If refused
A refusal is disappointing, but it is often fixable. Most refusals come down to one of the four eligibility tests, and the decision letter should say which one. Start there, not with a new application.
Step 1: Read the decision letter carefully
The letter tells you the reason for the decision and what was assessed. Keep it, along with your application reference. If the letter is unclear, call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262) and ask them to explain the reason in plain terms. Write down the date, the agent's name if given, and what they tell you.
Common reasons and what to do
| Reason | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Income at or above $90,000 | Adjusted family net income on your assessed return | Check your Notice of Assessment; if the figure is wrong, correct your return with the CRA first |
| Access to dental insurance | Coverage available through work, pension, or a family member's plan | Confirm whether coverage is genuinely available; declining offered coverage does not remove access |
| Tax return not filed or not assessed | Missing return, or Notice of Assessment not yet issued | File the return, wait for assessment, then apply or re-apply |
| Not a Canadian resident for tax purposes | Residency status on your tax record | Check your CRA residency status; newcomers may need to wait until they can file a return |
| Information mismatch | Name, date of birth, or SIN details differ between records | Correct the record with Service Canada or the CRA, then re-apply |
Step 2: Fix the underlying issue
Re-applying with the same information will produce the same answer. If your income figure is wrong, correct it with the Canada Revenue Agency. If you were recorded as having insurance you do not have, gather evidence — for example, a letter from the employer or plan confirming no dental coverage is offered to you. If a return was missing, file it and wait for the Notice of Assessment. Only re-apply once the underlying fact has changed.
Step 3: Ask for a review if you disagree
If you believe the decision is wrong on the facts — for example, your assessed income is under $90,000 and you have no access to insurance — contact Service Canada and ask how to have the decision reviewed. Explain clearly which fact is wrong and what evidence supports your position. Keep copies of everything you send. There is no fee for asking, and asking does not prevent you from re-applying later if your situation changes.
If you still do not qualify
- Provincial programs: check your province's dental programs — their limits and groups differ from the CDCP.
- Community clinics: dental schools, community health centres, and charitable clinics often offer low-cost care.
- Employer or association plans: if coverage becomes available through work, it may be cheaper than paying privately, even though it ends CDCP eligibility.
- Re-check yearly: eligibility is reassessed on each year's tax return. A change in income, job, or family situation can change the answer next year.
Do not pay someone to "fix" a refusal
No private company can grant CDCP eligibility, speed up an assessment for a fee, or overturn a decision. Anyone charging for that service is not acting for the government. Help is free from Service Canada.
Photo credits: de28.jpg — Canada Post mailbox (CC BY-SA 2.0); de29.jpg — Library bookshelves (CC0); de30.jpg — Dental chair (CC BY-SA 4.0) All photos via Wikimedia Commons under the licences noted.