Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all 4 of these requirements:
- You don't have access to dental insurance
- You and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your tax returns in Canada
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- You're a Canadian resident for tax purposes
If you have dental coverage through government social programs
If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program, you can still qualify for the CDCP.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the CDCP
Check Eligibility
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Gather Required Documentation
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of Birth
- Full Name
- Home and Mailing Address
- List of any dental coverage through government social programs
- Proof of tax filing (Notice of Assessment)
Apply Online →
Renewing your coverage
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) members must renew their applications every year to avoid a gap in coverage.
If you missed the renewal deadline and your coverage ended on June 30, 2025, you can still submit a renewal application.
There will be a gap in your coverage until it is reinstated. Oral health care services received during this gap will not be covered or reimbursed.
Note: You can
check the status
of your and your dependant's application.
What to expect
Once your renewal application is completed, you will receive a determination letter confirming whether you remain eligible under the plan.
This letter will outline your new coverage start date and your
co-payment level
,
if applicable, which may have changed based on last year’s adjusted family net income.
Renew Online →
Enrolment confirmation and your start date
Once you've
applied
and your eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is confirmed, you will receive a letter from the Government of Canada.
This letter includes your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level (if applicable).
You can also access a copy of your letter through your
My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
.
You can use this letter to book your first appointment with an oral health provider (on or after your coverage start date).
Note: You do not need to wait for your welcome package from Sun Life. As long as you have your letter with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level, you can receive care. Your provider will use this information to confirm your coverage.
Find an oral health provider
If you don’t already have an oral health care provider, you can consult
Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search
or speak with a provider in your community.
You can also call the Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 for assistance.
Find a CDCP Provider Near You →
Services covered
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps cover a portion of the cost for a wide range of oral health care services.
Services requiring approval
Services, including those beyond standard frequency limits, may require approval in advance. These services have been available since November 1, 2024.
Examples of services that may be covered under the CDCP—when recommended by an oral health provider—include various preventive, diagnostic, and treatment procedures.
Note: Some services require preauthorization by the CDCP before treatment. Your provider will submit a request, and the CDCP will determine whether the service is covered. Approval depends on your oral health history and medical condition. Not all requests are approved. If a service is not covered, you may still choose to proceed and pay the cost directly to your provider.
