Need Dentures in 2025? What You Should Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan

You may have been thinking about dentures for a while now. Maybe you lost some teeth years ago and have learned to live around it. Maybe you have had dentures that no longer fit, rub against your gums, or feel uncomfortable in ways you cannot explain – only that you are tired. Tired of eating differently. Tired of hiding your smile. Tired of avoiding the dentist because of the cost.

At South Burlington Dentures, we talk to people like you every day. And over the past year, we have been hearing one question more and more:

“I heard the government is covering dental. Does that include dentures too?”

The short answer? Yes, for many people, it does.
But the details matter. Your income, your age, whether you have private dental insurance – all of these things affect what you can get, when, and how much you will need to pay out of pocket.

That is where this article comes in.

We will walk you through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and how it applies specifically to denture care in 2025. Whether you are thinking about your very first set of dentures, or finally ready to replace a worn-out one, you deserve to know what help is available, and how to access it.

You do not have to figure this out alone. Let us take it one step at a time.

Who Is Eligible for the CDCP in 2025 and What Changed This Year

If you have heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) but are unsure whether it applies to you, you are not alone. The program is still being rolled out in stages, and many people are unsure where they stand.

Let us break it down clearly, based on the most up-to-date rules as of April 2025.

To qualify, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You live in Canada and file taxes here.

• You have no dental insurance — not through work, a private plan, or a spouse or family member.

• Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000 (based on your latest tax return).

• You are in an eligible age group, depending on when applications open (see below).

The rollout schedule:

The government is gradually opening applications by age group. Here is the current schedule:

• Seniors aged 65 and over: You can apply now. Applications opened in December 2023.

• Children under 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate: You can apply now. Applications opened in June 2024.

• Adults aged 18 to 64: You will be able to apply starting May 2025.

So, if you meet the requirements, now is the time to prepare and gather your documents, file your 2024 taxes, and stay alert for the official opening.

Income-based coverage levels:

Even if you qualify, how much is covered depends on your income. The government uses your adjusted family net income (as shown on your tax notice of assessment) to calculate your level of coverage:

• Less than $70,000 → You pay nothing for eligible services.

• $70,000 to $79,999 → You pay 40%, the plan covers 60%.

• $80,000 to $89,999 → You pay 60%, the plan covers 40%.

• $90,000 and above → Unfortunately, you are not eligible.

To put it simply: the lower your income, the more help you get. And even if you are in the partial coverage range, the cost of dentures — especially major replacements — becomes much more manageable.

What does “no dental insurance” mean?

This part confuses many people. Here is what counts as dental insurance:

• Insurance from your employer or former employer

• Private dental plans you pay for yourself

• Coverage through your spouse, partner, or parent

• Any government plan that covers dental (excluding CDCP)

If you have any of the above, even if you do not use it or it only covers part of your care, you do not qualify for CDCP.

However, if you rely solely on government health care and do not have any private or employer dental plan, you may be eligible.

What the CDCP Actually Covers and How It Applies to Dentures

Let us be honest: most dental plans are written in a way that is hard to understand. And the CDCP is no exception. The official website talks about “preventive” and “restorative” services, percentages, annual limits but what does that actually mean when you need new dentures? Or when your current set is no longer working?

Here is what you need to know, in plain English.

First – yes, dentures are covered.

If you are eligible for the CDCP, the plan includes denture services among its covered treatments. That means the government will help pay for:

• Complete dentures – when you need a full set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw (or both).

• Partial dentures – when you are missing some teeth but not all.

• Immediate dentures – temporary dentures provided right after tooth extraction.

• Denture relines – when your current denture no longer fits snugly and needs adjustment.

• Denture repairs – if your denture cracks, breaks, or loses a tooth.

• Soft liners – a soft material added to dentures for extra comfort, especially if you have sensitive gums.

At South Burlington Dentures, we offer all of these services, and we are an approved provider under the CDCP. That means we can bill the plan directly and help you understand what is covered and what might not be.

What does “covered” really mean?

Coverage does not always mean “free.” It depends on two things:

1. The type of service

2. Your income level

For example:

• If you qualify for 100% coverage and you need a new complete denture, you may pay nothing out of pocket – as long as the service falls within the CDCP fee guide.

• If you are in the 60% co-pay group, and your denture service costs $1,200 (based on the fee guide), the plan may cover $480, and you would pay $720.

And here is the key part: the government sets maximum amounts for each procedure. These are called “CDCP fee limits.” If a clinic charges more than this limit, you may have to pay the difference.

At South Burlington Dentures, we work within those limits as much as possible. And if something falls outside the plan, we will let you know before we begin – so there are no surprises later.

What is not covered?

Some services are outside the scope of CDCP. For example:

• Permanent implant-supported dentures.

• Cosmetic changes that are not medically necessary.

• Services already paid for by another plan.

But for most people who need basic, functional, well-fitting dentures including repairs and relines, CDCP can make a real difference.

What to Expect When Using CDCP at South Burlington Dentures

Once you are approved for CDCP, the next question is: “Now what?”

At South Burlington Dentures, we are here to guide you, not only through the treatment itself, but through the entire process of using your benefits with clarity and confidence. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Book your free consultation

Your first step with us is always a free, no-obligation consultation.

During your visit, we will:

• Review your current oral condition

• Talk about your needs and goals (first-time dentures? discomfort with your current ones? missing teeth?)

• Explain your CDCP eligibility and what your coverage level means

• Answer any questions you have, in plain language

This is not a sales appointment. There is no pressure to commit, and nothing you need to pay just to explore your options.

Step 2: We check your CDCP coverage

If you bring your CDCP card or approval letter, we will verify your eligibility and coverage level. If you are unsure whether you are fully approved yet, we can help you figure that out.

We also review the current CDCP fee guide – this is the list of what the plan covers and how much it will pay for each service. If a service you need is only partially covered, we will explain the difference and provide a clear estimate, with no hidden fees.

Step 3: Your personalized treatment plan

Once we understand your needs and coverage, we will put together a treatment plan designed just for you. This may include:

• New full or partial dentures

• Repairs or relines for existing dentures

• A temporary (immediate) denture if teeth have recently been removed

• Soft liners for comfort

We will show you exactly what is covered by CDCP, what is not, and what your portion would be – if anything.

Step 4: Treatment begins

If you are ready, we will move forward with impressions, fittings, and the next steps. If you want time to think or talk to a family member, that is completely fine. This is your decision, and we respect that.

Real Help Is Now Possible

Living with missing teeth, loose dentures, or constant oral discomfort is not just a physical issue, it is an emotional one. It affects how you eat, speak, smile, and connect with others. Over time, it can quietly wear you down.

For years, the biggest obstacle to getting proper denture care has been cost. People waited too long. Others settled for uncomfortable solutions because they felt there were no other options.

But things are changing.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is not perfect, and it does not cover everything. But for many people, especially those without insurance, it opens a real door. A way to finally do something about their dental health without fearing the bill.

At South Burlington Dentures, we believe this kind of support should come with clarity, kindness, and no pressure. If you are unsure about your coverage, we invite you to come in and talk with us. There is no cost to you. No obligation. Just a chance to get real answers from someone who understands both dentures and the CDCP.

Because doing nothing is also a choice. But it does not have to be yours.

Let us help you feel comfortable again – with your smile, your bite, and your next step forward.