Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is Canada’s new federal initiative to help make essential dental services more affordable for Canadians.
It helps individuals without dental insurance whose adjusted family net income is under CAD 90,000, and also supports seniors, children under 18, persons with disabilities, and uninsured adults.
If you’re browsing for a provider of Canadian dental care plan near you, this guide shows how the plan works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how Salisbury Dental assists patients.
Who Qualifies for Canada’s Dental Care Plan?
To be eligible, you must meet all four conditions:
- You have no private dental insurance (including workplace, pension, or family plans).
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You filed a Canadian tax return last year.
- Your adjusted family net income is under CAD 90,000.
The plan was being rolled out in phases:
It began with the Canadian Dental Plan for seniors (65+), children under 18, and those with the Disability Tax Credit started during late 2023/early 2024, while uninsured adults aged 18–64 became fully eligible in May 2025.
Services started as early as June 1, 2025.
Important Note: Currently, All Eligible Canadians of all ages can now apply for the CDCP.
What’s Covered Under the Plan?
Canadian dental insurance covers clinically necessary dental services, such as:
- Preventive & diagnostic care: exams, X‑rays, cleanings, sealants
- Restorative treatments: fillings, root canals, extractions
- Periodontal treatments: gum disease care, deep cleanings
- Major services: crowns, dentures, prosthetics (approval needed)
- Oral surgery: wisdom teeth, cyst/tumour removals
- Sedation & anesthesia: from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia
- Orthodontics for medical necessity (rolled out mid‑2025)
Since November 2024, preauthorization by Sun Life is required for many complex procedures like crowns and dentures.
How Much Will You Pay?
Your cost depends on your adjusted family net income:
Income Range | CDCP Covers | You Pay |
Under CAD 70,000 | 100% | 0% |
CAD 70,000–79,999 | 60% | 40% |
CAD 80,000–89,999 | 40% | 60% |
If a dentist charges more than the CDCP fee schedule, you pay the extra directly; this is called balance billing.
How to Apply for CDCP?
- Apply online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA), by phone at 1‑833‑537‑4342, or by mail.
- Submit: SIN, birth date, address, last year’s tax return or notice of assessment, and confirmation of no private dental insurance.
- After approval, you’ll get a welcome letter with your coverage start date, member ID, and co-payment tier.
- Once coverage begins, schedule an appointment with a CDCP dentist near you. The dentist bills Sun Life directly; you cover only your share or balance billing.
Sun Life’s provider search tool helps confirm dentists who accept CDCP.
How Does Salisbury Dental Help?
Salisbury Dental, at 150‑55 Salisbury Way, Sherwood Park, is a registered provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Sherwood Park.
We support patients by:
- Direct billing: Submits claims electronically to Sun Life, so you only pay what’s required.
- Eligibility verification: Confirms coverage before treatment.
- Preauthorization support: Handles paperwork for services needing approval.
- Cost transparency: Clear estimates about co-payments and balance billing.
- Broad care services: Offers exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, implants, sedation, orthodontics, and emergencies.
Their environment is inclusive and patient-centred, ensuring CDCP clients get smooth, stress-free experiences.
How to Make the Most of Canada’s Dental Care Plan
To maximize your benefit under Canada’s Dental Care Plan:
- Apply early via MSCA (My Service Canada Account) or phone, and confirm your approval and coverage start date.
- Book an initial assessment soon after coverage begins to address urgent needs.
- Confirm whether services require preauthorization, then let your provider submit in a timely fashion.
- Track your co-payment tier; knowing your income band (0%, 40%, or 60%) helps budget visits.
- Ask about balance billing practices; some dentists may charge below the Alberta fee guide and reduce your expenses.
- Coordinate CDCP with provincial seniors’ programs carefully; only one benefit can be billed per service cycle.
- Stay engaged: log into MSCA to track your application, review letters, or manage renewals.
- Choose a provider that supports you; clinics like Salisbury Dental walk you through each step, from application to final treatment.
FAQ
What services are covered under the Canadian dental care plan?
It covers preventive, diagnostic, restorative, periodontal, oral surgery, crowns, dentures, sedation, and medically needed orthodontics. Some advanced services require Sun Life preauthorization.
Who qualifies for the new Canadian dental plan in 2025?
Canadian residents with no dental insurance, an adjusted family net income under CAD 90,000, and a tax return filed the previous year, including seniors, children, persons with disabilities, and uninsured adults.
How do you get free dental care in Canada?
If your income is under CAD 70,000, CDCP covers 100% of eligible services under the federal fee schedule, with no out-of-pocket cost.
How long does it take to get approved for a Canadian dental plan?
Approval times vary; once processed, you receive a welcome letter with your coverage start date. Benefits begin based on the eligibility phase, often within weeks.
How do I enroll in the Canadian dental plan?
Apply through MSCA, phone, or mail with personal and tax details. After approval, book with a CDCP dentist who bills Sun Life directly and pays only co-payment or balance billing.