The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal benefit program that provides dental coverage to Canadians who don't have private dental insurance and whose family income falls below a threshold. It's administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada.
The program has been rolling out in phases since late 2023. As of 2025, it is open to all eligible Canadians — not just seniors or children.
The short version
No private dental insurance + Canadian resident + family income under $90,000 = likely eligible. Enrol through the CDCP portal at dental.canada.ca or by calling 1-833-537-2337.
Government benefit figures and program details on this page reflect 2026 information and are subject to change. Verify current rules and coverage at Canada.ca before making any decisions.
Who qualifies
You are eligible for the CDCP if you meet all four of these conditions:
- You are a Canadian resident who has filed a tax return
- You do not have access to private dental insurance (through an employer, union, pension plan, or purchased individually)
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
- You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
The "no private dental insurance" rule is strict. If you have any access to a dental plan — even one you've never used, or one through a former employer that you could still be enrolled in — you are not eligible for CDCP. If your spouse has dental coverage through their employer but you are not covered under that plan, you may still qualify.
Income thresholds and co-payment rates
The CDCP is not a flat benefit — your co-payment (the portion you pay at the dentist) depends on your adjusted family net income. Lower-income Canadians pay nothing. Higher-income Canadians in the eligible range pay a portion of each claim.
Family income
Under $70,000
No co-payment — 100% covered
Family income
$70,000 – $79,999
40% co-payment
Family income
$80,000 – $89,999
60% co-payment
Family income
$90,000+
Not eligible
These co-payments apply to the amounts the CDCP reimburses — not to any amounts above the fee schedule that your dentist may charge. If your dentist charges more than the CDCP fee schedule allows, you pay the difference in full, regardless of your income bracket.
What's covered
The CDCP covers a defined list of dental services. Coverage is not unlimited — there are annual maximums and frequency limits on many services.
| Service category | Examples | Coverage notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive care | Cleanings, X-rays, exams, fluoride | Covered; frequency limits apply (typically 1–2 cleanings/year) |
| Diagnostic | Consultations, examinations | Covered |
| Restorative | Fillings (amalgam and composite) | Covered; composite fillings covered for front teeth |
| Endodontic | Root canals | Covered for permanent teeth |
| Periodontal | Scaling, gum treatment | Covered; frequency limits apply |
| Extractions | Simple and surgical extractions | Covered |
| Prosthodontics | Dentures (complete and partial) | Covered with prior authorization for some items |
| Oral surgery | Surgical extractions, certain procedures | Covered with limits |
| Not covered | Cosmetic procedures, implants, orthodontics (braces), teeth whitening | Excluded entirely |
How to find a participating dentist
Not all dentists participate in the CDCP. Before booking an appointment, confirm your dentist is enrolled. You can search for participating providers through the Sun Life CDCP portal or by calling the CDCP helpline. Dentists who participate bill Sun Life directly — you don't pay upfront and then claim back (except for your co-payment portion).
If your current dentist doesn't participate, you have two options: find a participating dentist, or pay your dentist directly and submit a claim for reimbursement (up to the CDCP fee schedule). The reimbursement route works, but you'll often pay more out of pocket if your dentist charges above the schedule.
How to enrol
Enrolment is through the federal government's CDCP portal. The process:
- Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (no private coverage, income under $90,000, filed taxes)
- Create or sign in to your My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account
- Apply through dental.canada.ca, or call 1-833-537-2337
- If approved, you'll receive a CDCP member card from Sun Life within a few weeks
- Present your member card at a participating dentist and you're covered
You need to have filed a tax return to apply — the government uses your tax data to verify income eligibility. If you haven't filed, file first.
If you receive GIS
Canadians who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement are automatically enrolled in the CDCP by Service Canada — you don't need to apply separately. Check your mail for your Sun Life member card.
Annual renewal
Like GIS, CDCP eligibility is verified annually through your tax return. You need to file your taxes each year to maintain coverage. If you miss a tax year, your coverage may lapse until you file. The government re-checks eligibility automatically — you don't re-apply each year, but you do need to file.
If your situation changes
If you gain access to private dental insurance at any point — through a new job, a spouse's new job, or any other source — you are required to notify Service Canada. Continuing to use CDCP when you have private coverage is not permitted. Report changes through My Service Canada Account or by phone.
A note on "access to coverage"
The eligibility question is whether you have access to dental insurance — not whether you're currently using it. If your employer offers dental benefits and you opted out, you are generally not eligible for CDCP. The program is designed for Canadians who genuinely have no dental insurance option available to them.
Provincial dental programs and how they interact
Several provinces have their own dental programs for children, seniors, or social assistance recipients. The CDCP is designed to work alongside these programs — it generally acts as secondary coverage when provincial coverage exists. Specific coordination rules vary by province. If you're already receiving provincial dental benefits, you may still be eligible for CDCP for services not covered provincially.
Key takeaways
- CDCP is open to uninsured Canadians with family income under $90,000 who have filed taxes
- No co-payment under $70,000; 40% co-payment at $70–79K; 60% at $80–89K
- Covers preventive, restorative, periodontal, endodontic, and prosthetic services — not cosmetics or implants
- You must use a participating dentist to get direct billing; otherwise, claim reimbursement up to the fee schedule
- GIS recipients are enrolled automatically — watch for your Sun Life card
- File your taxes every year to keep coverage active
- If you gain private coverage at any point, notify Service Canada immediately
- Program details reflect 2026 rules — verify current information at Canada.ca
This is education, not advice
The information on this page reflects current government program rules. These change as the program evolves. This is general education — not financial or benefits advice for your specific situation. Verify current eligibility criteria, covered services, and fee schedules at Canada.ca or by calling 1-833-537-2337 before making any decisions.