Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
What is the CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps people in Canada pay for dental care. It is for people who don’t have private dental insurance and have a family income under $90,000.
Learn more about the CDCP here.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
Do not have any private dental insurance
Are a Canadian resident
Filed your taxes last year (and your spouse/partner if you have one)
Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
Adjusted family net income means your family’s total income, minus certain government benefits
Good News: As of May 2025, all eligible people in Canada can apply.
Important Note: If you have dental coverage through provincial, territorial, or federal government social programs, you can still qualify for the CDCP. If you meet all the eligibility criteria, your coverage will be coordinated between plans to ensure there are no duplications or gaps in coverage.
What You Need Before You Apply
When applying, have these ready:
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Date of Birth
Full Name
Home and mailing address
The dental coverage you have through other government social programs, if you have any.
Your most recent tax return and Notice of Assessment (for you and your spouse/partner, if applicable)
If you need help filing your taxes you can check out this self-help information sheet.
You can also contact one of Inclusion Canada’s Benefit Navigators for free support, not only with help with your income taxes but also in applying for the new federal government Dental Care Program.
Click here for full contact information for a Navigator in your area. Contact one today!
If you do not require personalized one on one Navigator support, please see the steps below:
How to Apply
Apply online here, or by phone at 1-833-537-4342.
You can ask a trusted individual to help you apply over the phone. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you must apply by phone. If someone is helping you apply, you must give consent during the phone call.
After submitting your application online, you will receive an Application Code. You can use this to check the status of your application online here.
After You’ve Applied
You will get a letter from the Government of Canada with:
Your CDCP member ID
Your coverage start date
Your co-payment level (if any) This letter is also available through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You will also get a welcome package from Sun Life, usually within a few weeks, with your membership card.
Important Note: you can only visit the dentist on or after your coverage start date. You do not need to wait for your Sun Life package – your letter and member ID are enough.
You must renew your coverage to the CDCP every year to confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements
If you don’t already have an oral health provider, you can find one near you here.
How much will be covered?
The CDCP covers part (or all) of your dental costs. The amount depends on your income:
Under $70,000: CDCP pays 100%
$70,000–$79,999: CDCP pays 60%
$80,000–$89,999: CDCP pays 40%
Important Note: If your dentist’s charges more than the CDCP rates, you must pay the difference. Always ask about costs before starting treatment.
What Services Are Covered?
The CDCP applies to a wide range of oral health care services. You can check what services are covered here. Some might include:
Cleaning and other preventative care
Exams and x-rays
Fillings, root canals, dentures
Extractions and other oral surgery
Other preventive, restorative, and dental treatment services
For more information on what services are covered, and how much is covered, click here.
Things to Know
Not all dentists are part of the program. Check first if they bill CDCP directly.
The plan does not cover everything (like implants or cosmetic services). Some services may require pre-authorization.
Applying or renewing can take time (often a few weeks). Plan ahead.
Need Help?
Applying for government benefits can be confusing – but you don’t have to do it alone.
Here are some ways to get help:
Call the Canadian Dental Care Plan line:
1-833-537-4342 // teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-677-6262
Visit any Service Canada Centre in person
Ask a family member or friend you trust
Visit the Canadian Dental Care Plan website for more information
Don’t forget, Inclusion Canada has a new Barrier-Free Benefits program, which offers free, one-on-one navigation help with disability benefits.
You can get help with applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) from one of our Navigators. Book an appointment here.