The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new dental program set up by the federal government to help low-income individuals and families get dental care. However, while many benefits are included, some may require a co-payment. Depending on your family income, you may have to pay for part of the dental service. So here is a guide to help you understand what the CDCP is all about.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government insurance program that helps low-to middle-income Canadians, without private dental insurance, to get help to cover the cost of oral health care.
Who Qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian dental care plan eligibility criteria include 4 key requirements about family net income (AFNI), residency, the previous year’s tax return, and insurance access.
Income: Your family net income cannot need to be less than $90,000. This is verified through the CRA annually.
Canadian Residency: Applicants must be considered Canadian residents for tax purposes.
Tax Filing: You must file your tax return every year, even if you had no income or owed no taxes. Nonfiling of a tax return from any spouse or partner will prevent you from obtaining CDCP.
No Dental Insurance: Applicants who have dental insurance from their work, group plan or any other source are not eligible to get CDCP. However, if you are receiving a provincial dental plan or disability plans, you may still be eligible for CDCP.
Notice that if you choose not to use the dental benefits available through your employer or school, you are ineligible for CDCP. This assumes you have access to a dental plan.
Source: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Do you qualify – canada.ca
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
You can apply for the CDCP online, by phone, or in person at a Service Canada office, and the process is the same for all methods.
Before Apply
To ensure a smooth process, you need to gather the 6 following documents:
- Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) for all applicants. If children do not have a SIN, note their full names and birthdates.
- Home or mailing addresses.
- Details of any dental coverage from government programs.
- Your latest tax return or Notice of Assessment showing your AFNI.
- Confirmation that you and your spouse filed last year’s tax returns and received Notices of Assessment.
- Confirmation that you don’t have dental insurance through an employer, pension, or private plan
Keep this information handy, as you will need to enter it during the application process.
Applying for CDCP
Choose the best method to submit the application. The choices are Online, Paper forms, in person and by phone.
Below are 3 easy ways to apply:
Online Application (Fastest)
To apply quickly, go to your My Service Canada Account and click on Canadian Dental Care Plan and then hit “Apply Now.” This method is available 24 hours a day and typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
Phone Application
You can call 1-833-537-4342 for this method, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm local time. For TTY service, call 1-833-677-6262 from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm Eastern time, Monday to Friday.
In-Person Application
Visit your nearest Service Canada office for in-person help. You can find it at servicecanada.gc.ca. Appointments can be helpful if you lack internet access or need help with documents.
After Apply
Once your application is completed, Service Canada will review it and verify your information with the CRA. If you are approved, Sun Life will send you a welcome package that includes:
- Your CDCP member card with your member number
- Your coverage start date
- Details on covered services
- Your co-payment percentage based on your income
For Canadian Dental Care Plan status checks, call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 and press 3 after selecting your language, visit the CDCP Status Checker online tool or log into your Service Canada account to check the status.
Tips: Do not book any dental appointments until you receive your welcome package and your coverage start date has passed. The plan will not cover services received before your start date.
Source: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Apply Section – canada.ca
When to Renew the Canadian Dental Care Plan
CDCP coverage needs to be renewed every year to maintain your eligibility. The renewal period is usually in the spring, after you have filed your tax return for benefits from July 1 to June 30. If you miss it and your coverage ends, you will have to submit a new application, and services during the gap will not be covered.
Note that your co-payment amount may change if your income changes, which can affect any pre-authorized treatments. So, always check your coverage before dental appointments to avoid surprise costs.
What does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?
The CDCP covers 7 service categories focusing on prevention and essential treatment. This includes exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures, based on a person’s oral health and medical needs.
Here are the benefits included in the CDCP:
Preventive and Periodontal Services
Preventive services help keep your teeth healthy and avoid problems before they start, while periodontal services focus on gum health. Preventive care includes:
- teeth cleaning and polishing,
- fluoride treatments,
- sealants for kids,
- treatments for sensitive teeth.
Everyone can benefit from preventive care. However, children require fluoride and sealants to protect their developing teeth, while adults with gum disease need specialized treatments to prevent tooth loss.
Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic services enable dentists to identify oral health issues early through regular check-ups and X-rays. This includes:
- full check-ups (every 5 years),
- regular check-ups (every year),
- emergency visits,
- X-rays (a full series every 5 years or up to 8 individual images per year).
Most Canadians are eligible for up to three dental check-ups per year to maintain their dental health. If patients require specialist care, they must obtain a referral for a comprehensive examination. However, they can undergo a limited examination without pre-approval.
Restorative Services
Restorative services repair damaged teeth using fillings, cores, and crowns to restore function. These services include:
- fillings (amalgam and composite),
- cores and posts to support damaged teeth,
- crowns (cast metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and all-ceramic),
- repairs or recementation of existing crowns.
Note that crowns are covered only if 4 conditions are met:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- The tooth needs enough bone support (a crown-to-root ratio of at least 1:1).
- The tooth must be extensively damaged, such as an anterior tooth losing its entire edge or a molar losing 3-5 surfaces.
- Crowns for cosmetic reasons or minor issues are not covered.
People with cavities, broken teeth, or heavily treated teeth need this benefit category to chew properly and avoid infections.
Endodontic Services
Endodontic services help save infected teeth through treatments like root canals. These include:
- pulpotomies and pulpectomies (partial pulp removal),
- root canal treatments for permanent teeth,
- root canal re-treatment when initial treatment fails,
- apicoectomies (surgical removal of root tips).
People with deep decay, cracked teeth, or dental trauma that affects the tooth’s nerve need these treatments to relieve pain and preserve the tooth. Additionally, children under 5 can undergo pulpotomies for primary teeth, with coverage emphasizing the preservation of the tooth whenever possible.
Prosthodontic Services
Prosthodontic services provide solutions for missing teeth with the use of removable dentures. Complete dentures qualify every 8 years per arch, while partial dentures range from 5 years (acrylic) to 8 years (cast metal), with initial placements requiring preauthorization. The CDCP covers:
- complete dentures (full upper or lower),
- partial dentures in both acrylic and cast metal,
- transitional/provisional dentures,
- repairs, relines, or rebases of existing dentures.
As they help restore their eating and speaking abilities, seniors and adults missing multiple teeth benefit the most. Note that implant-supported dentures are not covered. However, traditional removable options, including immediate dentures for those who need tooth extractions, are also included.
Great news for new CDCP members: If you already have dentures when you join, they will not count toward your replacement limit. Your first denture under the plan is considered an “initial placement.”
Oral Surgery Services
Oral surgery involves surgical treatments for severe dental problems when simpler methods do not work. This includes:
- tooth extractions (both simple and surgical),
- treatment of fractures,
- bone recontouring,
- related surgical interventions necessary for oral health.
Patients with impacted wisdom teeth, severe tooth decay, or facial injuries require these surgeries. In emergencies, treatment can begin immediately, even if pre-authorization is not possible due to urgent medical needs.
Orthodontic Services
The CDCP provides limited orthodontic coverage starting in 2025, but all treatments must be pre-authorized. The coverage is strictly based on clinical criteria for severe and functionally handicapping issues, and not for cosmetic reasons.
Eligibility is based on the Modified Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) Index for two groups:
- Children (under 18): Must have a severe malocclusion that meets the HLD Index criteria.
- Adults: Coverage is for those with a diagnosed craniofacial anomaly (like cleft lip and palate) that also involves a severe malocclusion according to the HLD Index.
Sedation and Other Adjunctive Services
Sedation and adjunctive services help patients receive necessary dental care when standard approaches prove insufficient due to age, disability, or medical complexity.
The CDCP covers minimal sedation (nitrous oxide and oral sedatives), moderate sedation, and deep sedation or general anesthesia when medically necessary, along with applicable facility fees.
Children with extensive treatment needs or behaviour management challenges, and adults with significant physical or mental impairments that prevent cooperation during dental procedures, may need sedation to access essential care safely.
Source: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Dental Benefits Guide – Services covered by the CDCP Section – canada.ca
How Much Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?
The CDCP covers two parts: your co-payment and extra fees from your provider. Lower-income families get more coverage, while higher-income families pay more out of pocket.
Here is a percentage of the CDCP established fee that you must pay directly to your provider by AFNI:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Coverage Percentage | Your Co-payment Percentage |
| Less than $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
| $90,000 and above | 0% | 100% |
What Increases the Cost of the CDCP Fee?
The coverage percentages refer only to the fees set by CDCP, not what your dentist might charge. If your dentist charges more than CDCP rates, you have to pay the difference, no matter your income.
For instance, if CDCP lists a crown at $800 but your dentist charges $1,200, you will need to pay the $400 difference plus any co-payment based on your income.
You also have to cover costs if you exceed certain limits, such as needing more than 4 scaling units in a year or getting a filling on the same tooth within 24 months.
Moreover, pre-existing conditions can affect your coverage, and treatments done before you enroll in CDCP will not be covered. Therefore, always verify the total costs before starting treatment, especially for expensive procedures that may require pre-authorization.
Tip: Ask your dental office if they accept CDCP and if there are fees when using it.
Source: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – cda-adc.ca
What are the Common Challenges with the CDCP?
While the CDCP offers advantages for Canadians, its early rollout faced several challenges for patients and providers, including frustrations and system issues. Here are 5 main challenges to be aware of for setting realistic expectations:
Long waits: Obtaining approval for complex dental treatments, such as crowns or dentures, can take weeks or months. In emergencies, services can be approved afterward, but this adds complications.
Coverage start date confusion: Many people are unsure about when they can start using their CDCP benefits. This information is included in your welcome package and is usually a few weeks after approval.
Lots of paperwork: Dentists spend a lot of time on paperwork, such as gathering documents, taking X-rays, and obtaining pre-approval for procedures. This takes time away from patient care.
Limited provider participation: While over 27,000 oral health providers have participated in the CDCP, not all dental offices accept CDCP patients. It can be tough in rural areas or small towns.
Along with these limitations, Health Canada, Sun Life, and dental associations are working to address challenges by improving processes, communication, and systems. Knowing these common issues helps you set realistic expectations and better advocate for your dental care needs under the CDCP.
Difference Between CDCP and Provincial Dental Programs
While both the CDCP and provincial dental programs offer benefits for oral health, they serve distinct roles. Knowing the differences in coverage, costs, and management can help you make the most of both programs.
| Aspect | Canadian Dental Care Plan | Provincial Dental Programs |
| Coverage Scope | Comprehensive services | Limited to basic services that may exclude major restorations |
| Fee Structure | Based on income | Rates vary by province |
| Administration | Sun Life Financial Inc. (third-party administrator) | Varies – provincial health departments or contracted agencies |
| Established by | Federal government (Health Canada) | Provincial or territorial governments |
As shown in the table, provincial dental programs provide fewer services than CDCP. For example:
- Ontario Works helps those on social assistance,
- Alberta’s Child Benefit supports low-income families,
- Quebec covers children under 10 through RAMQ.
Meanwhile, CDCP offers broader eligibility, primarily based on income and insurance status.
However, receiving benefits from provincial programs does not disqualify you from the CDCP. They complement each other, with provincial programs usually covering costs first and the CDCP covering any remaining eligible expenses.
Yet, the coordination can vary by province or federal guidelines. Therefore, always check with your provider to confirm your coverage, see if preauthorization is required, and understand any co-payments.
How many People Benefit from the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
As of September 30, 2025, more than 5.5 million applicants have been approved. In addition, it provides dental insurance to approximately 3 million Canadians who currently lack coverage through their workplaces, private plans, or pensions.
CDCP began rolling out in December 2023, giving priority to seniors aged 65 and older. Then, in 2024, it expanded to include children under 18 and adults with Disability Tax Credit certificates. During this time, over 3.4 million Canadians were approved, with 1.7 million accessing care from dental providers. Now, it is gradually opening for up to nine million uninsured Canadian residents.
Source: Canadian Dental Care Plan – Statistics – canada.ca
The bottom line
In the end, the Canadian Dental Care Plan aims to make oral health more affordable for Canadians without insurance. It’s free to apply, has no monthly fees, works across the country, and covers your whole family. While not all services are included and some need approval, it’s a great option for eligible Canadians to access regular dental care.
FAQs about the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Who established the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is managed by Health Canada, which sets the rules for coverage. Service Canada handles eligibility applications, and Sun Life Financial Inc. handles daily operations, including processing claims, paying providers, and providing customer service.
Do I need preauthorization for every dental service under the CDCP?
No. Routine services like exams, cleanings, and standard fillings do not require preauthorization. However, major services such as crowns, dentures, root canal retreatments, and moderate-to-deep sedation always require prior approval from the plan. Your provider will manage this process.
Will the CDCP cover emergency dental care?
Yes, emergency services are covered. In an emergency when pre-authorization is not possible, your provider can submit the claim for “post-determination” after treatment.
Can seniors and retirees apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes, seniors and retirees can apply for the CDCP if they meet the eligibility requirements. Many seniors who lost employer dental coverage after retiring or never had dental insurance may qualify for this program.
How often can I receive dental check-ups and cleanings under the CDCP?
You can have dental check-ups and cleanings under the CDCP based on your individual needs, not a set schedule. Generally, people with good oral health should visit their dentist every 6 to 12 months. However, if you have gum disease, a high risk of cavities, or other dental issues, you may be able to visit more frequently.
Can I appeal if my preauthorization request is denied?
Yes. If your request for dental service preauthorization is denied, you can appeal the decision. You or your dentist can contact Service Canada to determine the reason for the denial and provide additional information to support the need for the treatment. The appeals process looks at whether the service meets the criteria for necessary care.
