The information on this page is for general educational purposes only.
Please consult your dentist for advice specific to your oral health.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program designed to improve access to dental care for eligible Canadians who do not have private dental insurance and whose annual family net income is under $90,000. If you are unsure whether you qualify, what the plan covers, or how to use it at a dental office, this guide answers every key question. Delta Park Dental is a registered CDCP provider accepting CDCP patients across Brampton and the GTA.
Delta Park Dental is a registered CDCP provider. Our dental care team is experienced in managing CDCP coverage, co-payments, pre-authorization, and claims submission — so your dental appointments run smoothly from the first visit.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan CDCP is a federal program launched in 2024 to help lower-income and middle income Canadians access essential dental services they would otherwise pay out of pocket. It is a federal government program administered through Sun Life Financial on behalf of Health Canada, with the Canada Revenue Agency used to verify income eligibility. The program offers free dental care for patients with incomes under $70,000 and partial dental insurance coverage through co-payments for higher income brackets. It began with seniors aged 65 and older in 2024, with ongoing enrollment for subsequent years. The CDCP aims to help lower-income families access essential dental care — recognising that oral health care is part of overall health.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, all eligibility criteria must be met:
• Canadian residency is required for eligibility — you must be a canadian resident
• You must not have existing dental coverage through private dental insurance, a family member’s employer benefits, a family member’s pension benefits, or health and wellness accounts
• Your adjusted family net income from the previous year must be under $90,000
• You must have filed a tax return for the previous year with the Canada Revenue Agency
CDCP has income eligibility limits under $90,000 annually, with co-payment levels that vary based on income. Patients with incomes under $70,000 have no co-payment — dental benefits are fully covered for eligible services. Family income between $70,000 and $79,999 requires a 40% co-payment; between $80,000 and $89,999, a 60% co-payment applies.
The care plan does not require employers to participate and requires employers to do nothing — it is a direct federal program for individuals who lack workplace coverage through a group plan or previous employer. It does not replace private insurance — it fills the gap for eligible canadians without private dental coverage.
What Does CDCP Coverage Include?
CDCP coverage includes essential dental services across routine, preventive, and restorative categories:
• Dental exams and x-rays
• Professional cleanings and routine dental care
• Fillings and restorative treatments
• Extractions and root canals
• Fluoride treatments
• Partial dentures and restorative procedures like dentures
Preventive care under the plan can help reduce the need for costly treatments later. Services such as crowns and major treatments may require pre-authorization — preauthorization for certain services started November 1, 2024. Orthodontics like braces are not covered by the CDCP. Private dental insurance may cover more extensive dental services than the CDCP, which is why patients with both options should understand how coverage coordinates.
CDCP vs Private Dental Insurance — Key Differences
| Feature | CDCP | Private Dental Insurance |
| Who it is for | Uninsured Canadians, income under $90,000 | Employer or individually purchased plans |
| Cost | Free or co-payment based on income | Monthly premiums; may have deductibles |
| Routine care | Yes — exams, cleanings, fillings, x-rays | Yes — often more extensive |
| Major restorative | Partial — pre-auth may be required | Often yes, plan-dependent |
| Orthodontics | No | Some private plans |
| Administered by | Sun Life Financial / Health Canada | Insurance or benefits company |
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
You can apply online using your Service Canada account or CRA My Account. A recent tax return for the previous year is required — eligibility is based on your adjusted family net income verified by the Canada Revenue Agency. Applications are accessible at canada.ca/dental (the canada website).
After approval, a welcome package confirming your coverage start date is mailed — this can take up to three months. Check your application status using the CDCP Status Checker through your canada account. Once enrolled, book dental appointments with any registered cdcp provider.
Apply online: canada.ca/dental — through your Service Canada account or CRA My Account.
How to Use Your CDCP at a Dental Office
Once enrolled, using your care plan at your next dental appointment is straightforward:
• Confirm your dental office is a registered cdcp provider before booking
• Bring your CDCP card or approval confirmation to the appointment
• The dental office submits claims directly to Sun Life — you do not need to submit claims yourself
• If a co payment applies, pay that portion at the time of the appointment
• For services needing pre-authorization, the dental team confirms approval before proceeding
Delta Park Dental is a registered cdcp provider and one of the dental care providers accepting CDCP patients across Brampton and the GTA. Services provided include all CDCP-eligible treatments from routine cleanings to restorative care. Our team manages claims, co-payments, and coordination with provincial plans and public programs on your behalf.
What Most Patients Get Wrong About the CDCP
“Wellness accounts disqualify me automatically.”
Health and wellness accounts provided by an employer affect CDCP eligibility only if they include dental benefits. If your wellness accounts do not specifically cover dental services, you may still qualify. Review your account details carefully before assuming you are ineligible.
“CDCP replaces my private dental benefits.”
The CDCP does not replace private dental benefits — it exists for those without existing dental coverage. If you have private dental coverage through a family member’s employer or pension plan, you are not eligible. The CDCP fills the gap for canadians without any private plans or group plan access.
“My dentist automatically accepts CDCP.”
Not all dental clinics are registered CDCP providers. Before booking, confirm the dental office participates in the plan. At Delta Park Dental, we are registered to accept CDCP patients and are familiar with cdcp cover limits, co-payment requirements, and pre-authorization processes.
What Brampton Patients Should Know
Many patients at Delta Park Dental were previously paying out of pocket for dental care or skipping dental appointments entirely due to cost. The Canadian Dental Care Plan has made a meaningful difference — particularly for seniors, families, and individuals without group plan coverage. Canada dental benefit eligibility reaches into middle income canadians previously without any dental plan, bringing essential treatments within reach. If you are unsure of your cdcp coverage or eligibility, contact our dental office before your next dental appointment — we will confirm your status and ensure everything is in order before your visit.
When Should You Book Your Next Dental Appointment?
If you have received your welcome package, do not delay. Preventive care now reduces the need for costly essential treatments later. Book at Delta Park Dental if:
• You have applied for the CDCP and confirmed your coverage start date
• You are overdue for a cleaning or exam and have no existing dental coverage
• You have a dental concern you have been delaying due to cost
• You want guidance on what your cdcp coverage includes before your visit
Why Choose Delta Park Dental for CDCP Dental Care
We are a registered cdcp provider with a dental care team experienced in the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
• Submit claims directly to Sun Life Financial on your behalf
• Manage co-payments, pre-authorization, and coordination with provincial plans
• Essential dental services: cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures
• CDCP, private dental insurance, and self-pay all accepted
• Welcoming to patients returning after years away from dental care due to cost
The Canadian Dental Association and territorial dental associations have supported the CDCP as a step toward improving access for all canadians. Our team shares that commitment — every patient deserves access to routine dental care regardless of family income. Call us to confirm your eligibility and book your next dental appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canadian Dental Care Plan
Q1. What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan and who qualifies?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program providing dental benefits to eligible Canadians without private dental insurance and with an adjusted family net income under $90,000. It covers essential dental services including exams, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, and extractions. Administered through Sun Life Financial and Health Canada, the care plan is designed to improve access for canadian residents who would otherwise pay out of pocket for dental care.
Q2. How do I apply online for the CDCP?
You can apply online at canada.ca/dental through your Service Canada account or CRA My Account. A filed tax return for the previous year is required. After approval, a welcome package with your coverage start date is mailed — allow up to three months. Track your application status using the CDCP Status Checker through your canada account. Once enrolled, book dental appointments with any registered cdcp provider.
Q3. What does the CDCP cover at dental appointments?
CDCP coverage includes exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, fluoride treatments, extractions, root canals, and partial dentures. Services like crowns may require pre-authorization. Orthodontics and cosmetic procedures are not covered. Patients with incomes under $70,000 pay no co payment; those between $70,000 and $89,999 pay 40% to 60% based on annual family net income. Confirm services with your cdcp provider before your appointment.
Q4. Do I pay a co-payment under the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Co-payment depends on your adjusted family net income. Patients with incomes under $70,000 have no co-payment — dental benefits are fully covered for eligible services. Income between $70,000 and $79,999 requires a 40% co payment; $80,000 to $89,999 requires 60%. The dental office collects your co-payment at the time of the appointment, and the federal government covers the remainder through Sun Life Financial.
Q5. Can I use the CDCP at Delta Park Dental in Brampton?
Yes. Delta Park Dental is a registered provider accepting CDCP patients across Brampton and the GTA. Our dental care team submits claims directly to Sun Life, manages co-payment and pre-authorization, and coordinates with provincial plans where applicable. If you have your welcome package and are ready to book your next dental appointment, call our dental office — we will confirm your cdcp coverage and schedule you promptly.
Delta Park Dental | Brampton, Ontario | Family, Cosmetic & Emergency Dentistry
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