canada with application instructions (if applicable)

Applications will be available through the Government of Canada’s official website and My Service Canada Account (MSCA), similar to how renewals and previous applications have been handled for other age groups.

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Support from Bow River Dental Centre

At Bow River Dental Centre, we are committed to helping patients navigate the Canadian Dental Care Plan process—from understanding eligibility to guiding through the applications and receiving covered care.

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 64 and think you may qualify, we encourage you to prepare early and reach out with any questions. Our team is here to support you through every step of the process.

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