Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Complete Guide 2026

Canada's federal dental insurance program now covers over 6.5 million approved applicants, with more than 4.3 million people having received dental treatment since the program launched ^[6]. If you have no private dental insurance and your family income is under $90,000, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) could save you thousands in dental costs - potentially paying 100% of your bills ^[1][3]. This guide covers everything: eligibility, what is and isn't covered, co-payment tiers, how to apply, and what changed in April 2026.

What is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government dental insurance program designed to reduce dental costs for low- and middle-income Canadians who lack private dental coverage ^[1]. Launched in December 2023 with a $13 billion budget over 10 years, it is managed by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada on behalf of Health Canada ^[1][11].

Key facts:

• Not universal - income-tested with a $90,000 family income cap ^[2]
• Not a direct payment - Sun Life pays participating dentists directly ^[7]
• No premiums - you pay $0 to join (only co-payments based on income) ^[3]
• Annual enrollment - must apply or renew each benefit year ^[4][13]
• 28,334 participating oral health providers across Canada as of April 2026 ^[6]

The program grew out of the 2022 NDP-Liberal confidence-and-supply agreement, which included dental care as a condition ^[11][12].

Who is eligible?

You must meet all four of these requirements ^[2]:

1. No access to private dental insurance

You must not have dental coverage through any of the following ^[2]:

• Your or a family member's employer benefits (including health/wellness spending accounts)
• Your or a family member's pension plan (including federal/provincial/territorial employer pensions)
• A professional or student organization
• An insurance policy you, a family member, or a group plan purchased privately

Important: If you are eligible for private dental insurance but chose not to enroll, are not using it, or would have to pay premiums, you are still considered to have access and do not qualify ^[2].

One exception: Retirees who opted out of their pension dental plan before December 11, 2023, and whose plan rules prevent re-enrollment, may still qualify ^[2].

2. Filed your tax return

Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed the previous year's Canadian tax return and received your Notice of Assessment ^[2][4].

3. Adjusted family net income under $90,000

Your Adjusted Family Net Income must be below $90,000 ^[2][3]. You can lower your AFNI by contributing to an RRSP or FHSA.

4. Canadian resident for tax purposes

You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes as determined by the CRA ^[2].

Status	Eligible?
Canadian citizen	Yes (if other requirements met)
Permanent resident	Yes (if other requirements met)
Refugee	Yes (if tax resident and other requirements met)
Temporary resident (work/study permit)	Yes (if CRA considers you a tax resident)
Non-resident	No

Key point: The requirement is "Canadian resident for tax purposes" - not citizenship or PR status. If CRA treats you as a tax resident and you meet all other criteria, you can apply regardless of immigration status ^[2].

Government social program dental coverage

If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program, you may still qualify for CDCP. Coverage will be coordinated between CDCP and your existing program so there are no gaps or overlaps ^[2].

💡 Check your eligibility and co-payment tier: Use our Benefits Calculator to calculate your AFNI and see your CDCP coverage level.

How much will I pay? (Co-payment tiers)

CDCP has no premiums - it is free to join. Your out-of-pocket cost depends entirely on your income tier ^[3]:

Adjusted Family Net Income	CDCP Pays	You Pay (Co-payment)
Under $70,000	100%	$0 (free)
$70,000 - $79,999	60%	40%
$80,000 - $89,999	40%	60%
$90,000 or more	Not eligible	N/A

Additional costs to watch for

Even with CDCP coverage, you may face extra charges ^[3][5]:

1. Fee difference - If your dentist's actual fee is higher than the CDCP fee schedule, you pay the gap
2. Non-covered services - If you agree to receive a service that CDCP does not cover

Tip: Always ask your dentist before treatment whether there will be any charges beyond what CDCP covers. Get the amount in writing ^[3].

What services are covered?

CDCP covers a wide range of oral health services. Some require preauthorization (approval before treatment) ^[3][5].

Diagnostic services

Service	Frequency Limit
Complete oral exam	Once per 60 months (5 years)
Recall exam	Once per 12 months
Emergency exam	No limit
Infant first dental visit (under 3)	Once per lifetime

Annual exam cap: Maximum 3 exams per 12 months (specialist exams counted separately) ^[5].

X-rays

Type	Frequency Limit
Intraoral (1-8 films)	8 films per 12 months
Full mouth series (12-16 films)	Once per 60 months
Panoramic	Once per 60 months; max 3 per lifetime

Preventive services

Service	Ages 0-11	Ages 12-16	Ages 17+
Polishing	1/2 unit per 12 months	1/2 unit per 12 months	1/2 unit per 12 months
Fluoride treatment	Once per 6 months	Once per 6 months	Once per 12 months
Antimicrobial agents (SDF)	2 per 12 months	2 per 12 months	2 per 12 months

Sealants: Ages 17 and under only, on permanent molars, premolars, and upper incisor lingual surfaces. Up to 2 per eligible tooth per lifetime ^[5].

Restorative services

Service	Details
Fillings	Once per tooth surface per 24 months
Cores and posts	4 per patient per 120 months (10 years), ages 18+ only
Crowns	Preauthorization required, ages 18+, 4 per patient per 120 months, 1 per tooth per 96 months
Crown repairs	Once per tooth per 36 months

Crown eligibility criteria (ages 18+ only) ^[5]:

• No active periodontal disease
• Adequate periodontal support (crown-to-root ratio 1:1 or less)
• Cosmetic-only crowns are not covered

Root canal treatment (endodontics)

Service	Preauthorization	Frequency
Standard root canal	Not required	-
Root canal retreatment	Required	Once per tooth per lifetime
Apicoectomy	Required	Once per tooth per lifetime
Third molar root canal	Required	-

Scaling and periodontal services

Service	Ages 0-11	Ages 12-16	Ages 17+
Scaling	1/2 unit per 12 months	1 unit per 12 months	4 units per 12 months (includes root planing)
Desensitization	2 units per 12 months (preauth required as of April 2026)	2 units per 12 months	2 units per 12 months

Additional scaling units beyond the limit can be requested through preauthorization ^[5].

Dentures (removable prosthodontics)

• Complete dentures - covered with preauthorization
• Partial dentures - covered with preauthorization
• Denture repairs, relining, rebasing - covered ^[5]

Oral surgery

• Simple extractions - no preauthorization needed
• Complex oral surgery - preauthorization required ^[5]

Sedation

Service	Preauthorization	Frequency
Nitrous oxide / oral sedation	Not required (within limits)	4 sessions per 12 months
Parenteral conscious sedation	Required	1 session per 12 months
Deep sedation / general anesthesia	Required	Per preauthorization

What is NOT covered? (Exclusions)

The following are never covered under CDCP ^[3][5]:

• Veneers (composite or ceramic)
• 3/4 crowns
• Cosmetic treatments (including teeth whitening)
• Inlays and onlays
• TMJ treatment and devices
• Fixed prosthodontics (bridges) and all bridge-related procedures
• Periodontal appliances (night guards / bruxism devices included)
• Mouth guards
• Crown lengthening
• Dental implants and all implant-related procedures
• Bone grafts
• Extensive reconstruction
• Precision attachment partial dentures
• Fluorescence diagnostic light

Does the CDCP cover braces (orthodontics)?

This is one of the most common questions. The short answer: barely ^[5].

The CDCP Dental Benefits Guide (effective April 1, 2026) states that limited orthodontic services "can be requested at a date to be determined" ^[5]. This means orthodontics is included in the plan but has not been implemented yet.

Who might qualify (when it launches)?

Children under 18: Only those with severe, functionally handicapping malocclusion as measured by the Modified Handicapping Labio-Lingual Deviation (HLD) Index ^[5].

Adults 18+: Only those with a craniofacial anomaly (such as cleft lip and palate) that is associated with severe functional malocclusion ^[5].

Question	Answer
Regular braces for crooked teeth?	Not covered
Invisalign?	Not covered
Cosmetic orthodontics?	Not covered
Braces for severe functional issues (children)?	May be covered when implemented
Braces for cleft lip/palate (adults)?	May be covered when implemented
When will orthodontics launch?	"At a date to be determined"

Bottom line: If you or your child needs orthodontic treatment for general alignment or cosmetic reasons, CDCP will not help. The orthodontic benefit is reserved for rare, medically severe cases - and even those cannot be accessed yet ^[5].

How to apply

Current status (May 2026)

• Benefit Year 2025-2026 new applications: Closed
• Benefit Year 2026-2027 new applications: Opening June 2, 2026
• Renewal for existing members: Open until June 1, 2026 ^[4][13]

Application methods

Online: Through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or Canada.ca ^[4]

By phone: Call 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262) ^[4]

What you need

• SIN (Social Insurance Number) - for children as well, if available
• Date of birth
• Full legal name
• Home and mailing address
• List of any government social program dental coverage (if applicable)
• Previous year's tax return must be filed + Notice of Assessment received (for you and your spouse/partner) ^[4]

Renewal

CDCP coverage must be renewed every benefit year. If you miss the deadline, your coverage ends. After coverage lapses, you must reapply when the next enrollment period opens ^[13].

Fraud warning

CDCP never charges a fee to apply or renew. Be suspicious of any mail, calls, texts, or emails asking for payment or personal financial information for CDCP enrollment ^[4].

Finding a participating dentist

CDCP operates on a participating provider system. Only dentists, dental hygienists, and denturists registered with the program can bill Sun Life directly ^[7].

Provider numbers (as of April 30, 2026)

Province/Territory	Dentists/Specialists	Denturists	Independent Hygienists	Total
Ontario	10,824	642	900	12,364
Quebec	4,698	805	154	5,656
British Columbia	3,852	248	174	4,274
Alberta	2,942	313	239	3,494
Manitoba	790	41	<10	N/A
Nova Scotia	576	33	32	641
Saskatchewan	564	64	11	639
New Brunswick	367	30	42	439
Newfoundland and Labrador	253	19	23	295
Prince Edward Island	80	<10	<10	N/A
NT/NU/YT	77	<10	<10	N/A
Canada Total	24,580	2,171	1,586	28,334

Can I use a non-participating dentist?

No. You must use a CDCP-registered provider to receive coverage. CDCP members cannot submit claims for reimbursement - only participating providers can bill Sun Life ^[7].

How to find a provider

• Call Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre: 1-888-888-8110
• Use the CDCP Coverage Look-up tool on Sun Life Direct
• Find a CDCP provider near you - Sun Life's official provider search tool
• Ask your dentist directly whether they participate in CDCP ^[7]

Are there waiting periods?

CDCP does not have traditional waiting periods like private insurance. Once approved, you can receive services within your benefit year ^[5].

However, keep in mind:

• Preauthorization delays - Services requiring preauthorization take time to approve before treatment can begin ^[8]
• Preauthorization validity - Most approvals are valid for up to 12 months; some preventive/periodontal services up to 24 months ^[5]
• Orthodontics - Indefinitely delayed (not yet implemented) ^[5]
• Benefit year timing - If enrollment closes, you must wait for the next period (e.g., 2025-2026 closed; next opens June 2, 2026) ^[4]

Annual limits

CDCP does not set an explicit annual dollar maximum like most private insurance plans ^[5]. Instead, it manages utilization through frequency limits on each service:

• Exams: Up to 3 per 12 months
• Scaling: 4 units per 12 months (adults)
• Crowns: 4 per patient per 120 months (10 years)
• Root canal retreatment: Once per tooth per lifetime

If you need services beyond the standard frequency, you can request additional coverage through preauthorization ^[5][8].

CDCP vs private dental insurance

The most important rule: if you have access to private dental insurance, you cannot use CDCP ^[2].

This is strict. Even if you:

• Are eligible for employer insurance but chose not to enroll
• Have insurance but never use it
• Would have to pay premiums to activate it

...you are still considered to have "access" and do not qualify ^[2].

What counts as private dental insurance?

• Employer benefits (yours or a family member's)
• Pension plan dental coverage
• Health/wellness spending accounts
• Professional or student organization plans
• Any privately purchased policy ^[2]

Employer risk

Some employers may be tempted to drop dental benefits and push employees toward CDCP. The federal government is monitoring this, as it would significantly increase program costs (currently approximately $4.4 billion per year) ^[11].

Coordination with government programs

If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program (not private insurance), you may still be eligible for CDCP. Benefits will be coordinated to prevent gaps and overlaps ^[2].

CDCP vs provincial dental programs

CDCP does not replace provincial programs - it fills gaps ^[1][11].

By Province/Territory

Ontario - Healthy Smiles Ontario

• Who: Children under 17 from low-income families
• Covers: Preventive, basic restorative, emergency
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

British Columbia - BC Dental Supplement

• Who: Social assistance recipients, low-income seniors
• Covers: Basic dental, dentures
• Implants/Bridges: No (NIHB covers for Indigenous)
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Quebec - RAMQ Dental

• Who: Children under 10, seniors 65+ on GIS, social assistance
• Covers: Exams, fillings, extractions, dentures
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: Limited (children under 16, severe cases)
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Alberta - Alberta Adult Health Benefit

• Who: Social assistance recipients (AISH, Income Support)
• Covers: Basic dental services
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Saskatchewan - Supplementary Health Program

• Who: Social assistance recipients, low-income seniors
• Covers: Basic dental
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Manitoba - Manitoba Smiles

• Who: Children under 18 (income under $45K)
• Covers: Preventive, basic restorative
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

New Brunswick - NB Dental Program

• Who: Children under 19, seniors 65+ on low income
• Covers: Preventive, basic restorative
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Nova Scotia - MSI Dental Programs

• Who: Children under 15, social assistance, low-income seniors
• Covers: Preventive, basic restorative, dentures
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

PEI - Children's Dental Health Program

• Who: Children in school (grades Primary-6)
• Covers: Preventive, sealants, basic treatment
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None

Newfoundland and Labrador - NL Adult Dental Program

• Who: Social assistance, low-income seniors
• Covers: Emergency, basic restorative, dentures
• Implants/Bridges: No
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Yukon - Yukon Dental Programs

• Who: Social assistance, seniors, children
• Covers: Comprehensive including some major
• Implants/Bridges: Limited
• Orthodontics: Children only
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Northwest Territories - Extended Health Benefits

• Who: Indigenous residents, seniors, social assistance
• Covers: Comprehensive
• Implants/Bridges: Yes (for Indigenous under NIHB)
• Orthodontics: Yes (NIHB)
• Co-pay: None for eligible

Nunavut - Extended Health Benefits

• Who: All Nunavut residents (limited)
• Covers: Emergency, basic
• Implants/Bridges: Limited
• Orthodontics: No
• Co-pay: None

Key differences ^[1][11]:

1. CDCP covers all ages - most provincial programs target only children or seniors
2. CDCP is income-based - provincial programs are often age- or social-assistance-based
3. CDCP excludes implants and bridges - NIHB (Indigenous program) covers them
4. Both can be used together through benefit coordination

What changed in April 2026?

Several updates took effect on April 1, 2026 ^[10]:

1. Fee increases - CDCP established fees increased from 2025 levels, potentially reducing co-payments for some patients
2. Commercial laboratory fee increases - May reduce patient co-payments and increase provider reimbursement
3. Desensitization now requires preauthorization - All desensitization services now need prior approval (previously some were automatic) ^[10]
4. Complete immediate dentures no longer need preauthorization - Easier access for patients needing immediate dentures after extractions
5. Expanded denture liner coverage - Additional codes available without preauthorization
6. Hygienist periapical radiograph billing simplified - 7- and 8-film codes now billable directly

Enrollment statistics

As of April 30, 2026 ^[6]:

• 6,581,617 approved applicants (Benefit Year 2025-2026)
• 3,634,660 have received treatment (about 55% utilization rate)
• 4,342,617 cumulative unique individuals treated since CDCP launched
• 28,334 participating oral health providers

Top provinces by enrollment ^[6]:

1. Ontario - 2,714,032 approved
2. Quebec - 1,834,292 approved
3. British Columbia - 859,937 approved
4. Alberta - 466,788 approved

Known issues and criticisms

Dentist participation concerns

While 24,580 dentists have joined, some providers remain reluctant due to CDCP fee schedules being lower than their standard rates ^[11].

Coverage gaps

Major exclusions - implants, bridges, orthodontics, TMJ treatment, night guards - leave significant gaps, especially for patients who need fixed tooth replacements rather than removable dentures ^[5][11].

Administrative burden

Preauthorization requirements add complexity and delays. Dentists report increased paperwork and processing times ^[11].

Provincial program sustainability

The federal government did not secure guarantees from provinces to maintain existing dental programs. There is a risk that provinces could reduce their own programs and offload costs to CDCP ^[11].

Processing delays

High application volumes have caused delays in both enrollment processing and preauthorization decisions ^[11].

Key Takeaways

• CDCP is free to join and covers dental care for families with income under $90,000 who lack private insurance
• Families under $70,000 income pay nothing - CDCP covers 100% ^[3]
• You must use a participating dentist - check with Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110
• Implants, bridges, and cosmetic work are not covered ^[5]
• Orthodontics is technically included but not yet implemented ^[5]
• Benefit Year 2026-2027 applications open June 2, 2026 ^[4]
• Both you and your spouse must file your tax returns to qualify ^[2]
• Renewal is required every year - do not let your coverage lapse ^[13]

FAQ

Q: What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? A: The CDCP is a federal dental insurance program for Canadians with family income under $90,000 and no private dental coverage. Sun Life administers the plan, paying participating dentists directly ^[1].

Q: Who qualifies for the CDCP? A: You need all four: (1) no private dental insurance access, (2) filed last year's tax return, (3) adjusted family net income under $90,000, and (4) Canadian tax resident status ^[2].

Q: Can I apply if I'm on a work permit or study permit? A: Yes, if CRA considers you a Canadian resident for tax purposes and you meet all other requirements. Eligibility is based on tax residency, not immigration status ^[2].

Q: How much will I pay out of pocket? A: Income under $70,000: nothing. $70,000-$79,999: 40% co-pay. $80,000-$89,999: 60% co-pay. Your dentist may also charge the difference between their fee and the CDCP rate ^[3].

Q: Are braces covered by CDCP? A: Almost never. Only children with severe functional malocclusion and adults with craniofacial anomalies (like cleft palate) may qualify. General orthodontics, Invisalign, and cosmetic alignment are not covered. The service has not launched yet ^[5].

Q: Are implants covered? A: No. All implant-related procedures are explicitly excluded ^[5].

Q: Can I see any dentist? A: No. Only CDCP-participating providers can bill Sun Life. Contact Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110 to find a provider ^[7].

Q: Is there an annual dollar cap? A: No dollar cap. CDCP uses frequency limits instead - for example, 3 exams per year and 4 scaling units per year for adults ^[5].

Q: Can I use CDCP with a provincial dental program? A: Yes. Having coverage from a government social program does not disqualify you. Benefits are coordinated between programs ^[2].

Q: When can I apply for 2026-2027? A: Applications for Benefit Year 2026-2027 open on June 2, 2026 ^[4].

Q: What if my employer offers dental insurance but I didn't enroll? A: You do not qualify for CDCP. Having "access" to private coverage - even if you chose not to use it - disqualifies you ^[2].

Q: Do I have to renew every year? A: Yes. Coverage must be renewed each benefit year. Missing the deadline means your coverage ends ^[13].

Q: Does CDCP cover root canals? A: Yes. Standard root canals do not require preauthorization. Retreatments and apicoectomies need preauthorization and are limited to once per tooth per lifetime ^[5].

Q: Are dentures covered? A: Yes. Complete and partial dentures are covered with preauthorization. Repairs, relining, and rebasing are also covered ^[5].

Q: Is teeth whitening covered? A: No. All cosmetic treatments - whitening, veneers, and cosmetic procedures - are explicitly excluded from CDCP ^[5].