Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

About the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federally funded program created to make dental care accessible and affordable for millions of Canadians. Officially launched in December 2023, the CDCP is a significant step forward in improving oral health nationwide by removing cost barriers that prevent many from seeking dental treatment. This plan covers a wide range of dental services, from routine checkups and cleanings to major restorative procedures, ensuring that Canadians of all ages have the support they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

At SmileOn Dental, we proudly participate in the CDCP to help eligible patients access high-quality care with reduced or no out-of-pocket expenses.

Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?

Eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is based on age, income level, and whether you
have access to private dental insurance.

Eligibility Groups & Application Timeline:

  • Seniors (65 and older) – Applications have been open since December 2023.
  •  Children under 18 – Applications opened June 27, 2024.
  •  Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) – Applications opened June 27, 2024.
  • All other adults (18–64) without private dental coverage – Applications open May
    2025, with coverage beginning June 1, 2025:

Income Criteria:

  • $70,000 or less (adjusted family net income): 100% coverage of eligible services (at
    CDCP rates)
  • $70,001–$79,999: 60% coverage of eligible services
  • $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage of eligible services

 

Those with an adjusted family net income above $90,000 do not qualify.

How to Apply for the CDCP

Applying for the CDCP is designed to be simple and accessible.

Confirm Eligibility

  • Step 1

Review the age, income, and insurance requirements to ensure you qualify.

Step 1
Step 2

Gather Required Documents

  • Step 2

Prepare the following documents for yourself (and your spouse/common-law partner, if
applicable):

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Proof of age (e.g., birth certificate, driver’s license)
  • Proof of income (CRA Notice of Assessment from your most recent tax year)
  • Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, government-issued ID)
  • Disability Tax Credit certificate (if applicable)

Apply Online

  • Step 3

Submit your application via the official CDCP portal during your designated application period.

Step 3
Step 3

Receive Confirmation

  • Step 3

Submit your application via the official CDCP portal during your designated application period.

Receive Confirmation

  • Step 4

Once approved, you’ll receive an enrollment confirmation from Sun Life, which administers the
program, followed by a welcome package and member card.

Step 4
Step 5

Start Using Your Benefits

  • Step 5

Bring your CDCP details to SmileOn Dental, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Need help? You can apply with the assistance of a trusted person (family/friend) or a legal representative.

How to Apply for the CDCP

The CDCP provides extensive coverage to support both preventive and restorative dental care, including:

  • Preventive Care – Routine check-ups, dental cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealants.
  • Diagnostic Services – Exams and X-rays for early detection of dental problems.
  • Restorative Services – Fillings, crowns, inlays, and onlays to repair damaged teeth.
  • Endodontic Services – Root canal treatments to save infected teeth.
  • Periodontal Services – Deep scaling and root planing to treat gum disease.
  • Prosthodontics – Complete or partial dentures to replace missing teeth.
  • Oral Surgery – Tooth extractions and other surgical procedures as required.
  • Emergency Dental Care – Immediate treatment for urgent dental issues.

 

Orthodontic Services (from 2025) – Coverage for braces and other treatments that improve oral health outcomes, subject to preauthorization.

Fees and Cost-Sharing

The CDCP covers a large portion of dental fees, with co-payments determined by your income:

  • Under $70,000: 100% coverage at CDCP rates, no co-payment.
  • $70,000–$79,999: 60% coverage (you pay 40%).
  • $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage (you pay 60%).

 

Important to Know:

  • If a dentist charges above CDCP rates, you are responsible for the difference.
  • Certain treatments require preauthorization (prior approval).
  • Services outside the CDCP scope (e.g., cosmetic dentistry) are not covered.

CDCP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A federal program providing affordable dental care to eligible Canadians who lack private coverage.

The program is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada.

It launched in December 2023 and is rolling out in phases through 2025.

Seniors (65+), children under 18, adults with a Disability Tax Credit, and adults (18–64) without private dental coverage meeting income criteria.

Adjusted family net income of under $90,000.

Yes, applications for children opened June 27, 2024.

If you have access to private insurance, you are not eligible.

Apply online through the official CDCP portal during your eligibility phase.

SIN, proof of income (CRA Notice of Assessment), proof of residency, and Disability Tax Credit certificate (if applicable).

Yes, a trusted person or legal representative can assist.

You can appeal the decision. Instructions will be provided in your denial notice.

Preventive, diagnostic, restorative, periodontal, prosthodontic, endodontic, oral surgery, emergency care, and orthodontics (from 2025).

40–100% of CDCP fees depending on your income bracket.

The portion of the cost you pay out-of-pocket based on your income.

No. Cosmetic services like teeth whitening and veneers are not covered.

Yes, urgent dental issues are covered.

Yes, starting in 2025, but preauthorization is required.

Reach out to us at SmileOn Dental—we’re proud to participate in the CDCP.

Check the official CDCP website and SmileOn Dental’s updates page.

How SmileOn Dental Supports CDCP Patients

At SmileOn Dental, we:

  • Accept CDCP patients and handle direct billing whenever possible.
  • Assist with applications by guiding you through the process.
  • Provide comprehensive care covered under the CDCP, ensuring you maximize your benefits.

Ready to Apply or Book?

 

Take advantage of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and make your oral health a priority—affordably and stress-free.