The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental coverage program for eligible Canadians earning under $90,000 annually who lack private insurance. Administered by Health Canada through Sun Life, the plan covers preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services with income-based co-payments—providing 100% coverage at CDCP rates for families earning under $70,000, 60% coverage for those earning $70,000-$79,999, and 40% coverage for incomes between $80,000-$89,999. Over 19,000 dental providers across Canada participate in direct billing, eliminating patient reimbursement requirements.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government initiative designed to reduce financial barriers to dental care for Canadians without existing coverage. Rather than providing direct payments, the CDCP works as a benefit program where participating dental providers bill Sun Life directly for covered services.
The program aims to address a critical healthcare gap. Untreated dental issues can lead to severe health problems, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. By providing financial assistance to those who need it most, the CDCP helps prevent these complications while ensuring equitable access to oral healthcare across Canada.
Key Points About the CDCP:
- Administered by Health Canada through Sun Life
- No patient reimbursement—providers bill directly
- Coverage based on income level and service type
- Over 19,000 participating oral health providers across Canada
- Covers preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services
Who Qualifies for the CDCP in Canada?
Eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan requires meeting all four criteria:
- Income Requirements: Your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000 per year. This is calculated using line 23600 of your tax return plus your spouse or common-law partner’s return, minus any UCCB and RDSP income received, plus any UCCB and RDSP amounts repaid.
- No Private Coverage: You cannot have access to dental benefits through employment, school, pension plans, or private insurance. If you decline available employer coverage, you’re considered to have access and won’t qualify for the CDCP.
- Tax Filing Status: Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your previous year’s tax return in Canada and received your notice of assessment.
- Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person residing in Canada.
The CDCP currently covers children under 18, adults aged 18-64 (as of 2025), seniors 65 and over, and individuals with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. Here’s a quick reference guide to help you determine if you meet all eligibility requirements:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Age Coverage | Children under 18, adults 18-64, seniors 65+, adults with Disability Tax Credit |
| Income Threshold | Adjusted family net income under $90,000/year |
| Insurance Status | No access to private dental coverage |
| Tax Requirements | Previous year’s tax return filed and assessed |
| Residency | Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person |
For detailed information about coverage specifically for seniors, including phase-specific rollout details, visit our complete guide for seniors.
CDCP Coverage: What Dental Services Are Included
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a comprehensive range of oral health services when recommended by your dental provider. Coverage spans seven main categories, from routine preventive care to complex surgical procedures:
| Service Category | Examples of Covered Services |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic & Preventive | Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants |
| Restorative | Fillings, crowns, repairs |
| Endodontic | Root canals, pulpectomies, infection treatment |
| Periodontal | Deep cleanings, gum disease management |
| Prosthodontic | Dentures, partial dentures |
| Oral Surgery | Extractions, surgical procedures |
| Adjunctive | Anesthesia, sedation (with preauthorization) |
Preventive services form the foundation of CDCP coverage, helping you maintain oral health and catch issues early. This includes regular dental exams (complete, routine, specific, and emergency), professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays—all designed to prevent cavities, detect gum disease, and identify conditions like oral cancer in their earliest stages.
When preventive care isn’t enough, restorative and specialized services step in. Fillings and crowns address cavities and broken teeth before they worsen. Root canal treatments save severely decayed or infected teeth that might otherwise require extraction. For gum health, deep cleanings and periodontal treatments manage issues affecting the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
For tooth replacement and extraction needs, the CDCP covers dentures and bridges to restore function and appearance, as well as extractions—including wisdom teeth removal—when teeth cannot be saved or cause problems.
Important about preauthorization: Some services require advance approval from the CDCP as detailed by Health Canada before treatment. Your dental provider submits these requests to Sun Life, and decisions are based on your oral health history and medical conditions. Not all requests are approved, but you can still proceed with recommended services and pay directly if desired.
How Much Does the CDCP Cover? Payment Structure
The CDCP operates on a tiered co-payment system based on your adjusted family net income:
| Annual Family Income | CDCP Coverage | Your Co-Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% at CDCP fees | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% at CDCP fees | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% at CDCP fees | 60% |
Understanding CDCP Fees vs. Provider Charges:
It’s important to understand that the CDCP reimburses according to established fee schedules that may differ from your dental provider’s standard charges. Even with full CDCP coverage, you may be responsible for:
- Your co-payment percentage (based on income bracket)
- The difference between CDCP fees and your provider’s standard fees
- Services not covered by the CDCP
Before accepting treatment, always discuss costs with your dental provider to understand what you’ll pay out-of-pocket. This transparency helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Applying for the CDCP is straightforward. You can submit your application through your My Service Canada Account as outlined by Service Canada or by calling Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).
Before You Apply, Gather
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant
- Previous year’s tax return (filed and assessed)
- Proof you don’t have private dental coverage
- Spouse/common-law partner’s information (if applicable)
Application Steps
- Register or Sign In: Access your My Service Canada Account (or register if you don’t have one)
- Navigate to CDCP Section: Find “Canadian Dental Care Plan” on your dashboard
- Complete Application: Fill out all required information accurately
- Submit: Review and submit your application online
After Approval
You’ll receive a letter from the Government of Canada with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level (if applicable). Sun Life will also send you a welcome package with your member card and detailed information about using your benefits. You can book dental appointments on or after your coverage start date.
Important advice: You must renew your CDCP coverage annually to confirm you still meet eligibility requirements. If you miss renewal, your coverage will end, and you’ll need to submit a new application. Services received during coverage gaps won’t be covered or reimbursed retroactively.
Finding Participating Dental Providers in Ontario
Not all dental offices participate in the CDCP, so it’s essential to confirm your provider’s participation before booking appointments. You can search for participating providers or call Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110.
When Booking Your Appointment, Always:
- Confirm the provider accepts CDCP clients
- Verify they will bill Sun Life directly
- Ask about any costs beyond your co-payment
- Understand the difference between CDCP fees and their standard charges
- Confirm your coverage start date is active
Currently, close to 19,000 oral health providers participate in the CDCP, representing more than 75% of active providers across Canada. This extensive network ensures that eligible Canadians can access necessary dental services regardless of location.
CDCP at The Dental Team: Your Local Partner
At The Dental Team, we’re proud participants in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, with 10 convenient locations across Ontario ready to serve you. We understand that navigating insurance benefits can feel overwhelming, which is why our team is dedicated to making your CDCP experience seamless.
Special Note for Brampton Residents: Our Valleylands Dental and Brampton Corners Dental locations can offer up to 100% CDCP coverage for eligible patients, helping you maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
How We Support Your CDCP Journey:
- Verification of coverage details before services
- Clear explanation of co-payment levels
- Transparent communication about all costs
- Direct billing to Sun Life
- Expert guidance on maximizing your benefits
We encourage all patients to verify coverage details before receiving services to avoid unexpected expenses. Our knowledgeable staff can answer questions about the CDCP, help you understand your co-payment level, and ensure smooth claims processing with Sun Life.
Whether you need routine dental cleanings, emergency dental care, or more complex treatments, we’re here to provide the quality care you deserve while helping you make the most of your CDCP benefits. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at any of our Ontario locations.
FAQs About the CDCP
How long does it take to get approved for the CDCP?
Approval timelines vary, but most applications are processed within 2-4 weeks after submission. You’ll receive a determination letter from the Government of Canada once your application is reviewed. After approval, Sun Life sends a welcome package within 3 months containing your member card and coverage details.
Can I have both CDCP and private dental insurance?
No, you cannot combine CDCP with private dental insurance. If you have access to dental coverage through work, school, pension plans, or private insurance—even if you choose not to use it—you’re not eligible for the CDCP. This includes health spending accounts and wellness benefits that cover dental services.
What happens if I need a service that requires preauthorization?
Your dental provider submits a preauthorization request to Sun Life with supporting documentation like X-rays and treatment plans. Sun Life typically responds within 5-10 business days. If approved, the service is covered according to your co-payment level. If denied, you can still proceed with treatment but will pay the full cost out-of-pocket.
Do I need to renew my CDCP coverage every year?
Yes, annual renewal is mandatory to confirm you still meet eligibility requirements. The CDCP renewal period typically runs from April to June each year. If you miss the renewal deadline, your coverage ends on June 30th, and you must submit a new application. Services received during coverage gaps aren’t reimbursed retroactively.
Can I switch dentists while enrolled in the CDCP?
Yes, you can visit any participating CDCP dental provider across Canada. There’s no need to notify Sun Life or the government when switching providers. However, always confirm the new dentist participates in the CDCP and accepts direct billing before booking your appointment to ensure your services are covered.
What if my income changes after I'm approved for the CDCP?
Your co-payment level is based on your previous year’s tax return and remains fixed until your next renewal. If your income increases or decreases during the coverage year, it won’t affect your current benefits. However, when you renew annually, your new co-payment level will be calculated based on your most recent tax return, which could increase or decrease your out-of-pocket costs.
