What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), as part of its objective to make dental care more accessible and affordable for those who might not otherwise be able to afford the care needed to maintain good oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who qualifies for the CDCP?

  To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), patients must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  • Have filed an income tax return for the previous year.
  • Not have access to dental insurance (including through an employer, pension, or private plan), even if it is not used
  • Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year

  Applications are now open to eligible individuals of all ages.

• How much will the CDCP cover?

  The CDCP uses its own fee schedule to determine how much it will pay for covered services. These fees may differ from provincial or territorial fee guides. Not all patients will receive full financial coverage under the CDCP. Depending on your eligibility, a co-payment may apply. This is the portion of treatment costs that you are responsible for paying out of pocket. The co-payment percentage is based on your adjusted family net income, as determined using your most recent tax return.

  Any co-payments or costs not covered by the plan are paid directly to the dental office. Patients should confirm any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

  CDCP Coverage by Income Level

  (Applies to CDCP established fees)

  Adjusted Family Net Income	Covered by CDCP	Paid by Patient
  Below $70,000	100%	0%
  $70,000 - $79,999	60%	40%
  $80,000 - $89,999	40%	60%

  Please note that CDCP coverage percentages apply only to CDCP fee amounts, which may be lower than the fees charged by your dental provider. If your dental provider’s fees are higher than the CDCP established fees, you may be responsible for paying the difference.

  Example (for illustration only): If a dental exam costs $100 and the CDCP fee is $90, the patient is responsible for the $10 difference. For a patient with an adjusted family net income of $85,000, the plan would cover 40% of the CDCP fee ($36), and the patient would be responsible for the remaining $54 plus the additional $10 fee difference.

• How can people apply?

  Eligible patients can apply online here. Those who cannot apply online, can apply by phone: 1-833-537-4342. For TTY call 1-833-677-6262.

• How will I receive confirmation of my CDCP enrollment?

  After you apply, the Government of Canada will assess your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to complete your enrollment.

  If approved, you will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within approximately three months. This package will include:

  • Your coverage start date
  • Your member card
  • Information about your CDCP coverage

  Coverage begins only on the effective date provided by Sun Life. Dental services received before this date are not covered.

  CDCP coverage must be reassessed each year. To remain covered, you must continue to meet eligibility requirements and complete your annual renewal. Coverage for each benefit year ends on June 30.

• How long does my coverage last?

  CDCP coverage must be renewed each year to confirm that patients continue to meet eligibility requirements. Renewing on time helps avoid any gaps in coverage. Once you receive your notice of assessment for your most recent tax return, you can renew your coverage online through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by contacting Service Canada.

  Renewal applications must be completed before the deadline each year to maintain continuous coverage.

  If your renewal is approved, you will receive a confirmation letter outlining your coverage details and any updates. Coverage is valid until the end of the current benefit period (June 30). If your eligibility or income level has changed, your updated co-payment level will be included in your renewal confirmation.

• Which dental services are covered?

  The CDCP covers a range of oral health services used to prevent and treat oral disease, and to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

  Covered services may include, when recommended by a dental professional:

  • Diagnostic services (such as exams and dental X-rays)
  • Preventive services
  • Periodontal (gum) services
  • Restorative services (such as fillings)
  • Endodontic services (such as root canals)
  • Prosthodontic services (such as dentures)
  • Oral surgery services
  • Sedation dentistry
  • Sedation services

  Please note that not all services are covered in all cases, and some treatments may require preauthorization before coverage is approved.

• Which services are not covered by the CDCP?

  The CDCP is designed to support essential oral health care by covering a range of services that help prevent and treat oral disease, and maintain healthy, functional teeth and gums. Coverage may include services intended to preserve natural teeth or restore function, such as removable dentures when clinically appropriate.

  The CDCP is not intended for purely cosmetic treatments or procedures that are not considered medically necessary. Some services may not be covered, or may require preauthorization before approval is granted.

  Examples of services that are typically not covered include:

  1. Veneers (composite or porcelain)
  2. Teeth whitening
  3. Fixed bridges
  4. Dental implants and related procedures
  5. Bone grafting
  6. Mouthguards and bruxism appliances
  7. Temporomandibular (TMJ) appliances or therapy
  8. Crown lengthening (for non-medical purposes)
  9. Inlays and onlays
  10. Precision attachments for partial dentures
  11. Extensive rehabilitation procedures

  Coverage is determined on an individual basis. Patients should confirm eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

• Are the types of treatment covered the same for all patients?

  Certain services, such as sedation, are not covered in all cases. For some treatments, a preauthorization request must be submitted by the dental provider before coverage can be confirmed.

  Approval of preauthorization requests is determined by the CDCP based on established criteria, including the patient’s dental and medical history and supporting documentation. Services that may require preauthorization include:

  1. Specialist dental examination
  2. Crowns
  3. Posts and cores
  4. Moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia
  5. Major surgical procedures
  6. Orthodontic services when clinically necessary (starting in 2025)

For further information on services covered, please visit the Government of Canada website.