What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be considered a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

• Have filed a personal income tax return for the previous tax year.

• Not be covered by any other dental insurance, including employer-provided, private, or pension plan benefits.

• Have a family net income (after taxes) below $90,000 per year.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan uses its own national fee schedule to determine how much it will contribute toward covered dental procedures. This schedule is separate from the provincial and territorial fee guides that many dental offices follow, so the amounts may not always match. Because of this, patients may still have some out-of-pocket expenses.

Under the CDCP, most people are required to pay a co-payment. A co-payment is the portion of the cost you’re responsible for, and it is based on your family’s net income from the previous tax year. Any amount not paid by the CDCP—either through co-payments or differences in fee guides—is paid directly to your dental provider.

Co-Payment Levels Based on Adjusted Family Net Income (Percentages apply to the CDCP fee schedule, which can be lower than local fee guides.)

Family Net Income CDCP Pays

Under $72,000 100%

$72,000–$81,999 60%

$82,000–$91,999 40%

Dental clinics may charge fees that differ from the CDCP fee schedule. If a clinic’s standard fee is higher than what the CDCP allows, the patient must pay the difference—this is commonly referred to as balance billing.

Example: If a clinic charges $100 for a routine exam but the CDCP sets the allowable fee at $90, the patient is responsible for the $10 difference. Using the same example, if a patient’s family income is $85,000, the CDCP would cover $36 (40% of the CDCP-approved $90), and the patient would pay the remaining $54 plus the additional $10 difference. This example is for illustration only.

After you submit your application, Health Canada will review your details to confirm that you qualify for the program. Once approved, your information is forwarded to Sun Life, the organization responsible for administering the plan. Within approximately three months, Sun Life will mail you a welcome package that includes:

• The date your coverage officially begins

• Your CDCP membership card

• An overview of how the program works

Each year, you will need to continue meeting the eligibility criteria, as annual reassessments are required to keep your coverage active.

The CDCP requires participants to renew their coverage every year to confirm they still meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Completing your renewal on time helps ensure there are no interruptions in your dental benefits. Once you receive your 2024 Notice of Assessment, you can renew through the online application portal or by signing in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). To avoid any lapse in coverage, make sure your renewal is submitted before June 1, 2025.

If your renewal is accepted, you will receive a confirmation letter outlining your updated coverage, which will remain valid until June 30, 2026. Should your benefits change due to your 2024 net family income, the letter will explain the new details. Bring this document to your next dental appointment so your provider can verify your current coverage.

The CDCP provides coverage for a wide range of dental services aimed at preventing oral health problems, addressing existing issues, and supporting long-term dental wellness. When a dental professional determines that a service is necessary, the plan may include coverage for treatments such as:

• Diagnostic exams and assessments

• Dental imaging (X-rays)

• Preventive care, including cleanings

• Gum and periodontal treatments

• Fillings and other restorative procedures

• Root canal therapy

• Dentures and other prosthodontic options

• Sedation, when appropriate

• Oral surgery and related procedures

The CDCP focuses on essential dental care that helps maintain natural teeth and supports proper function. Its goal is to address oral health needs—not cosmetic improvements. For patients who are missing teeth or require extractions due to failing teeth, the plan does include coverage for removable dentures to help restore the ability to speak and chew comfortably.

However, the CDCP does not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, nor does it include more advanced restorative treatments. Services that fall outside the scope of the program include:

• Cosmetic veneers (composite or porcelain)

• Partial-coverage crowns (such as three-quarter crowns)

• Inlays and onlays of any material

• TMJ appliances or related therapy

• Fixed bridgework

• Professional teeth whitening

• Mouthguards or appliances for grinding/clenching

• Crown lengthening procedures

• Dental implants and related surgical steps

• Bone grafting

• Precision attachments for partial dentures

• Full-mouth or extensive restorative rehabilitation