Guides & common questions
Plain-language answers to what Canadians actually ask about the CDCP.
Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
You qualify for the CDCP if all four are true: you're a Canadian resident for tax purposes, you filed last year's tax return, your adjusted family net income is under $90,000, and you don't have access to private dental insurance. The plan is now open to eligible residents of every age.
Read more →EligibilityDo I qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
You likely qualify if you're a Canadian tax resident, filed last year's taxes, have adjusted family net income under $90,000, and have no access to private dental insurance. The fastest way to know is to run our free 60-second eligibility check.
Read more →EligibilityWhat are the CDCP income limits for 2026?
The CDCP covers people with adjusted family net income under $90,000. Under $70,000, the plan pays 100% of eligible costs; $70,000–$79,999 it pays 60%; $80,000–$89,999 it pays 40%; at $90,000 or more you aren't eligible.
Read more →EligibilityCan I get the CDCP if I have dental insurance?
Generally no. If you have access to private dental insurance (through your or a family member's employer, pension, a group/student plan, or a plan you bought), you aren't eligible, even if you decline it. Two exceptions: dental coverage through a government social program does not count, and retirees who opted out of pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023 and can't opt back in may still qualify.
Read more →EligibilityAre seniors eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes. There's no age limit, so seniors qualify on the same terms as everyone: Canadian tax residency, a filed tax return, adjusted family net income under $90,000, and no access to private dental insurance. Coverage includes the services many seniors need, like dentures and exams.
Read more →EligibilityWhat is the CDCP?
CDCP stands for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a Government of Canada program that helps pay for dental care. It covers residents of every age whose adjusted family net income is under $90,000 and who don't have access to private dental insurance. The government sets the rules and Sun Life administers the plan — it's not free for everyone, and it's not private insurance.
Read more →EligibilityWhy do I need to file taxes for the CDCP?
The CDCP checks your income using your tax return — your adjusted family net income, calculated from last year's processed returns. You and your spouse or partner must both have filed and had your returns processed by the CRA before you can apply or renew. No processed tax return means no way to confirm your income, so your application waits — and skipping a year of filing can cost you your dental coverage.
Read more →Coverage & costs
What does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?
The CDCP covers a broad range of oral-health services: preventive care like exams, cleanings and x-rays; restorative care like fillings; root canals; extractions and oral surgery; and prosthodontics like dentures. Some services require preauthorization, and coverage is paid against established fees.
Read more →Coverage & costsDoes the CDCP really cover 100%?
If your adjusted family net income is under $70,000, the CDCP pays 100% of eligible costs, but 'eligible' means the CDCP's established fee, which can be lower than what your dentist charges. So even at the 0% co-pay tier you may owe the difference, plus the cost of any non-covered services.
Read more →Coverage & costsHow much is the CDCP co-pay?
Your co-pay is the share of eligible costs the CDCP doesn't pay: 0% if your adjusted family net income is under $70,000, 40% from $70,000–$79,999, and 60% from $80,000–$89,999. On top of the co-pay, you may owe any amount a dentist charges above the CDCP established fee.
Read more →Coverage & costsDoes the CDCP cover dentures?
Yes, dentures are a covered prosthodontic service under the CDCP. Coverage is paid against established fees and may be subject to frequency limits (for example, how often a denture can be replaced) and, in some cases, preauthorization. You may owe a co-pay and any above-grid difference.
Read more →Coverage & costsWhat is the CDCP fee guide?
The CDCP pays according to its own fee schedule, called the established fees, published in Sun Life's dental benefit grids and updated every year. It is not the same as your province's dental fee guide, which is what many dentists use to set their prices — when a dentist charges more than the CDCP established fee, you pay the difference.
Read more →Applying
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Apply through Service Canada online or by phone. The CRA validates your income against your tax return, so make sure you've filed. Once approved, the government sends an enrolment letter with your member ID and coverage start date; Sun Life then mails a welcome package with your member card.
Read more →ApplyingHow do I renew my CDCP coverage?
CDCP coverage isn't automatic — you must renew every year, and both you and your spouse or partner must have filed your taxes first. Renew online in your My Service Canada Account or by phone at 1-833-537-4342, with your SIN and CDCP member ID ready. Renewal for the 2026–2027 year closed June 1, 2026: if you missed it, you can't renew late, but you can submit a new application.
Read more →ApplyingHow do I check my CDCP application status?
The fastest way is the official CDCP Status Checker on the Service Canada website — no account needed, just your application code (or member ID) and your Social Insurance Number. You can also sign in to your My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342. Most decisions take about 4 to 8 weeks; once approved, you get an enrolment letter with your member ID and coverage start date.
Read more →ApplyingWhich login do I need for the CDCP?
There is no single CDCP website to log into — three organizations each handle a piece. My Service Canada Account (MSCA) is where you apply, renew, check your application and read your letters. My Sun Life is where you see claims, coverage details and your member card once you're enrolled. CRA My Account is for your taxes, which decide your eligibility. To just check your application status, you don't need any login at all — use the official Status Checker.
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