Dental Program

Social Development provides dental coverage to some people who receive services from Social Development. You may hear this coverage called a “white card” or “yellow card.”

Social Development's Dental Program covers:

• Exams, X-rays

• Dentures and repairs

• Specific types of fillings

• Extractions

In some cases, the Dental Program covers cleanings and polishing. Ask your Social Worker or Case Manager if you have questions. 

 

This program does not cover:

• Orthodontic services and appliances

• Fluoride treatment

• Sealants

• Root canals

• Oral surgeries not specified in the contract with the NB Dental Society

 

Please note:

• You can receive up to $1,250 in dental coverage each year, not including emergency and prosthetic services.

• This program doesn’t reimburse you for dental services you pay for yourself.

 

To apply for Social Development’s Dental Program, make an appointment with a dentist or denturist who:

• accepts Social Development Health Cards, and

• agrees to bill according to the agreement between Social Development and the New Brunswick Dental Society.

You will have to ask the dentist if this is the case

 

Beginning October 1, 2026, you will need to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to continue receiving full coverage.

How the programs work together

If you qualify for both programs:

✔ CDCP pays first

✔ Social Development or Health Smiles, Clear Vision pays the remaining eligible costs

✔ You pay $0 for eligible services

 

Example

Eligible dental treatment costs $100.

If you have CDCP + Social Development:

• CDCP pays $80
• Social Development pays $20
• You pay $0

If you only have Social Development coverage:

• CDCP pays $0
• Social Development pays $20
• You may have to pay $80

 

✔ Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to avoid paying the portion that CDCP would have covered. Starting October 1, 2026, Social Development will only pay its portion unless you qualify for an exemption.

 

If you...	What you should do
Receive Social Development or HSCV dental benefits	Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Already have CDCP	Continue renewing every year
Cannot apply because of special circumstances	Speak with Social Development about an exemption

 

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that helps eligible Canadians pay for dental care if they do not have private dental insurance. There are no fees to apply.

You may qualify if you:

• do not have private dental insurance

• are a Canadian resident for tax purposes

• filed your most recent income tax return

• have a family net income below $90,000

 

 

Click the link below to learn more about the CDCP.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

 

 

To maintain your dental coverage:

✔ File your income taxes every year.

✔ Renew your CDCP coverage every year (April–May).

✔ Check your coverage before your appointment. Status Checker tool or call 1-833-537-4342

 

If you want to...	What to do
Apply online	Visit www.Canada.ca/dental .
Apply by phone	Call 1-833-537-4342.
Apply in person	Visit your nearest Service Canada Centre.
Get help with the application	Ask a friend, family member, or caregiver to help you complete your application.
	If you have a disability, contact Inclusion Canada Barrier-Free Benefits at navigator.atlantic@inclusioncanada.ca.
	Call 2-1-1 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to connect with community resources and application support.

 

What if I cannot apply for CDCP?

Some people may not be able to apply for CDCP because of their circumstances. Social Development may continue to pay 100% of eligible dental costs for people who qualify for an exemption.

This may include:

• some children and youth receiving Social Development services

• certain newcomers who cannot yet file taxes

• some people experiencing homelessness

• some residents of special care homes or nursing homes without assistance filing taxes

Talk to your Social Development worker if you think this may apply to you.

To learn how the Canadian Dental Care Plan works with Social Development’s Health Card to support you, and to find answers to common questions, view our Guide.