Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
A federal plan, administered by Sun Life, that helps eligible Canadian residents pay for dental care. Here is who qualifies, what it covers, what you pay and how to apply.
Do you accept CDCP patients?
Please ask us when you book. We'll confirm how we can work with your CDCP coverage, and what you would pay, before any treatment.
Who qualifies
You need to meet all of these:
- 1
You, and your spouse or common-law partner if you have one, are Canadian residents for tax purposes.
- 2
You have no access to private dental insurance, including a health spending account that covers dental, even if you don't use it.
- 3
You, and your spouse or partner, filed a tax return in Canada for the previous year.
- 4
Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000.
Dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal social program doesn't rule you out. Coverage runs for one benefit year at a time: you renew every year and confirm you still have no private dental coverage. If you miss the renewal, you can apply again, but care during the gap isn't covered.
What it covers
Diagnostic and preventive
Check-ups, X-rays, cleanings (scaling), fluoride and sealants.
Basic services
Fillings, pain relief for a diseased tooth, root canals, cleaning below the gumline and non-surgical gum care.
Major services
Crowns and posts, dentures with their repairs and relines, and oral surgery such as removing a tooth.
Anesthesia and sedation
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and conscious, deep or general sedation.
Not covered: Orthodontic services, such as braces and aligners, are not currently available under the plan.
Some treatments need the plan's approval first, such as crowns, partial dentures, a repeat root canal, and conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Approval isn't guaranteed, so treatment starts only once the plan has replied.
What you pay
Your share depends on your adjusted family net income.
| Adjusted family net income | Plan pays | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Percentages apply to the plan's set fees. You may pay more if a service costs more than the plan reimburses, or if you choose a service the plan doesn't cover. We'll tell you what you would pay before any treatment starts.
How to apply
Online
Through My Service Canada Account, or the application on Canada.ca.
By phone
Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262).
Applying is free. For each person on the application, children included, have their Social Insurance Number (if they have one), date of birth, full name and address ready, and a list of any dental coverage from a government program. A spouse or common-law partner sends their own application.
Common questions
Can I use the CDCP if I have dental insurance through work?
No. If you have access to any private dental coverage, including through a spouse, a pension or a health spending account, you don't qualify, even if you don't use it.
Will I pay anything at my visit?
It depends on your adjusted family net income. Under $70,000 the plan covers 100% of its set fees; from $70,000 to $89,999 you pay part of the cost. You may also pay the difference when a service costs more than the plan's fee.
What happens after I apply?
Service Canada confirms your enrolment by letter or email, with your member ID, coverage start date and co-payment level. Sun Life then mails your member card. You don't have to wait for the card: your member ID and start date are enough to book. Only care on or after your start date is covered.
Do I need to renew every year?
Yes. You renew once a year to confirm you still qualify. If you miss it, you can apply again, but any care during the gap in coverage isn't covered or paid back.
Does the CDCP cover braces or Invisalign?
Not currently. Orthodontic services are not available under the plan.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Applying and renewing are free. Be wary of calls, texts or emails that ask for your banking or credit card details.
How do I apply?
Online through My Service Canada Account or Canada.ca, or by phone with Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
Summarised from the Government of Canada's CDCP pages, checked on October 22, 2026. The plan's rules can change; Canada.ca has the latest.
Questions about your coverage?
Ask us when you book, and we'll go through it with you.