What to Do When You Get Dental Insurance After Enrolling in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Can You Stay on the CDCP If You Get Group Dental Insurance Through Work?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is designed for Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance. But life changes — and many people who qualify for the CDCP eventually land a new job that includes group dental benefits.

This common situation leads to an important question:

"If I was approved for CDCP but now have dental coverage through work, do I still qualify?"

The answer is no. Your CDCP eligibility ends the moment you gain access to another dental insurance plan — even if you do not use it. Here is what you need to know to avoid penalties or losing benefits in the future.

CDCP Eligibility Ends as Soon as You Gain Access to Dental Coverage

You are no longer eligible for the CDCP as soon as you gain access to any other dental coverage, including:

• Employer-sponsored group insurance plans
• Dental benefits through a spouse, partner, or parent
• Pension dental benefits
• Student or association plans
• Private plans you purchased yourself
• Health or wellness accounts that reimburse dental care

Access is what matters — not usage.
It does not matter whether you have used the plan, opted in, opted out, or are waiting for your first appointment. If the coverage is available to you, CDCP eligibility ends.

What Happens if You Keep Using the CDCP While Ineligible?

Continuing to use the Canadian Dental Care Plan after gaining access to other dental insurance is a violation of the program’s terms. This can be considered benefit misuse or fraud.

Potential consequences include:

• Being required to repay any dental claims submitted while ineligible
• Losing access to the CDCP permanently
• Facing penalties or fines under government program misuse rules

It is not worth the risk. As soon as your coverage status changes, you are expected to take action.

What You Should Do After Getting Dental Insurance Through Work

If you recently started a new job and your group benefits include dental coverage, here is what you should do:

1. Stop using the CDCP immediately
2. Notify the CDCP administrator or the Government of Canada about your new dental insurance
3. Begin using your employer plan for upcoming dental visits and expenses

Even if you have not filed a claim yet, it is your responsibility to report the change in coverage.

Still Have Questions About the CDCP?

You are not alone. The CDCP is a new program, and its rules can be confusing — especially when life circumstances change. We have covered the most common situations and misunderstandings in these detailed guides:

• 5 Common Misconceptions About the CDCP
• What’s Working (and Not) with Canada’s Dental Program
• Extended Health Care Plans That Let You Opt-Out of Dental Coverage (and Use the CDCP)

Each article breaks down eligibility, exceptions, and real-world scenarios to help you stay informed and compliant.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning from the Canadian Dental Care Plan to an employer-sponsored dental plan is becoming increasingly common. The key is understanding that CDCP eligibility is based on access to coverage, not whether or when you use it.

If you are unsure about your coverage status, or want help reviewing your dental insurance options, we are here to help. At Aeva.ca, you can compare extended health and dental plans in under five minutes and make informed decisions that fit your needs.