Understanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Who qualifies, what is covered, and how to apply.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental care more affordable for eligible residents who do not have private dental insurance. Here is a clear overview of who qualifies, what is covered, and how to apply.

What is the CDCP?

A federal program, administered with Sun Life, that covers a range of dental services for eligible Canadian residents without private dental insurance. It is now open to all eligible age groups, including seniors 65 and older.

Who qualifies

To be eligible, you generally need to meet all of the following:

You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
You do not have access to private dental insurance.
Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000 per year.
You have filed your tax return for the previous year.

What is covered

The plan helps pay for many common services, subject to plan rules, including exams and cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions and oral surgery, and complete and partial dentures.

What you might pay

The share the plan pays depends on your adjusted family net income:

Under $70,000: no co-payment
$70,000 to $79,999: you pay 40 percent
$80,000 to $89,999: you pay 60 percent

The plan reimburses at set rates, so it is wise to ask about any out of pocket costs before treatment.

How to apply

You can apply online or by phone through the Government of Canada. Once approved, you receive a Sun Life member card and can book care with a participating provider. For the most current details, visit canada.ca/dental.

Questions about using your coverage?

We help seniors across Eastern Ontario make the most of their CDCP coverage.