Understanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): What You Need to Know

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a national program launched by the Government of Canada to help uninsured residents access essential oral healthcare. It’s administered by Sun Life on behalf of the federal government.

The program primarily targets Canadians without private dental insurance and uses income and age as key criteria. Before applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), it’s important to confirm whether you meet the eligibility requirements.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify, you must meet all bellow criterias

1. No access to dental insurance (employment, private, pension, or family).
2. Adjusted family net income under $90,000.
3. Canadian resident for tax purposes.
4. Filed your previous year’s tax return.

If you are covered by another government dental program, CDCP coordinates benefits to avoid gaps or duplicate payouts.

This will make affordable dental care available to millions who have previously gone without or paid out of pocket.

Here’s a quick look at the application schedule for CDCP:

• May 1, 2025 – Applications open for ages 55 to 64
• May 15, 2025 – Applications open for ages 18 to 34
• May 29, 2025 – Applications open for ages 35 to 54

Coverage starts as early as June 1, 2025, so eligible applicants won’t have to wait long to begin booking appointments and accessing dental care.

For full eligibility details, including income thresholds and required documentation, visit the official CDCP eligibility guide for the most current information.

Necessary Documents Needed to Apply for CDCP

Personal Details

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant (including children if they have one)
• Full legal name and date of birth

Proof of Address & Residency

• Home and mailing address, with a supporting document such as: Utility bill, lease agreement, driver’s license, or government-issued letter

Proof of Income

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA for you (and your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable) — 2023 or 2024, depending on your application date
• If NOA isn’t available, alternate proof like recent tax return or pay stubs may be accepted

Insurance Status

• A declaration or documentation confirming you have no private dental insurance, including through: Employer, spouse, pension, or student benefits

Additional Info (if applying for others)

• For children under 18: Provide their SIN (if available), date of birth, and legal name
• If applying as a delegate (legal rep, Power of Attorney):
  • Proof of legal authority, e.g., power of attorney document, trustee mandate, etc.
  • Include a cover letter with applicant’s details, SIN, statement that the documents are for a CDCP application, delegate’s contact info, and a return address.

Applying for CDCP

You can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and view your related letters directly through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

If you don’t have an MSCA yet, start by registering at My Service Canada Account. Once you’re signed in, navigate to the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section on your dashboard to:

Apply for the CDCP

• → Select “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan”

View your CDCP letters

• → Select “View my letters”

If You Can’t Apply Online or Through MSCA

If you’re unable to use the online application tool or MSCA, contact Service Canada for assistance:

• Phone: 1‑833‑537‑4342
• TTY: 1‑833‑677‑6262 (for hearing or speech impairments)

You can also request alternative formats of CDCP communications—such as large print, Braille, E-Text, audio/video, or DAISY—by calling the numbers above.

Wait for Confirmation

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an enrolment confirmation from Sun Life, the official administrator of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Within 8 to 12 weeks, you’ll receive a welcome package by mail, which will include:

• Your CDCP member card
• Your official coverage start date

Be sure to keep this information handy—you’ll need it when booking dental appointments under the plan.

How to Check the Status of Your CDCP Application

You can easily check the status of your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) application—whether it’s a new application or a renewal—using the CDCP Status Checker tool.

To check the status for yourself or a dependant, you’ll need the following information for each person:

• Application code or client number – This is the number you received after applying online, or the one shown in the top right corner of your CDCP letter (such as a determination or renewal letter) from Service Canada.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN) – For children without a SIN, you’ll need to enter their full legal name and date of birth instead.

Once you have this information, simply use the online CDCP status tool to track your application or renewal progress.

Use Your Coverage

Once enrolled, you can start using your dental benefits:

• Use Sun Life’s provider directory to find participating dentists.
• Confirm that your chosen dentist accepts the CDCP and can direct bill Sun Life.

Services Covered Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps cover a portion of the costs for a wide range of oral health services to ensure better access to essential dental care for eligible Canadians.

Types of Dental Treatments Covered