What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to help Canadians who don’t currently have dental insurance and whose household income falls below $90,000 per year. Its goal is to remove financial obstacles to oral health care and expand access to a broad range of treatments. At Main Street Family Dental, we are proud to accept the CDCP for both new and existing patients in Lambeth and the surrounding area.
Do I Qualify?
To be eligible for the CDCP, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You do not have any existing private or employer-provided dental coverage
- Your annual adjusted family net income is under $90,000
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- You have filed a tax return for the previous year
You can confirm your eligibility by visiting the Health Canada website or by calling their helpline.
Application Rollout
The CDCP opened in stages based on age group:
- Seniors 65 and older — Now open
- Children under 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate — Now open
- All other eligible Canadians — Available as of 2025
Coverage Based on Household Income
Your share of dental costs depends on your income level:
| Household Income | Government Coverage | Your Portion |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% + any fee guide difference |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% | 40% + any fee guide difference |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% | 60% + any fee guide difference |
| $90,000 or more | Not eligible | — |
How We Can Help
Book Your Visit
Don’t put off your oral health. Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment and get started.
Help With Your Application
We’re here to walk you through the CDCP process so you feel informed and confident at every step.
Wide Range of Covered Services
Many common dental procedures are covered under the CDCP, including fillings, extractions, crowns, dentures, and root canals. Please be aware that certain treatments require pre-approval before they can proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the CDCP?
The CDCP is a government-funded dental benefit program for Canadians without existing dental coverage who earn less than $90,000 annually. It’s important to understand that this is a benefit program — it is not a free dental care program. It is not meant to replace coverage you may already have through an employer, school, or private plan, though it can be coordinated with other provincial government programs. The plan is overseen by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life. Your dental office has no role in determining eligibility or covered services.
How do I check if I’m eligible?
Visit the Health Canada website or call 1-833-537-4342, Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. local time.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted directly through Health Canada’s online portal. After applying, expect a welcome package from Sun Life within about three months, which will include your membership card, coverage details, and the effective start date of your benefits.
What services are included?
The CDCP covers a wide variety of oral health services, including:
- Preventive care such as cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Diagnostic services including exams and x-rays
- Restorative work such as fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Complete and partial removable dentures
- Periodontal treatments including deep cleanings
- Oral surgery such as tooth extractions
Some procedures require pre-authorization based on your oral health history and medical background before treatment can begin.
Can I use the CDCP alongside other government programs?
Yes. If you are already enrolled in provincial programs such as Healthy Smiles, OW, or ODSP, your benefits can be coordinated. In those cases, the CDCP acts as the primary payer.
Questions about the CDCP? Contact our office — we’re happy to help.