The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is making dental care more accessible for families across the country. But what happens when your child turns 18? As they transition into adulthood, eligibility and application requirements for CDCP coverage also change.
If your child is aging out of the under-18 category, here’s what you need to know to ensure continued dental care support.
Understanding the Age Transition
Children under the age of 18 can be enrolled in the CDCP by a parent or guardian, provided the family meets eligibility criteria. Once a child turns 18, they’re no longer covered under the “children” category—even if they were previously approved.
At that point, they must apply for the CDCP on their own as an adult individual. The eligibility criteria remain similar, but the application process and assessment are done independently.
Eligibility Requirements After Turning 18
To qualify for the CDCP as an adult, your child must meet these criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have recognized status
- Have filed a tax return for the previous year
- Have a net income of less than $90,000
- Not have access to private dental insurance
If they meet these requirements, they can apply directly through their CRA My Account or by submitting a paper application.
When to Apply
Applications for adults aged 18 to 64 are opening later in 2025. According to Health Canada, individuals in this age range will be able to apply sometime in fall 2025, with coverage expected to begin in 2026. Exact dates may vary depending on rollout phases.
It’s important to keep checking the Government of Canada’s official CDCP page for updates.
Maintaining Uninterrupted Care
If your child is currently receiving care through the CDCP and is nearing their 18th birthday, you may want to schedule any important treatments before their current coverage ends. After that, they’ll need to wait until the adult application period opens to re-enroll on their own.
In the meantime, some provinces and territories offer dental programs for young adults or students. It’s worth looking into local coverage options while they await full CDCP eligibility.
Finding a Provider
Whether your child is applying for the CDCP independently or looking for dental care in the transition period, finding the right provider matters. Use SmileDirectory.ca to search for dental professionals near you who participate in the CDCP or offer flexible options for young adults.
This makes it easy to stay on track with regular checkups and preventative care—even as coverage situations change.
Next Steps
Turning 18 is a milestone, and it comes with new responsibilities—including managing healthcare. Help your child prepare by:
- Reviewing their income and tax status
- Setting up a CRA My Account
- Gathering documents for their upcoming application
- Staying informed about the CDCP adult rollout schedule
With the right information and planning, they can continue to receive the dental care they need without major interruptions.
Looking Ahead
The CDCP is expanding to cover more Canadians, but knowing when and how to apply is key—especially for young adults transitioning out of family coverage. By taking early action, your child can maintain access to essential oral health services and avoid unexpected gaps in care.
For updates on the CDCP and to find qualified providers in your region, visit SmileDirectory.ca.