The CDCP can help cover a portion of the cost of eligible dental services, but it is important to understand that it does not mean every dental treatment is completely free. The amount covered depends on the plan’s rules, the established CDCP fees, the individual’s adjusted family net income, and whether the dental provider charges more than the amount recognized by the plan.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal dental benefit program designed to help eligible Canadian residents access oral health care when they do not have access to private dental insurance or other qualifying dental coverage. The plan covers a range of preventive and treatment services, subject to specific eligibility requirements, limitations, and coverage rules.
The CDCP is administered by the Government of Canada, while Sun Life processes payments to participating oral health providers. Eligible providers can include dentists, dental specialists, denturists, independent dental hygienists, and certain dental education institutions.
The program is intended to reduce financial barriers to dental care. However, patients should understand their coverage before receiving treatment because some services may not be covered, and additional charges may apply.
Who Is Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
As of the 2026-2027 benefit year, applicants must meet four main eligibility requirements. You must not have access to private dental insurance or coverage, you must have filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year, your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000, and you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
No Access to Private Dental Insurance
One of the most important requirements is that you cannot have access to private dental insurance or dental coverage through an employer, pension plan, family member, professional organization, student organization, or certain health spending accounts.
Simply choosing not to use available private dental insurance does not generally make someone eligible. The Government of Canada considers whether you have access to qualifying coverage, rather than whether you actually use it. There is a specific exception for certain retired individuals who opted out of pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in.
You Must Have Filed Your Tax Return
Your eligibility is assessed using tax information. You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed your Canadian tax returns for the previous year so the government can assess family income.
This requirement is important because your adjusted family net income is used to determine eligibility and, where applicable, your level of co-payment.
Your Family Income Must Be Below $90,000
For the current 2026-2027 benefit year, the adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000. The amount of your family income can also affect how much of the CDCP-established fee you are expected to pay.
Because eligibility requirements and program rules can change, applicants should check the current Government of Canada information before applying or renewing coverage.
How Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan Work?
The CDCP does not work like traditional private dental insurance where you typically pay for treatment and submit a claim for reimbursement. Under the CDCP, participating oral health providers submit claims directly to Sun Life for covered services.
After you are approved, you receive information about your CDCP coverage, including your member identification information and benefit coverage start date. You should not book treatment before your coverage start date because services received before that date are not covered under the plan.
Before an appointment, confirm that the dental provider accepts CDCP patients and will bill Sun Life directly. You should also confirm that your coverage is active and ask about any costs you may need to pay yourself.
What Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a range of oral health services, although coverage is subject to specific rules, frequency limitations, eligibility requirements, and, for certain procedures, preauthorization.
Covered categories can include diagnostic services, preventive services, restorative treatment, endodontic services, periodontal services, removable prosthodontic services, oral surgery, and certain other services outlined in the current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.
Not every procedure is automatically covered. Some treatments have specific conditions or limitations, and certain procedures may require preauthorization before treatment is provided.
For this reason, patients should not assume that a treatment is covered simply because it is a dental service. Your dental provider can help determine whether the planned treatment is eligible and whether additional approval is required.
Does the CDCP Cover the Full Cost of Dental Treatment?
Not necessarily. One of the most important things to understand about the Canadian Dental Care Plan is that coverage does not automatically mean that your dental treatment will cost you nothing.
The CDCP reimburses participating providers according to established CDCP fees and the applicable co-payment level. A provider may also charge an amount above the CDCP-established fee, and you may be responsible for that difference. The Government of Canada recommends asking your provider about any costs that will not be covered before treatment begins.
This means you should always discuss the expected cost with your dental provider before proceeding with treatment.
What Is a CDCP Co-Payment?
A co-payment is the portion of the CDCP-established fee that you are responsible for paying based on your adjusted family net income. The applicable percentage can affect how much you pay toward an eligible service.
For example, the Government of Canada’s current CDCP information explains that patients may have different co-payment levels depending on family income. However, a co-payment is not the only possible out-of-pocket expense because a provider’s fee may be higher than the CDCP-established fee.
This is why asking for a cost estimate before treatment is so important. Your provider can explain the expected CDCP payment, your co-payment, and any additional amount that may remain your responsibility.
How Do You Use Your CDCP Coverage?
Once your coverage is active, using the plan generally involves a few important steps.
First, find a dental provider who accepts CDCP patients and confirm that the provider will bill Sun Life directly. Next, provide your CDCP member information and identification when requested. Before treatment, discuss the proposed services and ask what portion is expected to be covered and what you may need to pay.
Your provider can submit an estimate to Sun Life before treatment to help confirm coverage for certain services. However, the final amount covered can depend on the plan rules and fees that apply when the service is actually provided.
What Should You Ask Your Dentist Before Treatment?
Before scheduling treatment through the CDCP, it is helpful to ask a few straightforward questions. Confirm that the dental office accepts CDCP patients and will submit eligible claims directly to Sun Life. Ask whether your planned treatment is covered and whether preauthorization is required.
You should also ask about your expected co-payment and whether there are additional charges beyond what the CDCP covers. Having this conversation before treatment can help prevent unexpected expenses and allow you to make an informed decision about your care.
Does the CDCP Cover Preventive Dental Care?
Yes, the CDCP includes various preventive and diagnostic services, subject to the plan’s rules and limitations. Preventive dental care can play an important role in identifying oral health concerns early and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
The exact frequency and eligibility of services depend on the current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide. Your dental provider can review your needs and determine which services may be available under your coverage.
Do You Need to Renew the CDCP Every Year?
Yes. CDCP coverage is provided for a specific benefit period, and members need to renew their coverage each year to confirm that they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
For the 2026-2027 benefit year, coverage runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Missing a renewal deadline can result in a gap in coverage, and dental care received during a gap is not covered retroactively.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan free?
The CDCP can significantly reduce the cost of eligible dental services, but it does not necessarily make dental care completely free. Depending on your income and the provider’s fees, you may have a co-payment or additional charges. Always confirm your expected costs before treatment.
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
To qualify for the current program, you must meet the eligibility requirements relating to access to private dental coverage, Canadian tax filing, adjusted family net income, and Canadian residency for tax purposes. The income threshold for the 2026-2027 benefit year is less than $90,000 in adjusted family net income.
Can I use the CDCP if I have government dental coverage?
You may still qualify if you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social program. In qualifying situations, the programs may coordinate benefits to avoid duplication.
Can I choose any dentist under the CDCP?
You should confirm that the dental provider accepts CDCP patients and will bill Sun Life directly for covered services. Participation by oral health providers is voluntary, so not every dental office necessarily participates in the plan.
Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
Coverage depends on the specific service, current CDCP rules, and applicable eligibility and preauthorization requirements. Not every dental procedure is automatically covered, so patients considering implants should ask their dental provider to confirm coverage before beginning treatment.
Making the Most of Your CDCP Coverage
The Canadian Dental Care Plan can make dental care more accessible for eligible Canadians, but understanding the details of your coverage is essential. Eligibility, co-payments, covered services, provider fees, and treatment limitations can all affect what you ultimately pay.
Before your appointment, confirm that your coverage is active and that your dental provider accepts CDCP patients. Discuss the proposed treatment and ask for a clear explanation of what the plan covers and what you may have to pay. Taking these steps can help you avoid surprises and make better decisions about your oral health.
For the most current eligibility requirements, coverage information, and application details, patients should consult the official Government of Canada CDCP information because program policies can change over time. Contact us for more information
South Trail Crossing Dental clinic, the dentist near you, delivers a different dentistry that is based on our THREE core philosophies – providing best possible dental care to all our patients, treating each patient as a unique individual with unique needs, and providing integrated treatment addressing simultaneously oral health and systemic or overall health.
