Good news: Applications are open
Eligible Canadian residents of all ages can apply to the CDCP online, by phone, or at a Service Canada Centre. If your CDCP coverage ended on June 30, 2025 because you didn’t renew, you can submit a new application—just note there may be a gap before coverage restarts.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The CDCP is a federal program that helps make routine and urgent dental care more affordable for eligible people in Canada who don’t have dental insurance. It’s administered with the support of Sun Life and covers a wide range of services at CDCP‑established fees.
Eligibility, coverage start dates, and co‑payment levels are determined by the Government of Canada when you apply and complete enrolment.
Quick facts
- For people without private/pension dental insurance and with adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Providers bill Sun Life directly—patients should not pay the full amount upfront
- Some services need preauthorization before treatment
What services are covered?
Examples of services the CDCP can cover when recommended by your oral health provider include:
Diagnostic & preventive
- Dental exams (complete, routine, specific, emergency)
- X‑rays
- Cleaning (scaling)
- Fluoride applications
- Sealants
Basic services
Restorative
- Permanent and temporary fillings
- Pain control and other cavity treatments
Endodontic
- Root canals, pulpectomies, infection control
- Re‑treatment of previous root canal (preauthorization required)
Periodontal
- Cleaning under the gumline, treating abscesses
- Non‑surgical gum therapy
- Splinting/bonding for mobile teeth (preauthorization required)
- Post‑surgical evaluations (preauthorization required)
Major services
- Posts and post removal
- Crown repairs and re‑bonding
- New crowns, cores, posts (preauthorization required)
- Complete dentures and immediate/overdentures (some require preauthorization)
- Partial dentures (preauthorization required)
Oral surgery & anesthesia
- Extractions and minor oral surgery
- Incisions and drainage; treatment of jaw fractures
- Sedation (minimal; moderate/deep/general require preauthorization)
Orthodontic services are limited and only covered in specific medical‑need cases with strict criteria.
Who is eligible?
- Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Adjusted family net income < $90,000
- No access to private or pension dental insurance (having only a government social program may still qualify)
- Filed last year’s tax return (and spouse/common‑law partner’s, if applicable)
How to apply
- Apply online through Service Canada (or by phone/in person).
- Watch for your approval letter with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co‑payment level.
- Sun Life will mail a welcome package and member card. You don’t need to wait for the card to book—your letter is enough.
Using your coverage at iSmile Dental
Before you book
- Have your member ID, coverage start date, and co‑payment level ready.
- Ask about any costs beyond your co‑payment (CDCP fees may differ from typical clinic fees).
At your visit
- We bill Sun Life directly—please don’t pay the full cost upfront.
- You only pay any co‑payment and/or amounts not covered by the plan.
Co‑payments based on income
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP covers | You pay (co‑payment on CDCP fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% at CDCP fees | 0% (you may still owe if clinic fees exceed CDCP fees) |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 60% at CDCP fees | 40% |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 40% at CDCP fees | 60% |
Some services require preauthorization. If a service isn’t covered or your clinic’s fees are higher than CDCP fees, you’ll be responsible for the difference. We’ll review all costs with you before treatment.
FAQs
Can I be reimbursed by Sun Life if I pay upfront?
No. Under the CDCP, only oral health providers are reimbursed. Please don’t pay the full amount in advance—bring your member ID and coverage start date, and we’ll bill Sun Life directly.
Does iSmile Dental accept CDCP patients?
Yes—our team is happy to care for CDCP‑eligible patients. Please bring your approval letter (or member card) and any medications list to your appointment.
Are cosmetic treatments covered?
Cosmetic procedures are not covered by the CDCP. The plan focuses on preventive, basic, restorative, surgical care, dentures, and limited medical‑need orthodontics.
Do I still qualify if I’m on a provincial social dental program?
You may qualify if you meet CDCP criteria and only have a government social program (not private or pension insurance). Coordination rules vary—we’ll help you navigate them at your visit.
What documents should I bring to my first appointment?
Your CDCP member ID and start date (from your approval letter), a list of current medications and medical history, and any recent dental records or x‑rays if available.
Why choose iSmile Dental for CDCP care?
- Friendly, experienced dentists and hygienists focused on comfort and clarity
- Modern technology and transparent treatment planning
- Clear estimates that explain any out‑of‑pocket costs before you start care
