Free Dental Work in Retirement?

Dental care can burn through your pockets, especially in retirement.

Cleanings, fillings, dentures, or root canals can add up fast, and for years, many retirees simply went without. 

But now, the federal government is stepping in with a new program for qualified individuals aimed at reducing that burden.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a national program launched in phases starting in 2023, designed to provide low and middle-income Canadians with access to basic dental care. It applies to individuals who don’t have private dental coverage including employer or group plans. (Source: Government of Canada – CDCP Overview)

The plan covers a range of services including exams, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and even some more complex procedures like dentures or root canals (if pre-authorized). (Source: Sun Life – CDCP Coverage Details)

Coverage is income-based, meaning some people will get 100% of their dental costs covered, while others will only need to pay a portion. (Source: Government of Canada – CDCP Eligibility)

But are Seniors Covered?

Yes, seniors aged 65 and older were the first group invited to apply, starting in late 2023. If you’re 70 or older, you should have already received an application letter or coverage card. If you haven’t, you can still apply online via the federal government’s dental portal. (Source: Government of Canada – CDCP Seniors Rollout)

To qualify, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes

• Have filed a recent tax return

• Have no access to private dental insurance

• Earn less than $90,000/year (as a household) (Source: Government of Canada – CDCP Eligibility)

Even if you already receive dental support through a provincial plan, such as Alberta’s Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors, you can still be eligible under the CDCP. (Source: Alberta Blue Cross – Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors)

Is It Really Free?

If your adjusted family income is under $70,000, and you visit a dentist who charges according to the CDCP fee guide, then yes your care can be fully covered. However, if your dentist charges more than the CDCP rate (and many do), you may need to pay the difference. (Source: Alberta Dental Association – CDCP Fee Differences)

Additionally, some complex services, like crowns, root canals, or dentures, may require pre-approval starting in November 2024. (Source: Government of Canada – CDCP Pre-Authorization)

What’s the Catch?

There’s no catch, but it’s important to manage expectations:

• The plan covers essential services only, not cosmetic or elective procedures

• Dentists aren’t required to accept CDCP, though many are beginning to enroll

• There may still be out-of-pocket costs if your provider charges above the plan rate (Source: Canadian Dental Association – CDCP Dentist Participation)

Still, for seniors living on a fixed income, this could reduce annual dental expenses and offer peace of mind.

This program could ease one of the biggest cost concerns in retirement: healthcare. While it won’t eliminate every medical expense, CDCP coverage could free up monthly cash flow and reduce financial anxiety, especially for those in the early years of retirement.

That said, dental care is just one piece of the bigger puzzle. As more government programs shift, it’s crucial to understand how they fit into your long-term financial plan.

So if you’re over 65 and don’t have private dental insurance, it’s worth checking your eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. A healthier smile could be just the beginning and the savings could be substantial.

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This content is for informational purposes only and was accumulated through various sources. Readers should consult the [ insert federal government site ] or medical professional for more information since individual circumstances may vary.

David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Clients are advised to seek advice regarding their particular circumstances from their personal tax and legal advisors. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc.