Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
We welcome CDCP patients and can help you understand how your coverage works before your appointment. We’ll explain any out-of-pocket costs, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
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What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program that helps eligible Canadians pay for essential dental care. It is designed for individuals and families who:
– Do not have access to private dental insurance
– Have an adjusted annual family net income under $90,000
– Are Canadian residents for tax purposes
– Have filed their income tax return
The CDCP is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada. While Westmount Dental can provide treatment under the program, eligibility and coverage decisions are made by the Government of Canada.
What dental services are covered?
Coverage varies depending on your individual circumstances, but eligible services may include:
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all four of these requirements:
No access to private dental insurance
You cannot have access to dental coverage through:
– Your employer
– A spouse or family member’s employer
– A pension plan
– A student or professional association
– A privately purchased dental insurance plan
– A health spending account that covers dental expenses
Even if you choose not to use available insurance or pay premiums yourself, you are still considered to have access to dental coverage and are generally not eligible.
Filed your Canadian tax return
You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) must have filed your most recent Canadian income tax return.
Household income below $90,000
Your adjusted annual family net income must be less than $90,000.
Canadian resident
You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Book an appointment using your CDCP dental coverage
If you’ve been approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Westmount Dental is here to help you make the most of your coverage. Our experienced team will explain your benefits, discuss any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins, and provide the quality dental care your family deserves.
How much does the CDCP cover?
| Adjusted family income | CDCP coverage |
| Under $70,000 | No co-payment required |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 40% co-payment |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 60% co-payment |
Please note that the CDCP pays according to the government’s fee schedule. If treatment costs exceed the amount covered by the plan, you may be responsible for the remaining balance. Our team will discuss any expected costs with you before treatment begins.
How do I apply for the CDCP?
Applications for the 2026–2027 Canadian Dental Care Plan benefit period are now open.
If you’re eligible, you can apply directly through the Government of Canada. Coverage begins only after your application has been approved and your eligibility confirmed. Once approved, you’ll receive:
Need help understanding your CDCP dental coverage?
Our experienced team can help verify your eligibility, explain your coverage, and assist you before treatment begins.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to our most commonly asked questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Applications are completed through the Government of Canada. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a welcome package from Sun Life with your member information, coverage start date, and co-payment details. Once your coverage is active, you can schedule an appointment with Westmount Dental.
Yes. Westmount Dental welcomes patients who are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Before your treatment begins, we’ll review your coverage, explain any potential out-of-pocket costs, and answer any questions you have about your dental care.
To qualify for the CDCP, you must:
– Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
– Have filed your most recent Canadian income tax return.
– Have an adjusted annual family net income below $90,000.
– Not have access to private dental insurance through work, a family member, a pension, a student or professional organization, or a privately purchased plan.
Eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada.
No. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is not a free dental program. Depending on your adjusted family income and the treatment you receive, you may still have a co-payment or be responsible for fees that are not covered by the government’s fee schedule.
The CDCP may cover a range of preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services, including dental exams, X-rays, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, tooth fillings, root canal treatment, tooth extractions, complete and partial dentures. Some services require government preauthorization before treatment can begin.
No. The CDCP is only available to Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance. If you have coverage through your employer, spouse, pension, school, or a privately purchased dental plan, you are generally not eligible.
Yes. If you’re eligible for both the CDCP and certain government dental programs, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), the benefits may be coordinated to help maximize your coverage without duplicating benefits.
Yes. CDCP coverage must be renewed each year. To remain eligible, you’ll need to file your annual income tax return, continue meeting the program requirements, and complete your renewal before the Government of Canada’s deadline.
No. Patients cannot submit claims directly for reimbursement. Participating dental offices submit claims to Sun Life on your behalf under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
No. It’s important to continue attending regular dental checkups and seeking treatment when needed. Delaying dental care can allow minor problems to become more serious, potentially leading to more complex and costly treatment.