Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — Federal Dental Coverage
A federal health program designed to help ease financial barriers to oral health care for Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to private dental insurance.
Key Program Highlights
- Full 100% government co-pay coverage for eligible families with net income under $70,000.
- Partial coverage (60%–80%) for families with net income between $70,000 and $89,999.
- Covers cleanings, exams, X-rays, fillings, root canals, dentures, and periodontic services.
- Direct billing through participating dentists, denturists, and dental hygienists nationwide.
Statutory Eligibility Criteria
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Co-Pay & Income Coverage Schedule
Federal government dental co-payment breakdown based on adjusted family net income (AFNI).
| Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) | Government Coverage % | Patient Co-Payment % | Typical Services Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 / year | 100% covered | 0% patient co-pay | Cleanings, examinations, X-rays, fillings, root canals, complete/partial dentures, extractions |
| $70,000 to $79,999 / year | 60% covered | 40% patient co-pay | All standard covered oral health services under the established CDCP provincial fee schedule |
| $80,000 to $89,999 / year | 40% covered | 60% patient co-pay | All standard covered oral health services under the established CDCP provincial fee schedule |
| $90,000 and above / year | 0% (Not eligible) | 100% out-of-pocket | Exceeds statutory income cutoff for the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan |
* Participating dentists, denturists, and dental hygienists bill Sun Life directly for the covered percentage.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow the official statutory pathway to prepare, certify, and submit your claim.
Verify No Private Dental Insurance Coverage
Same DayEnsure you and your family members do not have access to dental coverage through an employer, pension plan, or private insurance.
Confirm Previous Year Tax Filing
Annual RequirementEnsure your annual T1 tax return has been filed with the CRA so Health Canada can verify your adjusted family net income is under $90,000.
Apply Online via Health Canada / Sun Life Portal
15 MinutesComplete your application through the federal CDCP online registration portal. You will receive a Sun Life member card upon approval.
Book Appointment with a Participating Dental Provider
At AppointmentConfirm with your dental clinic that they accept CDCP direct billing. Sun Life covers the statutory percentage directly at point of service.
Provincial Supplements & Regional Interactions
Free dental care for children in low-income families and low-income seniors aged 65+.
Provides up to $5,000 every 5 years for eligible low to moderate-income Alberta seniors.
Provides $2,000 every two years for basic dental treatments for children in low-income families.
Covers annual dental exams, fillings, and emergencies for children under 10 and social solidarity recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay out-of-pocket when visiting the dentist with CDCP?
If your family income is under $70,000, CDCP pays 100% of the established CDCP fee schedule. If a provider charges above the CDCP fee schedule, you may pay the remaining difference.
Are all Canadian residents now eligible to apply?
Yes. Following the phased rollout (which started with seniors, children under 18, and DTC recipients), the CDCP is now open to all eligible Canadian residents who meet income and insurance criteria.
Related Canadian Benefits & Programs
Explore complementary federal and provincial benefits that share eligibility criteria or prerequisites.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
Seniors receiving GIS qualify for full 100% dental coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
DTC certificate holders of all ages qualify for fast-tracked access to the federal CDCP.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
Families receiving the CCB with net income under $90,000 can enroll all children under 18 in the CDCP.
National Pharmacare & Provincial Drug Plans
Complements dental coverage with federal and provincial prescription medication coverage.
Related Official Forms
Canadian Dental Care Plan Registration
CDCP Direct Provider Claims & Benefit Verification
Benefit formulas, indexation, and phase-out rates are enacted under statutory Canadian legislation.
Visit Official Government Endpoint