Here is Your CDCP Coverage Guide From Our Toronto Smile Centre Team!
You Deserve to Have Access to Affordable Oral Health Care Services
Why the Canadian Dental Care Plan Matters for Your Oral Health
Poor oral health can lead to serious complications affecting your overall well-being, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. The CDCP recognizes that dental care is not a luxury – it’s an essential component of comprehensive healthcare that every Canadian deserves to access.
Complete CDCP Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies in 2025?
Wondering if you can enroll in the CDCP? There are certain eligibility requirements that you must meet
1. Canadian Residency Status
You must be a Canadian resident with a valid status in Canada. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents who meet specific criteria.
2. Income Requirements
Your adjusted annual family net income must be $90,000 or less per year. This income threshold is based on your most recent tax return and Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
3. No Existing Dental Coverage
You must not have access to dental insurance through:
- Employment benefits (yours or a family member’s)
- Professional or student organization coverage
- Pension benefits (with specific exceptions for retirees)
- Private dental insurance policies are purchased individually
Important Note: Even if you choose not to use existing coverage, having access to it disqualifies you from the CDCP.
4. Tax Filing Requirement
Both you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your Canadian tax returns for the previous year and received your Notice of Assessment.
Special Eligibility Considerations
- Government Social Program Coverage: If you receive dental benefits through provincial, territorial, or federal government social programs, you may still qualify for the CDCP. Coverage will be coordinated between programs to eliminate gaps and prevent duplication.
- Spouse Living Outside Canada: If your spouse or common-law partner lives outside Canada and doesn’t file Canadian tax returns, you will not be eligible for the CDCP.
- Valid Disability Tax Credit: Eligible children under the age of 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate are able to apply to receive coverage under the CDCP.
Applying for the CDCP
Phase-Based
Application Timeline
The CDCP continues its phased rollout approach to ensure smooth processing:
- Phase 1 (Complete): Seniors aged 65 and older
- Phase 2 (Complete): Children under 18 and adults with Disability Tax Credit certificates
- Phase 3 (Current): All remaining eligible Canadian residents aged 18-64
Recent Application Dates for Adults (18–64):
- May 1, 2025: Ages 55–64
- May 15, 2025: Ages 18–34
- May 29, 2025: Ages 35–54
Coverage began as early as June 1, 2025.
Required Information for
Your Application
Before starting your application, gather the following information for yourself and your spouse/common-law partner:
Personal Information:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) – if available for children
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Contact information
Financial Documentation:
- Notice of Assessment from your most recent tax return
- Information about any existing dental coverage through government social programs
Family Information:
- Details for all family members being included in the application
- One application can cover your entire eligible family
How to Apply: 3 Convenient Options
1. Online Application (Recommended)
- Visit the Government of Canada website
- Access through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Complete the application securely online
- Track application status in real-time
2. Phone Application
- Speak with a Service Canada representative
- TTY services available
3. Assisted Application
You can have a trusted person or legal delegate help you apply:
- Trusted Person: Friend, family member, or translator who can assist with your consent
- Legal Delegate: Someone with power of attorney or similar legal authority
Application Processing and Next Steps
After submitting your application:
- Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation number to track your application status
- Processing Time: Applications typically process within 4-6 weeks
- Welcome Package: Upon approval, Sun Life will mail you a welcome package containing:
- CDCP membership card
- Coverage start date
- Program information and benefits guide
- Provider Access: You can then book appointments with participating dental providers
Comprehensive CDCP Coverage: What Services are Included
It’s important to note that the CDCP will help cover a part of the cost. It may not necessarily cover 100% of the cost of your treatment. Your out-of-pocket expenses depend on your adjusted family net income, and many patients will be responsible for co-payments in addition to any services that exceed the CDCP fee schedule. Co-payments will be paid directly to your oral health provider. It’s essential to discuss all potential costs with your dentist before beginning treatment to avoid unexpected expenses, which is something that our team will specifically prioritize before proceeding with treatment.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan may provide coverage for the four main categories of dental services:
Preventive Services
Essential care to maintain optimal oral health:
- Dental examinations (routine and emergency)
- Professional cleaning and scaling
- Dental X-rays (bitewings, panoramic, and diagnostic imaging)
- Fluoride treatments for cavity prevention
- Oral health education
Basic Restorative Services
Fundamental treatments to restore tooth function:
- Dental fillings (temporary and permanent)
- Root canal therapy for infected teeth
- Pain management and emergency care
- Deep cleaning procedures (scaling and root planing)
- Abscess treatment and drainage
- Non-surgical periodontal therapy
Major Restorative Services
Complex treatments for significant dental issues:
- Dental crowns (including repairs and adjustments)
- Complete and partial dentures
- Posts and crown buildups
- Tooth extractions (simple and surgical)
- Oral surgery procedures
- Treatment of tumours and cysts
Anesthesia and Sedation Services
Comfort options for anxious patients or complex procedures:
- Minimal sedation (nitrous oxide)
- Moderate sedation (oral or IV)
- Deep sedation
- General anesthesia is used when medically necessary
Future Coverage Expansions
Orthodontic services will be added to CDCP coverage in 2025, providing access to teeth straightening treatments for eligible patients.
Pre-Authorization Requirements
As of November 1, 2024, certain treatments require pre-authorization before coverage is approved:
- Partial and complete dentures
- Dental crowns
- Higher levels of sedation
- Complex surgical procedures
Your dentist will handle the pre-authorization process, ensuring you understand which treatments require approval before beginning care.
How the CDCP Cost Structure Works: Understanding Your Financial Responsibility
Income-Based Co-Payment System
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your adjusted family net income:
Household Income of More Than $70,000:
- You pay a percentage co-payment for covered services
- Specific percentages vary by treatment type
- Additional charges may apply for services exceeding CDCP fee schedules
Household Income of Less Than $70,000:
- Reduced or no co-payments for most covered services
- Maximum annual cost protection
- Priority access to care
Finding CDCP Providers: Toronto Smile Centre and Beyond
Why Choose Toronto Smile Centre for Your CDCP Care?
As a proudly participating CDCP provider, Toronto Smile Centre offers:
- Comprehensive Services: We provide the full range of CDCP-covered treatments under one roof, from routine cleanings to complex restorative procedures.
- Transparent Pricing: We clearly explain the full costs of treatment, including any co-payments or additional charges, ensuring you make informed decisions about your care.
- Caring Team: Our dental team is trained in CDCP procedures and administration, streamlining your experience from application to treatment completion.
- Patient-Centred Approach: We prioritize your comfort and understanding, taking time to explain treatments and answer questions about your CDCP benefits.
Getting Started with CDCP at Toronto Smile Centre
Your Next Steps to Better Oral Health
Ready to access affordable dental care? The CDCP is designed to help you do just that. Here’s how to get started:
1. Verify Your Eligibility
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet all four requirements. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your eligibility, visit the government website for clarification.
2. Complete Your Application
Apply online or call a representative. Remember to have all the required information ready before starting your application.
3. Book Your Appointment
Once you receive your CDCP welcome package, call Toronto Smile Centre to schedule your initial appointment. We’ll verify your coverage and discuss your treatment needs.
4. Prepare for Your Visit
Bring your CDCP membership card, photo identification, and any relevant dental records. Come prepared to discuss your oral health goals and any concerns you may have.
Contact Toronto Smile Centre Today
Don’t let cost barriers prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. If you’re covered under the CDCP, contact our team in Toronto to guide you through every step of the treatment process and beyond. New patients are always welcome, and we look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.
Take the first step toward better oral health today. Contact Toronto Smile Centre to book your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Can I keep my existing dental insurance and still apply for CDCP?
No. If you have access to dental coverage through employment, pension benefits, or private insurance, you are not eligible for the CDCP, even if you don’t use that coverage.
What if I lose my job and dental benefits after being denied for CDCP?
You may become eligible for the CDCP if your circumstances change and you no longer have access to dental coverage. You can reapply once your previous coverage ends.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my CDCP benefits?
No, once you receive your welcome package and your coverage start date arrives, you can immediately book appointments and begin receiving treatments that are covered under the CDCP.
Are cosmetic dental procedures covered under CDCP?
The CDCP focuses on medically necessary dental care. Purely cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding for aesthetic purposes are not covered.
Can I see any dentist with my CDCP coverage?
You can only receive CDCP benefits from participating dental providers. Not all dental offices participate in the program, so it’s important to confirm participation before booking. Either call and ask your oral health provider, or check who is participating through Sun Life’s website.
How long does the application process take?
Most applications are processed within 4-6 weeks, though processing times may vary depending on application volume and completeness of submitted information.
Can I apply for my elderly parents who don’t use computers?
Yes, you can help elderly family members apply by phone or act as their trusted person during the application process, provided they give clear consent.
Will I receive a bill directly from my dentist?
You’ll pay your portion (co-payment and any additional charges) directly to your dental provider at the time of service. The CDCP pays their portion directly to the provider.
Are there annual spending limits on my CDCP benefits?
Yes, the CDCP includes annual maximum benefits. Your specific limits depend on your income level and the types of services you receive.
I have a disability, but don’t have a Disability Tax Credit certificate. Can I still apply?
To qualify through the disability pathway, you must have a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. However, you may still qualify through other eligibility criteria.