Accessing affordable dental care is a challenge for many families and individuals. Fortunately, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal initiative aimed at lowering that barrier, especially for Canadians who lack private dental insurance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to apply for CDCP, who qualifies, what you’ll need, the step-by-step process, and how participating in government dental programs can help your household. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident about applying (or checking eligibility) and making the most of CDCP’s benefits.
Who Is Eligible for CDCP?
Before you jump into applying, it’s crucial to know whether you or your family members qualify for the program. The CDCP has specific eligibility rules to ensure it helps those who need it most. Here’s what you should check before proceeding, and don’t skip this, because if you don’t meet the criteria, your application will be rejected.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a government dental benefit program for Canadians who:
- Have no access to private dental insurance.
You must not have dental coverage through an employer, spouse, pension, or private plan. Even if you choose not to use a coverage you could access, that disqualifies you.
- Are a Canadian resident (for tax purposes).
You must be recognized under Canadian tax residency rules, whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed taxes and provided proof.
You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) must have filed your income tax return for the preceding year and obtained a Notice of Assessment.
- Have an adjusted family net income under a threshold.
The threshold is $90,000 (annual adjusted family net income). If your household income is less than $70,000, CDCP may cover eligible costs fully (no cost to you). For incomes between $70,000-$79,999, CDCP covers 60% and you pay 40%. For $80,000-$89,999, CDCP covers 40%, you pay 60%.
According to Health Canada and Sun Life, which administer the CDCP, your eligibility is assessed by the government, and Sun Life handles benefit delivery.
Why “No Access” to Insurance Matters
One key stumbling block is the “no access to private dental insurance” rule. Even if you never used a private plan, or if you could have access (like when your employer offers it), that disqualifies you. Health Canada may audit and cross-reference T4/T4A forms to confirm whether someone had access to dental coverage. If you’re unsure whether your situation counts as having “access,” it’s wise to consult the official CDCP site or ask a tax/benefits professional.
What Documents Are Needed?
Once you’ve confirmed you appear to meet the eligibility criteria, your next step is to gather documentation. Having everything ready ahead of time will make your application smoother and avoid delays.
Below is a detailed list of what you’ll likely need. Some items vary based on your age, whether you have a spouse, or special statuses (e.g. disability). But this list gives a comprehensive view:
| Document / Information | Why It’s Needed | Tips / Notes |
| Notice of Assessment (most recent tax year) | To verify your adjusted family net income | Ensure it’s the latest one from CRA |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | To uniquely identify adults applying | Children without a SIN can use name + birthdate |
| Full legal name, date of birth, and address | Basic identification and contact info | Ensure consistency with other documents |
| Spouse/Partner’s tax info & Notice of Assessment | To combine incomes and confirm joint eligibility | If applicable |
| Certificate number for Disability Tax Credit (if applicable) | To qualify under disability criteria | Only if applying under that category |
| Declaration / attestation of no access to private dental insurance | Because the plan mandates you have no other coverage | You may have to formally attest that you had no access |
Key Tip: Make sure scanned or uploaded copies are clear, legible, and not truncated (especially for tax documents). Some applications may require proof in PDF or image form.
How to Apply for CDCP
Now that you’ve checked eligibility and gathered your docs, here’s the detailed step-by-step process to apply for the CDCP in 2025.
Step 1: Sign in or Create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
The CDCP application is accessed via the My Service Canada Account. If you already have one, log in; otherwise, create an account. Use your SIN (if you have one) and personal information to register. Once inside, navigate to the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section.
Step 2: Start a New Application
Within your MSCA dashboard, choose “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.” The system will guide you through screens, asking for:
- your personal info (name, address, date of birth),
- your SIN (if applicable),
- details of your spouse or partner (if applicable),
- tax return info and Notice of Assessment,
- insurance access declaration,
- disability status (if applicable).
You may also be asked to confirm whether you previously had coverage or ever declined coverage. Be truthful; your application may be audited.
Step 3: Upload or Provide Documentation
You will be asked to upload (or reference) scanned copies or PDFs of your supporting documents, such as notice of assessment, ID, declaration form (digital), etc. Ensure your uploads are clear, as blurred or low-resolution documents may cause rejection or delay.
Step 4: Consent & Submission
You’ll be asked to review all your entries carefully. Mistakes in tax numbers, names, or dates can result in delays. You’ll also need to provide consent to cross-verify your data (e.g. with the CRA or T4/T4A forms) and submit the application.
Step 5: Wait for Processing & Approval
After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation that your application has been received. Then, the government will review your eligibility. This may include audits or checking reported access to insurance. Finally, you’ll receive a welcome package/letter from CDCP / Sun Life once approved, which includes:
- Your CDCP membership details
- The date your coverage starts
- Whether you have full or partial coverage (depending on your income bracket)
Step 6: Find a CDCP-Accepting Dentist & Book Care
Once your coverage is active, make sure your dental clinic participates in CDCP. Not all clinics accept or directly bill CDCP. You should ask the clinic to verify your CDCP eligibility before treatment (often via EDI estimate or by contacting Sun Life). If your dentist’s charges exceed the CDCP “fee grid,” you’ll pay the difference out of pocket.
Also, for services above the usual limits or complex procedures, your dentist may need to submit a preauthorization to CDCP to confirm coverage.
Check out this article to find a family dentist: Best Family Dentist and the Most Advanced Dental Care in North York
Step 7: Annual Renewal / Reassessment
You’ll need to renew your CDCP coverage each year, confirming eligibility (income, insurance access, etc.) stays valid. If you miss the renewal window, your coverage may lapse temporarily, and treatments during that gap may not be reimbursed.
Book Your CDCP-Covered Treatment Today!
At Empress Walk Dental, we proudly support the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team is ready to help you understand your coverage and make the most of your benefits. If you qualify for CDCP, you can use it at our clinic for covered services. Book an appointment today and let us handle the details while you focus on your oral health.
Apply for CDCP Today & Benefit from Affordable Dental Services
Applying for CDCP can feel a bit daunting at first; the rules around insurance access, income thresholds, and documentation are detailed by design. But once your application is accepted, the benefit is real: meaningful reductions in the cost of dental exam and cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions in North York, and more, depending on your income bracket.
At Empress Walk Dental, we want to make sure you don’t miss out. If you’re eligible for CDCP, you can reduce the burden of dental costs and focus on what matters: your oral health, your family’s well-being, and that confident smile. Even if you’re unsure, applying (or letting us help you check eligibility) costs you nothing and can open doors to care you might otherwise postpone.
Contact us today if ou’re looking for a CDCP dentist near you! We’ll help verify your eligibility, guide you through the paperwork, and make sure your first CDCP appointment is smooth and stress-free.
FAQ
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Can I apply for CDCP if I already have some government or provincial dental coverage?
Yes, in many cases, CDCP can coordinate with existing government dental programs (e.g. provincial social assistance programs). But it cannot be used if you have private dental insurance.
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Does CDCP cover cosmetic dentistry, like whitening or veneers?
No. CDCP is focused on necessary and preventive oral health services. It does not cover purely cosmetic treatments such as whitening or veneers. However, the service is medically necessary and preapproved, it may be covered.
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How long does the CDCP application take to process?
It varies depending on volume, audits, and completeness of your submission. Many applications are processed in a few weeks, but allow extra time if additional documentation or verification is required.
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If one person in my family qualifies, can the whole family apply?
Yes, eligibility is based on adjusted family net income and insurance access across your household. As long as each member meets the criteria, they can apply, often in a single application.
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What happens if I fail to renew on time?
Your CDCP coverage may lapse. Treatments during the lapse period will not be eligible for reimbursement. You will need to submit a new application, and coverage will resume once approved.
And now, your turn: have you already applied for CDCP, or are you curious whether your family qualifies? Leave a comment below with your question or experience, and we’ll respond!
