Making dental care more accessible

The CDCP helps cover the cost of common dental procedures, including diagnostic services, dental X-rays, preventive services, periodontal services, restorative services, endodontic services, prosthodontic services, sedation dentistry and oral surgery services. The amount covered depends on your adjusted family income. Some fees may not be fully covered, but we'll always be transparent about costs and options.

The plan focuses on essential care that protects and maintains your natural teeth, and supports people with missing or failing teeth by covering removable dentures. It does not include cosmetic or more complex procedures meant to improve appearance rather than function. Services not covered include cosmetic veneers, inlays/onlays or three-quarter crowns, teeth whitening, mouthguards or bruxism appliances, fixed bridges or dental implants, crown lengthening and bone grafting, precision attachments for dentures, TMJ therapy and full-mouth rehabilitation.

Not all treatments are automatically covered for every patient. Some services, like deep sedation or crowns, may require special approval depending on your individual needs. If a treatment is medically necessary, your provider can submit a preauthorization request on your behalf. Treatments that may require preauthorization include specialist dental exams, crowns, posts and cores, moderate to deep sedation and general anesthesia, major oral surgery, and orthodontic treatment (if clinically necessary).

CDCP coverage needs to be renewed each year to make sure you're still eligible. Once you receive your tax assessment, you can renew online or through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). If your renewal is approved, you'll get a letter confirming your coverage — just bring it with you to your next visit so we can make sure everything is in place for your care.

If you're eligible, applying is simple. You can apply online at the Government of Canada website, or by phone at 1-833-537-4342 (for TTY, call 1-833-677-6262).

After you apply, Health Canada will review your eligibility and, if approved, pass your details to Sun Life to enroll you in the CDCP. You can expect a welcome package from Sun Life within about three months, including the start date of your coverage, your CDCP membership card, and information about how the plan works. To keep coverage active, you'll need to requalify each year.