CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a Government of Canada program that makes dental care more affordable for people without private dental insurance. If your household’s adjusted family net income is under $90,000, you may be able to get dental services at a reduced cost or fully covered.
Household Income and Coverage Levels
Your co-payment level is based on your adjusted family net income, taken from your most recent tax return:
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP pays | Your co-payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of the CDCP fee for eligible services | 0% (extra fees may still apply) |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of the CDCP fee for eligible services | 40% of the CDCP fee |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of the CDCP fee for eligible services | 60% of the CDCP fee |
Note: Our fees can be higher than the amounts the CDCP reimburses. Any difference is paid by you, so please check your coverage and our fees with us before treatment.
What Services Are Covered?
The CDCP covers a wide range of oral health care when a dentist or other oral health provider recommends it. Some treatments need approval from the plan before they can be done (preauthorization). Covered services include:
- Preventive care: exams, cleanings (scaling), fluoride and sealants
- Diagnostic services: routine and emergency exams and X-rays
- Restorative services: fillings and pain relief; crowns need preauthorization
- Endodontics: root canal treatment and treatment of infections
- Periodontics: treatment of gum disease, including deep cleanings; some treatments need preauthorization
- Removable prosthodontics: complete and partial dentures, repairs and relines (need preauthorization)
- Oral surgery: extractions and other surgical treatment
- Anesthesia and sedation: nitrous oxide and oral sedation; deeper sedation and general anesthesia need preauthorization
- Orthodontics: not currently covered by the plan
Note: Ask our team whether a treatment needs preauthorization or may involve out-of-pocket costs.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for the CDCP if all four of these apply to you:
- You do not have access to dental insurance through an employer, school or a private plan
- You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one) filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
Having dental coverage through a government social program does not rule you out. The CDCP works alongside that coverage so services are not paid twice.
Once You Apply
If you are approved, you will receive:
- A letter with your CDCP member ID, your coverage start date and your co-payment level
- A CDCP member card from Sun Life, which administers the plan
- Information on booking care (appointments must be on or after your coverage start date)
How to Apply
You can find full details and apply through the Government of Canada website. Learn more or apply here. You can also apply by phone through Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.