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The Canadian Dental Care Plan, explained
The CDCP is a federal plan that helps cover dental care for people without private insurance. Here is who qualifies, what it pays, and how to apply, in plain language.
We are an enrolled CDCP provider · Accepting new patients
The short version
For people without insurance
If you do not have access to private dental insurance, the CDCP is designed for you.
Household income under $90,000
Eligibility is based on your adjusted family net income from your last tax return.
Open to every age group
The plan rolled out in stages and is now open to all eligible residents, from kids to seniors.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that helps pay for dental care for Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance. It is administered by the Government of Canada through Sun Life.
It started in 2023 with seniors and children, then expanded in stages. It is now open to all eligible residents regardless of age. If you have been putting off dental care because of cost, this is worth ten minutes of your time.
The plan does not cover everything, and depending on your household income you may pay a share of the cost. Both are explained below.
Who qualifies
You need to meet all four of these.
01
No access to dental insurance
You cannot have dental coverage through an employer, a pension, a professional association, or a private plan you bought yourself.
02
Family income under $90,000
Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 a year. Under $70,000 means no co-payment at all.
03
You filed your taxes
You and your spouse or common-law partner need to have filed last year’s tax return. That is how income is verified.
04
Canadian resident for tax purposes
You need to be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
One useful detail: having a health spending account or a plan you turned down through work can still count as having access to insurance. If you are unsure, check with Service Canada before you apply.
What the plan pays
Your share depends on your adjusted family net income.
0%
Under $70,000
No co-payment. The plan covers the full CDCP fee for eligible services.
40%
$70,000 to $79,999
You pay 40% of the CDCP fee. The plan covers the rest.
60%
$80,000 to $89,999
You pay 60% of the CDCP fee. The plan covers the rest.
Worth knowing: the CDCP pays according to its own fee schedule, which can be lower than a clinic’s usual fee. If there is a gap, that amount is yours to pay on top of any co-payment. We will always go over the numbers before we start. No hidden fees.
What is covered
The CDCP covers a solid range of everyday dental care, including:
- Exams, recall visits, and X-rays
- Cleanings, scaling, and polishing
- Fluoride and sealants
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canal treatment
- Complete and partial dentures
- Crowns and some other major services, with approval first
Some services need preauthorization, which means Sun Life reviews the plan before treatment goes ahead. Cosmetic work is not covered. Coverage also has frequency limits, so things like cleanings are covered on a set schedule rather than any time you like.
How to apply
01
File your taxes
You and your partner both need last year’s return filed. Without it your income cannot be verified.
03
Wait for your Sun Life card
If you are approved, Sun Life sends a welcome package with your member card and your start date.
04
Book your visit
Bring your member number to your appointment. Do not book CDCP treatment before your coverage start date.
Coverage renews every year. You need to reapply and keep filing your taxes to stay enrolled.
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Yes. Lumino Dental is an enrolled CDCP provider, so you can use your coverage with us. Tell us your member number when you book and we will take care of the rest.
I have insurance through work. Can I still apply?
No. If you have access to dental coverage through an employer, a pension, or a professional association, you are not eligible, even if you chose not to enrol in it.
Does the CDCP cover everything at no cost?
Not always. If your adjusted family net income is under $70,000 there is no co-payment, but the plan pays according to its own fee schedule. If a clinic’s fee is higher than that schedule, the difference is yours to pay. Ask for the numbers before treatment starts.
What counts as adjusted family net income?
It is your family net income from your tax return, with a few adjustments. For most households it is the combined net income of you and your spouse or common-law partner. Service Canada calculates it when you apply.
Do my kids need their own application?
Children under 18 are applied for by a parent or guardian, and the same household income rules apply. Everyone in the family who qualifies gets their own member number.
How do I know exactly what I will pay?
Tell us your CDCP member number when you book. We will check what the plan covers for your treatment and go over the cost before anything starts. No surprises at the front desk.
This page is a plain-language summary and not official government guidance. Eligibility, income thresholds, and covered services are set by the Government of Canada and can change. For the current rules, see canada.ca/dental or call 1-833-537-4342.
Questions about your coverage?
Lumino Dental is an enrolled CDCP provider, so you can use your coverage here. Bring your member number and we will walk you through what is covered and what it costs before we start. No hidden fees.
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