The cost of dental care can be an astronomical burden for you and your family – especially if you don’t have existing dental coverage. Fortunately, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) exists specifically to alleviate this issue by helping eligible Canadians access comprehensive dental services without undue financial stress.

Haven’t gotten around to applying for CDCP coverage yet, or not 100% sure if you’re eligible? Below, we’ve provided an easy-to-digest rundown of everything you need to know. Once you’ve received your CDCP member ID, use Dentist Finder to conveniently connect with the right oral health provider and give your smile the attention it deserves!

What Is The Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to remove financial barriers and improve access to essential dental care for eligible Canadian residents who lack private insurance. Launched in December of 2023, it’s administered by Health Canada and Sun Life and is available to both individuals and families.

CDCP coverage encompasses a broad spectrum of essential dental services, including diagnostic, preventative, basic, endodontic, periodontal, major restorative, removable prosthodontic, oral surgery, and anesthesia services. Cosmetic-oriented procedures like tooth whitening and veneers are not covered under the CDCP.

Who Is Eligible – And When Can You Apply?

If you’re eligible to receive dental coverage under the CDCP, there’s no reason to wait. Here are all the details you’ll need to get started:

Eligibility Criteria (Income, Insurance, Residency, Tax Status)

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for CDCP coverage. You and your family are only eligible to apply if you meet all of the following 4 requirements:

• You have no access to dental insurance (you can still apply if you have dental coverage through government social programs).
• You file your tax returns in Canada.
• You are a Canadian tax resident for tax purposes.
• Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.

2025 Application Rollout By Age Group

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements above, you can apply for CDCP coverage right away! The plan was initially rolled out by age group, but as of May 29, 2025, eligible Canadians of all ages are welcome to apply.

What Documents And Information Do You Need To Apply?

Ready to apply for CDCP coverage, but not sure what you’ll need? Gather the following documents and information all in one place to ensure a smooth and simple application process:

Personal & Household Information

• Social Insurance Numbers for you, your dependants (if applicable), and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable)
• You’ll also need to provide full names, dates of birth, and home/mailing addresses for all applicants

Tax Documents & Insurance Disclosure

• The notice of assessment you (or you and your partner) received after filing your Canadian tax return for the previous year
• A list of any dental coverage received through government social programs (if applicable)

Different Ways To Get Your Application Started

There are several possible ways to apply for CDCP coverage. Choose the option that’s best for you:

• Online – If you have reliable internet access, you can apply online directly from the Government of Canada’s official CDCP website.
• By Phone – If you can’t apply online for any reason, you can contact Service Canada by phone instead at 1-833-537-4342.
• With Assistance – You can apply for the CDCP with the help of someone you trust or have a legal delegate apply on your behalf.
• In Person or By Mail – Some local government offices may accept applications in person or by mail, but these are not standard ways to apply.

What Happens Next? After You Apply

Once you’ve submitted your CDCP application, here’s what you should expect next:

Approval Timeline & Tracking Status

It may take several weeks to process your application, depending on the volume of other applications received. You can check the status of your application at any time by using the CDCP online Status Checker tool or calling Service Canada directly.

Welcome Package & Coverage Start Date

Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a letter with your CDCP member ID, your co-payment level (see below), and your coverage start date. Shortly following, you should receive a welcome package from Sun Life that includes your CDCP card and further information about your CDCP coverage.

Please note that you must wait until your coverage start date to access dental care. At that point, you can use Dentist Finder to quickly and conveniently find a local dentist who accepts CDCP coverage!

Understanding Co-Payments By Income

The amount of coverage you’ll receive through the CDCP is based on your adjusted family net income, as follows:

• If your adjusted family net income is lower than $70,000, 100% of eligible oral health care services will be covered at the CDCP established fees.
• If your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $79,999, 60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.
• If your adjusted family net income is between $80,000 and $89,999, 40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.

You are responsible for paying the percentage of oral health care service costs not covered by the CDCP. This is known as the co-payment.

In addition, it’s essential to understand that you are responsible for paying any costs for oral health care services that exceed the CDCP established fees – for example, if your dentist charges a higher fee for a covered service or if you agree to a service that isn’t covered under the CDCP. This is true even if you are at the 100% coverage level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan free?

In most cases, no. While CDCP coverage can drastically reduce dental care costs, you’ll typically still have to pay for:

• Co-payments (depending on your income level)
• Any portion of service charges that exceed the CDCP fee
• Services not covered by the CDCP

When does coverage under the CDCP start after applying?

CDCP coverage usually starts within a few weeks after applying, but the timeframe can vary depending on the current volume of applications.

What dental services are covered under the CDCP?

The CDCP covers a comprehensive range of essential dental services, including diagnostic and preventative services, basic services, major services, anesthesia or sedation services, and even orthodontic services (limited).

Will I have to pay anything out of pocket?

Yes, most people who are enrolled in the CDCP will still have to pay something out of pocket for dental services. See “Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan free?” above.