Canadian Dental Care Plan

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) What You Need to Know

Who it’s for: Low and middle-income Canadians
What is the CDCP?

What it covers: Basic dental care like cleanings, exams, fillings
What dental services are covered?

Cost: Based on income
View CDCP Eligibility Requirements

Application: Apply via government portal
Apply now

Next step: Check your eligibility here

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new government-funded initiative designed to make essential dental services more affordable for Canadians. Whether you’re wondering who qualifies for the CDCP, what dental work is covered, or how to apply, this guide explains everything you need to know — in plain English.

From eligibility criteria to booking your first visit, we’ll walk you through every step. Dental care is healthcare, and while Canamera Dentistry is a proud CDCP-approved provider, our goal is to help you understand the program and get the care you need — wherever you choose to go.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new federal initiative launched in 2024 to make routine dental care more accessible to Canadians. Designed to ease the financial burden of oral health costs, the CDCP is a collaborative effort between three key organizations: Health Canada oversees the program, Service Canada supports application processing, and Sun Life Financial is responsible for handling claims and administrative tasks. Together, they deliver a national dental plan aimed at improving access to care for low- and middle-income households.

The plan is open to Canadian residents who meet certain income and insurance criteria, and it covers a wide range of preventive and restorative services. It’s one of the most significant expansions of public dental care in Canadian history.

The great news is you don’t need private dental insurance to benefit.

What Dental Services Are Covered?

The CDCP covers a broad list of common dental treatments. While specifics can vary by age and health needs, here’s what’s generally included.

Essential care covered by CDCP

  • Dental exams and cleanings
  • X-rays and fluoride treatments
  • Fillings and tooth extractions
  • Root canals and dentures
  • Some periodontal services (e.g., scaling)

Not covered

  • Cosmetic procedures (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers)
  • Orthodontics (e.g., braces, Invisalign) — unless medically necessary

Coverage levels can vary based on income. If you qualify for full benefits, you may not pay anything out of pocket. Partial coverage may include a co-payment.

Full list of covered services

CDCP Eligibility Requirements

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is available to Canadian residents who meet all of the following criteria:

  • No access to private dental insurance
  • Filed your taxes last year
  • Annual family net income is under $90,000
  • Have a valid Canadian health card (e.g., OHIP in Ontario)

Your income level determines what CDCP will cover and what your co-payment may be:

  • Below $70,000 – You may qualify for 100% coverage
  • Between $70,000–$79,999 – You may pay 40% of service costs, CDCP covers 60%
  • Between $80,000–$89,999 – You may pay 60% of service costs, CDCP covers 40%

What About Children and Seniors?

Children, seniors, and people with disabilities are eligible as long as they meet the same criteria above. Coverage and co-pays may differ slightly depending on age and medical needs.

When Can You Apply?

All eligible Canadians can now apply. Ensure you meet the criteria first before applying. You can apply online through the CDCP portal or by mail once your phase is open.

Check Your Eligibility

Want to check your eligibility in 60 seconds?

Use Our CDCP Eligibility Checker

How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) application process is straightforward. Follow these steps to get covered and start booking your appointments.

Step 1 – Check if You’re Eligible

Before applying, confirm you meet all of the following:

  • No access to private dental insurance
  • Filed your previous year’s tax return
  • Canadian resident with a valid SIN
  • Household income under $90,000

💡 Use our CDCP Eligibility Checker to confirm in under a minute.

Step 2 – Apply Online or by Phone

Enrolment for CDCP is now open to everyone who is eligible and can be done through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You’ll get an Application Code or Client Number when you apply online — keep it in a safe place.

If you got a letter from Service Canada, check the upper right-hand corner for that number.

If you’re unsuccessful applying online, contact Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).

Step 3 – Check Your CDCP Status

Check your status online at the Canadian Dental Care Plan Status Checker using your Application Code or Client Number along with your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

After approval, you’ll get:

  • Your CDCP Coverage ID
  • A list of approved providers
  • Details on covered services

Once enrolled, you can book a CDCP dentist appointment immediately.

Find and Book a CDCP Dentist in Cambridge — Fast & Easy

If you’ve recently qualified for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you might be wondering where to go for your first appointment. At Canamera Dentistry, we proudly welcome new patients and are fully approved to offer CDCP-covered services.

Whether it’s your first time using your benefits or you’re switching from another clinic, our team is here to make the process seamless.

  • Free CDCP eligibility check – we’ll confirm your coverage in minutes
  • Direct billing through Sun Life – no need to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement
  • A customized treatment plan – designed to maximize your CDCP benefits

How to Check if Your Dentist is a CDCP Provider

You can confirm your provider status in three easy ways:

  1. Call Canamera Dentistry – we’re a CDCP provider and we’ll verify your CDCP status and help you book your first visit.
  2. Check your welcome package from Sun Life, the official CDCP administrator — it usually includes a list of approved providers.
  3. Use the CDC Provider Search Tool to find a provider near you

💡 We recommend always calling your dental clinic to confirm CDCP participation and ask what treatments are included.

Ready to Get the Dental Care You Need?

Join hundreds of patients across Cambridge, Ontario who are already using their CDCP benefits at Canamera Dentistry.

Book Now — Call us today or use our online booking form to schedule your first CDCP-covered visit.

Book Online

CDCP vs Private Dental Insurance

Navigating dental coverage can be confusing — especially if you already have private dental insurance and are now eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Here’s a clear breakdown of how the two compare.

Feature CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan) Private Dental Insurance
Cost No premiums; income-based co-pays if applicable Monthly premiums ($30–$100+), plus co-pays
Eligibility Income + tax filing + no private dental insurance Open to anyone who applies and pays
Coverage Essential services (exams, cleanings, fillings, some major) Often broader (crowns, ortho), varies by plan
Provider Rules Must use CDCP-participating providers Most licensed dentists qualify
Billing Direct billing administered via CDCP Dentist bills insurer or you submit a claim
Limits Income/fee schedules; some preauthorization Annual maximums, waiting periods may apply
Best For Low- to middle-income households without private insurance People wanting broader coverage and willing to pay premiums

Can I Have Both?

  • CDCP is intended for Canadians without private dental coverage.
  • A narrow retiree opt-out exception may apply (for those who opted out of pension dental coverage before the federal cutoff date and cannot opt back in).
  • Some public programs (e.g., provincial plans) may coordinate with CDCP; private insurance does not.

Special Plans & Federal Variations

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program—but not all dental coverage in Canada works the same way. Some groups, including seniors, Indigenous peoples, veterans, and refugees, may have access to additional or alternative plans based on their status. Knowing how these variations work helps you understand your full dental benefits—and avoid unexpected costs.

Federal vs. Provincial Dental Coverage

  • CDCP is funded and managed by the federal government (administered by Sun Life)
  • Provinces and territories may have their own dental programs, which can overlap or differ in coverage
  • Patients should check if their provincial plan coordinates with CDCP or requires separate claims

If You Belong to a Special Group, You May Qualify For:

Federal social programs that coordinate with CDCP

Provincial programs that coordinate with CDCP

CDCP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a new government-funded dental program designed to help low and middle-income Canadians access essential dental care at little to no cost.

  • Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
  • Not have private dental insurance
  • Be a Canadian resident and have filed a tax return in the previous year

For many patients, yes. If your family income is below $70,000, the CDCP may cover 100% of eligible dental fees. Higher incomes may require a co-pay.

  • Exams and cleanings
  • X-rays
  • Fillings and root canals
  • Dentures
  • Periodontal care

Note: Cosmetic procedures like whitening are not covered.

You can apply through the Government of Canada website.

Yes, but make sure your dentist is registered with the CDCP. At Canamera Dentistry, we are an approved CDCP provider and can guide you through every step.

Just contact us or call our office. We’ll verify your CDCP coverage and help you schedule your visit — no referral needed.

Need Help? Take the Free Pre-Screening

Not sure if you qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? Or what’s actually covered?

In just 60 seconds, our free CDCP Pre-Screening Tool helps you:

  • Check your eligibility
  • Understand what services are covered
  • See if you qualify for free or reduced-cost dental care

It’s fast, secure, and completely free.

CDCP Pre-Screening Tool