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.
The CDCP is a publicly funded dental benefit for those with an annual household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance.
The plan covers a portion of the cost of an enrolled patient's oral health treatments to prevent and treat oral disease which, in turn, can protect against serious health problems.
Eligible Canadians can apply online or over the phone. Application periods are staggered with 18 to 64 year olds eligible to apply for the first time in May 2025.
Anyone wishing to participate in this plan must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.
Applications for the CDCP are phased by demographics. By the end of May 2025 individual's of all ages will be eligible to apply. The final application opening dates are as follows:
The CDCP has developed their own fee guide, which determines the fees the CDCP will pay for services covered under the plan. These fees can differ from provincial or territorial fee guides. Not all patients will receive complete financial assistance through the CDCP due to required co-payments, so it is important to ask about costs not covered by the plan. These co-payments are the portion of treatment costs you would be expected to cover out of pocket, and the percentage is determined by your family's net annual income shown on the previous year's tax return. Co-payment or fees not covered are paid directly to the dental office.
Please note the percentages covered are for the CDCP fee guide, which is sometimes lower than the provincial guides.
| Net Family Income | Covered by CDCP | Covered by Patient |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 - $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 - $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Additionally, when a dentist follows their established fee structure, it may be higher than the CDCP’s fees, in which case there is a gap in payments. The gap can be filled by balanced billing, where the patient is billed for the difference between the CDCP fees and the fee their dentist would charge a patient who does not qualify for coverage under the plan.
For example, if a dentist follows the provincial fee guide and charges $100 for a recall dental exam but the CDCP fee structure only covers $90 the patient is responsible for the $10 difference. In the same example, for a patient with a net family income of $85,000, the plan would cover $36 (40% of the CDCP established fee) and the patient would be responsible for $54 (the remaining 60% of the CDCP established fee) plus the additional $10. Please note these figures are for illustration only.
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.
Once you have applied, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, which will include:
Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility requirements each subsequent year with an annual reassessment. Those who enrolled in 2024, will continue to be covered until June 30, 2025.
CDCP requires annual renewal to confirm that patients continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Renewing ensures you avoid any gaps in your dental coverage. Once you receive your 2024 tax assessment you can renew your coverage online here or through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Be sure to submit your renewal application by June 1, 2025, to prevent any potential lapse in coverage.
If your renewal is approved, you’ll get a letter confirming your coverage and any updates, valid until June 30, 2026. If your coverage has changed based on your 2024 net family income, the letter will include details about the changes to your coverage. Just bring it to your next dental visit so your provider is up to date.
The CDCP covers oral health services designed to prevent and treat oral disease and to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following listed below.
Coverage under the CDCP is limited to basic services that protect and preserve natural teeth so people can benefit from teeth that function properly. Many people have missing teeth or teeth that are failing and need removing. When this is the case, the CDCP includes the provision of removable dentures, allowing people to eat and talk effectively.
The plan is not designed to improve the overall appearance of teeth or provide purely aesthetic benefits. It also excludes more complex treatments. Treatments not considered for coverage under the CDCP include those listed below.
Certain services, such as deep sedation, are not covered in all cases. If a provider believes the treatment is medically necessary, they can submit a preauthorization request on behalf of the patient. Approval of the preauthorization request is based on the recommendations of the dental care professional and considers the patient's dental and medical history.
Treatments requiring preauthorization are listed below.
For further information on services covered, please visit the Government of Canada website.
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