Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Who qualifies?

You must meet all four criteria:

1. No access to dental insurance (through work, a family member, pension, student/pro org, or a privately purchased plan).
2. Filed taxes in Canada for the previous year (you and your spouse/partner, if applicable).
3. Adjusted family net income < $90,000.
4. Canadian resident for tax purposes.
   If you’re on a government social dental program, you may still qualify—benefits are coordinated to avoid gaps.

What does CDCP cover?

A wide range of services when recommended by your provider, including:

• Checkups & preventive: exams, X-rays, cleanings (scaling), fluoride, sealants.

• Basic care: fillings; root canals; gum treatment; simple oral surgery.

• Major care: repairs to crowns; some crowns/cores (preauthorization); dentures/partials (many require preauthorization).

• Sedation/anesthesia: minimal; deeper levels may need preauthorization.
  Orthodontics is being added (medical-need only; strict criteria; spending limit). Some services and frequencies need preauthorization before treatment.

How much is covered?

Your co-pay depends on your adjusted family net income. The CDCP pays a percentage of the program’s fee grid, and you cover the rest. Here’s the breakdown:

• If your family income is under $70,000, CDCP covers 100% of eligible fees.

• If your income is between $70,000 and $79,999, CDCP covers 60% and you pay 40%.

• If your income is between $80,000 and $89,999, CDCP covers 40% and you pay 60%.

Keep in mind: the CDCP fee grid is often lower than standard dental fees, so there may be some additional charges beyond your co-pay. We’ll always review these with you in advance so there are no surprises.

How to apply (quick steps)

Applications are open to all eligible Canadians:

1. Check that you meet the 4 requirements.

2. Apply online via My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

3. After approval and enrolment, watch for your Sun Life welcome package with your member card and start date.

4. Book your appointment on or after your start date. (Sun Life reimburses providers directly—don’t pay the full amount expecting reimbursement.)

Booking your visit with us

• Have your CDCP card handy (or your client number), and know your start date and co-pay level.

• Bring photo ID and any recent X-rays/med list.

• We’ll do an exam, review options, submit any preauthorization if needed, and give you a clear cost breakdown (CDCP portion, co-pay, and any fee differences).

Find a CDCP provider

If you don’t already have a dentist or you’re helping a family member, Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search can help you find participating offices. (We’re happy to confirm our status by phone too.)