Dental coverage, made clearer

CDCP Accepted Dentist in North York

Understand CDCP eligibility, coverage and the steps to your first visit.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program designed to make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who don't have access to dental insurance and meet specific income requirements. It aims to reduce financial barriers to oral health care by covering a portion of the costs for various dental services. The plan opened to different age groups in stages between 2023 and 2025. All eligible groups can now apply.

Your coverage, step by step

CDCP Coverage Information

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps eligible Canadian residents access covered oral health care services.

01Do you qualify?

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.

02How to apply

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
03Renew your coverage

Renewing your coverage

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) members must renew their applications every year to avoid a gap in coverage.

Renewal dates and coverage periods can change. Check the official Government of Canada CDCP information for the current renewal requirements and deadlines. 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
04Before your appointment

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
05Services covered

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.

What is covered by the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps cover a portion of the cost of many oral health care services. Some services are covered without preauthorization, while others require preauthorization before treatment can move forward. Coverage applies when services are recommended by an oral health provider and billed at CDCP established fees.

Covered Now

General services including:

  • Dental exams (complete, routine, specific, and emergency)
  • Sealants
  • X-rays

Needs Approval

General services including:

  • Re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatments
  • Bonding for mobile teeth
  • Post-surgical evaluations

Exclusions to CDCP

Services excluded from CDCP coverage include:

  • Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening and veneers etc)
  • Orthodontics (braces or Invisalign)
  • Veneers and cosmetic bonding

CDCP eligibility and treatment costs

Adults and children may apply if they meet the CDCP eligibility requirements. Approval and coverage depend on the plan's rules.

  • No access to private dental insurance.
  • Required Canadian income tax returns filed.
  • Adjusted family net income below $90,000.
  • Canadian residence for tax purposes.

CDCP acceptance does not mean treatment is free. Co-payments, differences between clinic and CDCP fees, and services outside the plan can leave costs for you to pay. Some treatments need approval before they begin. Ask our team to confirm your coverage and estimate before treatment.

Your questions, answered

Frequently Asked Questions

A co-payment is the portion of CDCP eligible fees that the plan does not cover. The patient pays this amount directly to the dental office. The co-payment percentage is based on adjusted family net income and is shown in the patient’s CDCP welcome package.

Yes. CDCP reimburses based on CDCP established fees, which may differ from a clinic’s standard fees. If a service costs more than what CDCP reimburses, the patient may need to pay the difference in addition to any co-payment. The dental office must confirm any out-of-pocket costs before treatment.

A patient can book once their application is approved and their coverage start date is active. The start date is provided in the CDCP welcome package, and the dental office can verify it through the Sun Life portal. The start date is not printed on the benefit card.

No. There is no dollar maximum. Instead, the plan limits coverage by service type and frequency.

Some providers have delayed enrollment due to concerns about reimbursement rates, administrative requirements, and program processes. Enrollment is optional, so participation can vary by clinic.