Mclevin Dental Office

What’s the difference between CDCP and the Ontario Healthy Smiles Program?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) both offer access to dental care — but they’re separate programs with different rules, coverage, and eligibility.

Here’s how they compare:


🇨🇦 CDCP: A National Program

  • Run by the federal government
  • Covers seniors, children, and eligible adults without private insurance
  • Based on family net income under $90,000
  • Includes cleanings, fillings, root canals, and dentures (based on need)

🍁 HSO: An Ontario Program for Children

  • Run by the Ontario provincial government
  • For children 17 and under in low-income families
  • Covers exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and preventive care
  • No co-pays or out-of-pocket costs for eligible children

📌 Key Differences

Feature CDCP Healthy Smiles Ontario
Age Groups All ages (with criteria) Children under 18 only
Administered By Federal (CRA + Sun Life) Ontario Ministry of Health
Income Cutoff Under $90,000 Lower-income threshold
Private Insurance Not allowed Not allowed

Not Sure Which Program You Qualify For?

We’ll help you determine which benefits are right for your family.

👉 Call or visit us — we’re here to support both CDCP and HSO patients.

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