What does the program involve?

The Government of Canada has established the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a program aimed at improving the accessibility and affordability of dental care for those in financial need, to maintain good oral health.

Launched in May 2024, the CDCP is a government-funded initiative for households with an annual income below $90,000 that do not have private dental insurance.

This plan covers part of the dental treatment costs for patients, allowing for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases while reducing the risk of more serious health complications.

How does it work?

After submitting your application, Health Canada will verify your eligibility and forward your information to Sun Life for your enrollment in the plan. You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within three months of your application, containing:

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

Once enrolled, you must meet the eligibility criteria each year and undergo an annual reassessment. The details of the reassessment process have not yet been specified.

Once you receive your welcome package, make an appointment with your dentist. It is crucial that they verify your acceptance into the program using the membership card included in your information package. Remember to bring this card with you to your visit to facilitate verification.

Anyone wishing to enroll in this program must meet the eligibility criteria.

To benefit from the CDCP, you must meet the following eligibility conditions:

Not have access to dental insurance

  • Have a net adjusted family income of less than $90,000
  • Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
  • Have filed a tax return for the previous year

The CDCP has created its own fee guide for covered services, which may differ from provincial or territorial guides. Patients will not always receive full financial assistance from the CDCP due to co-payments, which are determined by the net adjusted family income from the previous year. Non-covered fees and co-payments must be paid directly to the dental clinic.

Cancellation or no-show fees at the dentist are the responsibility of the patients and not the CDCP.

Covered Services:
  • Scaling, sealants, fluoride
  • Exams and X-rays
  • Fillings
  • Root canal treatments
  • Full dentures or removable partial dentures
  • Deep cleaning
  • Extractions and more

*Some services require prior authorization.

Reimbursement of Services

You only need to pay for services not covered by the CDCP.

If you pay the full costs, Sun Life will not reimburse you.

What are the prices set by the CDCP?

Sun Life directly reimburses providers according to the rates established by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which may differ from provincial guides. On average, these rates cover at least 80% of the fees suggested by oral health associations. The 2024 fee schedules are available on the Sun Life website and will be revised annually based on new data and inflation.

The CDCP 2024 dental care fee schedules for each province and territory are available on the Sun Life website.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) will be offered gradually.

Applications are divided into stages, starting with seniors.

Children under 18 and individuals with disabilities have been able to apply since June 2024.

All other Canadian residents will be able to submit their applications starting in 2025.

Check the schedule below to find out when you can apply.

Eligible groups Registration opening date
People aged 87 and over december 2023
People aged 77 to 86 january 2024
People aged 72 to 76 february 2024
People aged 70 to 71 march 2024
People aged 65 to 69 may 2024
People who have a valid certificate for the disability tax credit june 2024
Children under the age of 18 june 2024
All other eligible Canadian citizens and residents 2025

Frequently asked questions

Complete the form to validate your eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive an email from us to schedule your next appointment.

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