The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.
SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek welcomes eligible CDCP patients. Our team can help you understand how your CDCP benefits work at our clinic, including what to expect when booking an appointment, which services may be covered, and when you may have an amount to pay.
The CDCP has specific rules about eligibility, covered services, frequency limits, preauthorization and fees. Having CDCP coverage does not necessarily mean that every dental service will be covered in full.
This guide explains how the plan works and what you should know before booking dental care.
Please note: CDCP rules and coverage can change. Your individual coverage is determined by the Government of Canada based on the current program requirements.
Current benefit period: July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
2026–2027 applications: Currently open
Income requirement: Adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000
Private dental insurance: Applicants must not have access to private dental insurance or dental coverage
Who administers the program: Government of Canada, with Sun Life providing claims processing and administrative services
At SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek: Eligible patients with active CDCP coverage can receive covered dental services at our clinic, subject to CDCP requirements.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal public dental program designed to help reduce financial barriers to dental care for eligible Canadians.
The CDCP can contribute toward eligible oral health services, including preventive care, diagnostic services, restorative treatment, periodontal services, dentures and certain oral surgery procedures.
However, the CDCP is not the same as traditional private dental insurance.
Coverage is determined according to the plan’s rules and may depend on:
The CDCP Dental Benefits Guide explains that coverage is determined on an individual basis and may take factors such as oral health status and medical circumstances into consideration.
You must meet all four of the current eligibility requirements to apply.
You cannot have access to private dental insurance or dental coverage through sources such as:
This can apply even if you have never used the available insurance, chose not to enrol in it, or have to pay a premium for the coverage.
There are specific exceptions for certain retirees who opted out of pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in.
You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed your tax return in Canada for the previous year so your family income can be assessed.
Your adjusted family net income must be below $90,000.
The Government of Canada calculates adjusted family net income using information from your tax return and, where applicable, your spouse or common-law partner’s tax return.
You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Having dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program does not necessarily prevent you from qualifying for the CDCP.
If you qualify for both programs, the plans may coordinate coverage to avoid duplication.
Because coordination depends on your individual circumstances, check your eligibility with the Government of Canada.
The CDCP is available to eligible residents who meet the current requirements.
Being a child, adult or senior does not by itself guarantee eligibility.
Similarly, having a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate does not automatically qualify someone for the CDCP. The other eligibility requirements must still be met.
Applying for the CDCP is designed to be simple and accessible.
Your adjusted family net income affects the percentage of the CDCP-established fee that the plan will cover.
For eligible services at the CDCP-established fees, the current coverage levels are:
Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Coverage | Patient Co-payment |
Less than $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
$70,000–$79,999 | 60% | 40% |
$80,000–$89,999 | 40% | 60% |
These percentages are applied to the fees established by the CDCP, not necessarily the regular fee charged by a dental provider.
This distinction is important.
For example, a patient in the 100% coverage category could still have an amount to pay if the provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee or if the service is not covered by the plan.
CDCP coverage does not necessarily mean that your dental care will cost you nothing.
You may have an amount to pay because of:
Depending on your adjusted family net income, you may be responsible for a percentage of the CDCP-established fee.
The CDCP reimburses according to its established fees. If the dental provider’s fee is higher, you may be responsible for the difference.
Some dental procedures are not eligible under the CDCP.
A service may be covered only a certain number of times within a specified period.
Some treatments require approval before the CDCP will consider them for coverage.
The Government of Canada recommends discussing potential costs with your oral health provider before treatment.
The CDCP covers a broad range of eligible oral health services.
Coverage is subject to the specific requirements for each procedure.
Eligible examinations may be covered, including applicable recall and emergency examinations. Frequency limitations apply, and the limitations are based on rolling periods rather than simply resetting on January 1.
Eligible diagnostic X-rays may be covered. Different types of radiographs have different CDCP rules and frequency limitations. Your dental provider will determine which diagnostic images are appropriate based on your oral health needs.
Eligible scaling and periodontal services may be covered. For adults aged 17 and older, the current CDCP frequency limitation for scaling is 4 units in any 12-month period, in combination with root planing. Different limits apply to younger patients. Additional units may be considered through preauthorization when clinical criteria are met.
Eligible fluoride applications may be covered when they meet the CDCP's applicable criteria and frequency limitations.
Certain eligible sealant services may be covered subject to the plan's requirements.
Eligible permanent and temporary fillings may be covered. Coverage depends on the tooth, procedure and applicable CDCP criteria.
Eligible root canal treatment may be covered when the tooth meets the CDCP's eligibility and restorability requirements. Standard root canal treatment on anterior teeth, bicuspids and first and second molars does not generally require preauthorization. However, preauthorization is required for certain procedures, including: • Root canal retreatment • Apicoectomy • Retrofilling • Standard root canal treatment on third molars Frequency limitations also apply to certain endodontic procedures.
Certain crowns may be covered for eligible patients. Crowns require preauthorization and must meet the CDCP's clinical criteria. For example, the current guide states that eligible single-unit crowns are considered for patients aged 18 and older, with specific frequency limitations. Implant-supported crowns are not covered.
Eligible periodontal services may include scaling and root planing. The amount of scaling covered without preauthorization depends on age and the applicable frequency limitations. Additional units may be requested through preauthorization when clinically appropriate.
Eligible complete and partial removable dentures may be covered. The CDCP has specific rules for: • Complete dentures • Partial acrylic dentures • Partial cast dentures • Immediate dentures • Transitional or provisional dentures • Denture repairs • Relines and rebases • Tissue conditioning Some denture services require preauthorization. Frequency limitations also apply. For example, removable partial acrylic dentures are generally covered once every 60 months per arch, while removable partial cast dentures have a 96-month frequency limitation per arch.
Eligible tooth and root extractions may be covered under oral surgery services. The exact coverage depends on the procedure and the applicable CDCP criteria.
Certain oral surgery procedures may be eligible. Some procedures require preauthorization before treatment.
Certain sedation services may be covered when provided in conjunction with an eligible dental procedure. The requirements differ depending on the type of sedation. For example, certain nitrous oxide and oral sedation services may be covered within applicable frequency limitations without preauthorization, while parenteral conscious sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia have additional preauthorization requirements.
Orthodontic services are currently not available under the CDCP.
Dental implants and implant-related procedures are not covered. This includes implant-supported crowns and other implant-related procedures. Other procedures may also be excluded or have specific eligibility requirements. If you are considering treatment that may not be covered, our team can discuss the treatment and potential costs with you.
A frequency limitation means that the CDCP covers a particular service only a certain number of times during a specified period.
These limits are not necessarily based on the calendar year.
For example, if a service has a 12-month frequency limitation, the next eligible date is calculated from when the previous service was provided.
The current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide specifically describes frequency limitations as rolling periods.
If additional treatment is clinically necessary beyond an established frequency limit, your provider may be able to request preauthorization.
Preauthorization is the process used to request CDCP approval before certain dental services are provided.
It helps determine whether a particular service meets the CDCP’s coverage criteria and, where applicable, how much of the service may be covered.
Preauthorization is not required for every procedure.
Some services always require preauthorization, while other services may require it when they exceed established frequency limitations.
The requirements depend on the specific procedure and your individual circumstances.
No.
The CDCP reviews preauthorization requests using its established clinical criteria.
Not every request is approved.
If a preauthorization request is declined, your dental provider can discuss the decision and your treatment options with you.
In some circumstances, a denied preauthorization can be submitted for reconsideration when the applicable requirements are met.
When appropriate, your dental provider can submit an estimate to Sun Life to help determine:
An estimate is helpful for planning, but it is not a guarantee of payment.
Your final coverage depends on the CDCP rules and your eligibility at the time the service is provided.
When appropriate, your dental provider can submit an estimate to Sun Life to help determine:
An estimate is helpful for planning, but it is not a guarantee of payment.
Your final coverage depends on the CDCP rules and your eligibility at the time the service is provided.
If you have active CDCP coverage and are looking for a dental provider in Findlay Creek, you can contact SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek to request an appointment.
When booking, tell our team that you are covered under the CDCP.
This allows us to gather the information needed to prepare for your visit.
You do not have to wait for the physical Sun Life member card before receiving care, provided your coverage is active and you can provide the required CDCP information.
You should not receive CDCP-covered dental care before your benefit coverage start date.
Your CDCP enrollment letter will indicate when your coverage begins.
Only eligible care received after your coverage start date can be covered.
Your provider should confirm that your coverage is active before treatment and at subsequent appointments.
If you receive eligible care from a participating oral health provider, the provider submits the claim to Sun Life.
Patients do not submit their own CDCP claims to receive reimbursement.
You are responsible for any applicable co-payments and other costs that are not covered by the CDCP.
If you pay the entire dental bill yourself, the CDCP does not reimburse you directly.
Your dental provider can explain the treatment recommended for your oral health and discuss your options.
If a service is not covered, or if the CDCP does not approve a preauthorization request, you may still choose to proceed with the treatment.
In that situation, you would be responsible for the applicable cost.
Before proceeding, ask about the expected fee and what portion, if any, the CDCP is expected to cover.
Applications for the 2026–2027 benefit period are currently open.
The Government of Canada application process requires information for each applicant and, where applicable, their spouse or common-law partner.
You may need:
You can apply online through the Government of Canada.
The CDCP does not charge a fee to apply or renew. Be cautious of messages, websites or calls asking you to pay to apply or renew your coverage.
After your application has been processed, the Government of Canada will confirm whether you are enrolled.
If you are enrolled, your confirmation will include important information such as:
You can check your status online or by phone.
You can also view your CDCP information through My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
Once you are enrolled, Sun Life will send a welcome package containing your physical CDCP member card and information about the plan.
Again, you do not have to wait for the physical card to receive care if your coverage is active and you have the required information.
CDCP coverage is provided for a defined benefit period and must be renewed each year.
The current benefit period is:
July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
The renewal period for the 2026–2027 benefit year has closed.
If you had CDCP coverage for 2025–2026 but did not renew by the deadline, the Government of Canada advises that you can re-apply for the 2026–2027 benefit year. However, there may be a gap in coverage. Dental care received during a gap is not covered retroactively.
Future renewal dates are set by the Government of Canada and may change.
You can check your CDCP application and coverage information through the Government of Canada’s online services.
Your CDCP information can include your:
You can also contact the CDCP directly if you have questions about your eligibility, application or coverage.
Yes. SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek welcomes eligible patients with active CDCP coverage.
Our team can provide general information about using your CDCP benefits for dental care at our clinic.
No.
CDCP eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada.
Our team can help with questions related to your dental appointment and the services provided at our clinic, but we cannot determine your eligibility for the program.
No. Applications and eligibility decisions are handled by the Government of Canada.
If you need assistance applying, the Government of Canada provides options for having someone help you with the application process.
Not necessarily.
You may have a co-payment or additional amount to pay depending on your income, the CDCP-established fee, the dental provider’s fee and whether the service is covered.
Not necessarily.
The 100% coverage rate applies to the CDCP-established fee for an eligible service. If the provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee, you may still have an amount to pay.
Eligible emergency examinations and certain emergency dental services may be covered, depending on the CDCP requirements.
If you have severe dental pain, swelling, trauma or another urgent dental concern, contact a dental provider promptly.
Eligible wisdom tooth extractions may be covered when they meet the applicable CDCP requirements.
Your dental provider can determine what treatment is clinically appropriate.
Yes. Eligible complete and partial removable dentures may be covered.
Specific frequency limitations and preauthorization requirements apply to some denture services.
No. Dental implants and implant-related procedures are not covered under the CDCP.
No. Orthodontic services are currently not available under the CDCP.
You can appeal the decision. Instructions will be provided in your denial notice.
Eligible root canal treatment may be covered.
Some procedures require preauthorization, while standard root canal treatment on certain teeth does not generally require preauthorization.
Certain crowns may be covered when they meet the CDCP’s requirements.
Crowns require preauthorization and are subject to eligibility and frequency criteria.
Eligible scaling and periodontal services may be covered, subject to frequency limitations.
Additional units may require preauthorization.
Yes, if your CDCP coverage is active and you can provide the required information, including your member ID, identification, coverage start date and co-payment level.
You should not wait for the physical card if your coverage is already active.
You should not receive CDCP-covered care before your coverage start date.
Confirm your start date before your appointment and make sure your coverage is active.
You may still qualify for CDCP if you receive dental coverage through a federal, provincial or territorial government social program.
Where applicable, the programs may coordinate coverage.
A denied preauthorization does not necessarily mean you cannot receive the treatment.
Your dental provider can discuss your options and any associated costs with you. Certain denied preauthorization requests may also be eligible for reconsideration under the CDCP process.
In some circumstances, additional services may be considered through preauthorization.
The CDCP evaluates requests according to its clinical criteria and supporting documentation. Not every request will be approved.
Because CDCP policies can change, the Government of Canada should always be your primary source for the latest information about:
Government of Canada
If your CDCP coverage is active and you’re looking for a dental provider in Findlay Creek, SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek is here to help.
Whether you’re due for an examination and cleaning or have a dental concern you’d like to have assessed, our team can help you understand the next steps for your dental care.
Let us know that you have CDCP coverage when you contact us so we can help prepare for your appointment.
Ready to book? Contact SmileOn Dental Findlay Creek today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not an official Government of Canada publication.
CDCP eligibility, covered services, fees, co-payments, frequency limitations, preauthorization requirements, benefit periods and other program policies may change.
Coverage is determined by the Canadian Dental Care Plan according to its current rules and your individual circumstances. A dental provider’s estimate or preauthorization decision does not necessarily guarantee final payment.
Patients should confirm their individual CDCP coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs before receiving treatment.
For the most current information, please refer to the official Government of Canada Canadian Dental Care Plan resources.
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