What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Anyone wishing to participate in this plan must meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.

• Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• Filed an income tax return for the previous year.
• Do not have dental insurance through a private or pension plan or with an employer.
• Have a net (after tax) family income of less than $90,000 annually.

Applications for the CDCP are phased by demographics. By the end of May 2025 individual's of all ages will be eligible to apply. The final application opening dates are as follows:

• May 1, 2025: Aged between 55 to 64 years old
• May 15, 2025: Aged between 18 to 34 years old
• May 29, 2025: Aged between 35 to 54 years old

The CDCP has developed their own fee guide, which determines the fees the CDCP will pay for services covered under the plan. These fees can differ from provincial or territorial fee guides.

Not all patients will receive complete financial assistance through the CDCP due to required co-payments, so it is important to ask about costs not covered by the plan. These co-payments are the portion of treatment costs you would be expected to cover out of pocket, and the percentage is determined by your family's net annual income shown on the previous year's tax return.

Co-payment or fees not covered are paid directly to the dental office.

Eligible patients can apply online here. Those who cannot apply online, can apply by phone: 1-833-537-4342. For TTY call 1-833-677-6262.

Once you have applied, Health Canada will confirm your eligibility and share your information with Sun Life to enroll you in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, which will include:

• The start date of your coverage
• Your membership card
• Information about the CDCP

Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility requirements each subsequent year with an annual reassessment. Those who enrolled in 2024, will continue to be covered until June 30, 2025.

Certain services, such as deep sedation, are not covered in all cases. If a provider believes the treatment is medically necessary, they can submit a preauthorization request on behalf of the patient. Approval of the preauthorization request is based on the recommendations of the dental care professional and considers the patient's dental and medical history.

Treatments requiring preauthorization are listed below.

1. Specialist dental examination
2. Crowns
3. Posts and cores
4. Moderate sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia
5. Major surgical procedures
6. Orthodontic services when clinically necessary (starting in 2025)

For further information on services covered, please visit the Government of Canada website.

CDCP requires annual renewal to confirm that patients continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Renewing ensures you avoid any gaps in your dental coverage.

Once you receive your 2024 tax assessment you can renew your coverage online here or through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Be sure to submit your renewal application by June 1, 2025, to prevent any potential lapse in coverage.

If your renewal is approved, you’ll get a letter confirming your coverage and any updates, valid until June 30, 2026. If your coverage has changed based on your 2024 net family income, the letter will include details about the changes to your coverage.

Just bring it to your next dental visit so your provider is up to date.

The CDCP covers oral health services designed to prevent and treat oral disease and to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Services that are covered when recommended by a dental professional can include the following listed below.

• Diagnostic services
• Dental X-rays
• Preventive services
• Periodontal services
• Restorative services
• Endodontic services
• Prosthodontic services
• Sedation dentistry
• Oral surgery services

Coverage under the CDCP is limited to basic services that protect and preserve natural teeth so people can benefit from teeth that function properly. Many people have missing teeth or teeth that are failing and need removing. When this is the case, the CDCP includes the provision of removable dentures, allowing people to eat and talk effectively.

The plan is not designed to improve the overall appearance of teeth or provide purely aesthetic benefits. It also excludes more complex treatments. Treatments not considered for coverage under the CDCP include those listed below.

1. Composite resin or porcelain veneers
2. Three-quarter crowns
3. Inlays and onlays made from any dental materials
4. Temporomandibular appliances and therapy
5. Fixed dental bridges
6. Teeth whitening
7. Mouthguards and bruxism appliances
8. Crown lengthening
9. Dental implants and any associated treatments
10. Bone grafting
11. Precision attachments for partial dentures
12. Extensive rehabilitation