Many parents are struggling with the high costs of dental services for their children. Our modern diet puts teeth at a higher risk of cavities and infections, and we don’t want our kids to go through this. CDCP for kids covers a percentage of a wide variety of dental services and makes oral health more accessible. In the upcoming sections, we will discuss what services CDCP dentists cover in 2026, who qualifies, and how to apply.
CDCP Eligibility Criteria for Children
Let’s check the criteria to see if you can apply for this plan.
- Age: Must be under 18 years old
- Residency: Must be a Canadian resident
- Tax return: Must have their latest tax return filed by parents or guardians
- Household income: Must have an annual household income of less than $90,000
- Private insurance: Must not have access to private dental insurance
Note: Don’t forget to renew your child’s CDCP eligibility every year to keep using the coverage.
What Services Are Covered by CDCP for Kids
You can use the CDCP to cover a portion of the costs for many different dental treatments. Let’s dive into each category and see what they include.
1- Preventive Care
If you want your kid to have healthy teeth and gums throughout their life, the CDCP for kids will cover preventive dental services that stop oral problems early, before they get worse. Preventive services include regular dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and mouthguards.
Give Your Child the Care They Deserve!
At Walk In Family Dentistry, we’re here to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile with personalized and gentle care. Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward better oral health for your family!
2- Diagnostic Services
Dentists do these procedures to examine your mouth and teeth, and identify dental problems early and accurately. They use the collected data to come up with an accurate and personalized treatment plan. These services include comprehensive oral examinations, dental X-rays (radiographs), oral cancer screenings, and digital scans.
3- Restorative Care
If you’re dealing with decayed or missing teeth, restorative services covered by CDCP can prevent further decay, improve your speaking ability, restore function, and enhance your confidence. You can access dental fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, inlays, onlays, and dentures.
4- Endodontic Services
Root canal, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, apicoectomy, internal resorption treatment, and trauma management are examples of Endodontic services. When there’s an infection or injury inside the tooth, particularly the pulp, the dentist tries to save as much natural tooth as possible and prevent tooth loss.
5- Periodontal Services
Periodontal dental services, such as scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, antimicrobial treatments, and tissue grafts, are covered by this program. These services aim for healthy gums, which can keep your child’s teeth secure, prevent bone loss, and give them a healthy smile.
6- Oral Surgery
When your kid is dealing with more complex dental or skeletal conditions, simple dental care might not be enough, and they might need more invasive options. Procedures such as tooth extractions, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, lesion removal, bone grafts, and sinus lifts are covered by the CDCP in 2026.
Note: Some treatments, like dental implants, are usually not recommended for kids and may have limitations.
7- Prosthodontic Services
We understand that missing teeth can really harm your dear child’s confidence and affect their speaking and chewing ability. The prosthodontic services covered by the CDCP offer dentures, fixed bridges, implants with prosthetic crowns, overdentures, and veneers.
8- Orthodontic Services
To fix conditions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and misaligned teeth, your kids will need orthodontic services. Dentists will use custom-made tools to help gradually move teeth into their proper place. They use tools like braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Currently, the CDCP only covers these services when they are medically necessary.
Read more: “CDCP Renewal for 2026 Tutorial: Toronto Patients’ Guide.”
How Can I Apply for CDCP for My Children?
Parents can follow these steps to apply for the CDCP:
- Make sure your kid and your family qualify for the CDCP.
- Gather your child’s info, such as full name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and any existing government dental coverage.
- Sign in or create your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Click on “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Program” at the top of the page.
- Follow the instructions.
Once successful, you will receive a package with the coverage details, including when it starts. You can start looking for dentists who offer services under the CDCP coverage.
Note: If you can’t apply online, you can also call Service Canada and follow their instructions.
How Much Will CDCP for Kids Cover?
Let’s take a quick look at how much the CDCP for kids covers based on your annual household income:
| Household Income | Government Pays | You Pay |
| Under $70,000 | Up to 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | Up to 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | Up to 40% | 60% |
| $90,000 and above | Not eligible | Full cost |
How Can Children Benefit from CDCP?
Your kids will have access to more affordable dental care services, which result in better long-term oral health. With the skyrocketing prices of dental services, the CDCP will result in much less financial stress for your family. Children can also learn beneficial lifelong habits like brushing and flossing.
Help Your Kids Have a Beautiful Smile!
Your children deserve healthy teeth and bright smiles. You can easily apply for the CDCP for kids both online and by phone. You can contact a dentist who accepts the CDCP as soon as it’s active. At Walk-in Family Dentistry, we are proud to accept CDCP. Contact us and let our team guide you in detail.
FAQ
I have access to private dental insurance. Are my kids eligible for the CDCP?
No. The CDCP is for those families who do not have access to any private dental coverage. By the way, if you are under any governmental or territorial dental coverage, you are not disqualified from the CDCP.
At what age are children eligible for the CDCP program?
You can apply as soon as your kid is born, up to their 18th birthday. Make sure they meet the eligibility criteria, such as residency, income, and insurance requirements.
My kid just turned 18. Is he still eligible for 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.
Can my child receive orthodontic treatments under the CDCP?
Yes, but it’s limited to those orthodontic treatments that are medically necessary. Cosmetic treatments are not covered by the CDCP.
Do you think your child qualifies for the CDCP for kids in 2026? Share your questions or experiences in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
