Frequently asked questions
Is the CDCP free dental care?
Not exactly. There is no premium to join, and people with adjusted family net income under $70,000 pay no co-payment on covered services at CDCP fees. But higher tiers pay 40% or 60% co-payments, providers may charge more than the CDCP fee, and some services are not covered at all. Think of it as substantial help with the bill, not a promise of zero cost.
Do I need to be a Canadian citizen?
No. The test is Canadian residence for tax purposes, not citizenship. Permanent residents and others who are tax-resident in Canada and meet the other tests can qualify.
Can I apply if I already have a provincial dental program?
Yes, in general. Coverage under a government social program does not automatically disqualify you, and benefits are coordinated, with the CDCP generally paying first. Tell both programs about each other.
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
Yes — complete dentures and partial removable dentures are covered, subject to frequency limits and, for some partial dentures, preauthorization. Bridges and implants are not part of standard coverage.
Does the CDCP cover braces or cosmetic work?
Orthodontic and cosmetic services that are not clinically needed under the plan's rules are not standard coverage. Ask a participating provider about your specific treatment and whether the plan covers it.
Can I choose any dentist?
You can choose any oral health provider who participates in the CDCP and agrees to bill Sun Life directly. A provider who does not participate cannot bill the plan for you.
What if my dentist charges more than the CDCP fee?
You pay the difference, on top of any co-payment. Always ask for a written estimate of your total share before treatment begins.
How long does approval take?
Timelines vary with the completeness of your application and whether your tax return has been assessed. Apply well before you need treatment, and do not book treatment under the plan until you have your welcome package and coverage start date.
Do I need to renew every year?
Yes. Coverage runs from 1 July to 30 June, and you must renew each spring after filing your taxes and receiving your Notice of Assessment. Missing the renewal deadline ends your coverage on 30 June, and treatment during a gap is not reimbursed.
What if my income changes?
Your tier and eligibility are reassessed each year from your tax return. A rise above $90,000 means you will not qualify at the next assessment; a fall may move you into a lower co-payment tier.
Is there a phone number for help?
Yes: Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342, TTY 1-833-677-6262. The official information site is Canada.ca/dental. Applying is free, and no government representative will ask you for payment or banking passwords.
Where can I check the current rules?
On Canada.ca/dental, which publishes the current eligibility criteria, covered services, and benefit grids. This site was checked against Canada.ca on 25 October 2026; if anything here differs from Canada.ca, Canada.ca prevails.
Photo credits: de31.jpg — Library bookshelves (CC BY-SA 4.0); de32.jpg — Peyto Lake, Banff (CC BY-SA 4.0); de33.jpg — Dental instrument (CC BY-SA 3.0) All photos via Wikimedia Commons under the licences noted.