What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Understanding CDCP eligibility in 2026 is essential for Canadian families who need dental care but lack private insurance. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government programme designed to help eligible residents access dental services at reduced or no cost. Since its phased rollout began in 2024, the programme has expanded to cover Canadians of all ages who meet specific income and insurance requirements.
At Pickering Square Dental, we proudly accept CDCP patients and want to make the process as straightforward as possible. Whether you live in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, or Markham, this guide will help you understand who qualifies, what’s covered, and how to get started.
CDCP Eligibility 2026: Who Qualifies?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Canadian residency. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your most recent tax return.
- No access to private dental insurance. You must not have access to dental coverage through an employer, a spouse or partner’s plan, or another private insurance policy. If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal social programme, such as Ontario Works or ODSP, you may still qualify for the CDCP. The programmes may coordinate coverage to avoid duplication.
- Adjusted family net income below $90,000. Your adjusted family net income, as reported on your most recent tax return, determines both eligibility and the level of coverage you receive.
The programme uses a tiered co-payment structure based on income:
- Under $70,000: No co-payment—the CDCP covers the full cost of eligible services.
- $70,000 to $79,999: You pay 40% of the cost; the CDCP covers 60%.
- $80,000 to $89,999: You pay 60% of the cost; the CDCP covers 40%.
There is no age restriction as of 2026. The programme initially prioritised seniors, children, and persons with disabilities, but has since opened to all eligible Canadians. For the latest details, visit the Government of Canada’s official CDCP page.
What Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a broad range of dental services. Covered treatments fall into several categories:
Preventive care:
- Dental examinations and assessments
- Professional cleanings (scaling and polishing)
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental X-rays
- Sealants for children
Restorative care:
- Fillings (amalgam and composite)
- Root canal therapy
- Extractions
- Crowns
Prosthodontic services:
- Complete and partial dentures
- Denture repairs and relines
Periodontal services:
- Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing)
- Periodontal assessments
Oral surgery:
- Surgical extractions
- Other medically necessary oral surgical procedures
It’s worth noting that cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and elective orthodontics are generally not covered. Our team at Pickering Square Dental can help you understand exactly which of your needed treatments fall under the plan.
How to Apply for the CDCP
Eligibility and enrolment are handled by the Government of Canada through Service Canada, not by Sun Life or your dental office. Once you are enrolled, participating providers submit eligible claims to Sun Life. Here’s how to apply:
- Check your eligibility. Verify that you meet the income, residency and insurance criteria outlined above. The federal application asks for personal and coverage information; check the current Canada.ca application page for the exact details you need before you begin.
- Apply online or by phone. Apply through your My Service Canada Account, use the online application form on the Government of Canada’s CDCP application page if you can’t use My Service Canada Account, or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
- Watch for your enrolment letter. If you are enrolled, you’ll receive information with your member ID, coverage start date and co-payment level. Keep that information available when you contact a participating provider.
- Schedule your appointment. Once your coverage start date has arrived, contact a participating dental provider—like Pickering Square Dental—to set up your visit. Let us know you’re a CDCP member when you call so we can prepare accordingly.
The Government of Canada does not publish a fixed processing time. Your coverage start date depends on when your application is received and when your enrolment is completed, and you can check your application status with the online status checker or by phone.
What to Bring to Your First CDCP Appointment
When you visit Pickering Square Dental as a CDCP patient, please bring the following:
- Your CDCP member information, such as your member card (physical or printable) or the member ID from your enrolment letter
- A list of current medications and any relevant medical history
- Previous dental records or X-rays if available (your former dentist can send these to us)
Participating providers submit eligible claims to Sun Life, and you pay any remaining amount that applies, such as a co-payment or the cost of a service the plan does not cover. Our family dentistry team can explain what to expect before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CDCP
Can I use the CDCP if I have coverage through Ontario Works or ODSP?
You may still qualify if you have dental coverage through Ontario Works, ODSP or another government social programme. If you qualify, the programmes may coordinate coverage so the same service is not paid twice. Ask the programme administrators or Sun Life how the coverage applies to a specific service before treatment.
Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
As of 2026, dental implants are not listed among standard covered services under the CDCP. The plan focuses on essential and restorative dental care. However, coverage details may evolve, so it’s worth checking the most current guidelines or asking our team for an update.
How often can I visit the dentist under the CDCP?
CDCP frequency limits vary by service. Before treatment, ask your provider to confirm the current coverage rules for the examination, cleaning or other service you need. Some services beyond the plan limits may require preauthorization.
Do I need to renew my CDCP coverage each year?
CDCP members must renew their coverage every year to confirm they still meet the eligibility requirements, and your co-payment level may change when you renew. If you gain access to other dental benefits, update that in My Service Canada Account, and keep your personal information up to date there or by phone with Service Canada.
Is Pickering Square Dental a CDCP provider?
Yes. Pickering Square Dental accepts patients covered by the CDCP. Dr. Marvin Lean, Dr. Sooyoung Kang, Dr. Richard Wohl and Dr. Alexander Danesi welcome CDCP patients, and our team can confirm the steps for your visit. We serve families from Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
Schedule Your CDCP Appointment Today
Don’t let the lack of private dental insurance keep you from asking about care. The Canadian Dental Care Plan helps eligible residents access covered dental services. Pickering Square Dental can explain its appointment process and confirm whether the office can accept your CDCP coverage for a proposed service. For eligibility, application and benefit decisions, use the current Government of Canada and Sun Life guidance.
Call us today at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your CDCP appointment. Our office is conveniently located at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON—just minutes from Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough. We look forward to welcoming you.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean provides care focused on clear communication and patient comfort. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham. Dr. Lean spent the last 20 years as the Dentist for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
