Canada Dental Benefit Calculator

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Explained

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is the federal government's landmark expansion of dental coverage for Canadians without private insurance. Announced in Budget 2023 and rolled out in phases beginning with seniors aged 70 and over in 2023, the program now covers seniors 65+, children under 18, and Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. By 2026 it has expanded to all eligible Canadians whose adjusted family net income is under $90,000 and who do not have access to private dental insurance. Sun Life Financial administers the plan on behalf of Health Canada.

Coverage levels are tiered by income. Families with an adjusted family net income under $70,000 receive 100% coverage of eligible services at established fees, with no co-payment required. Those with income between $70,000 and $80,000 pay 40% of the cost, and those between $80,000 and $90,000 pay 60%. Above $90,000 there is no CDCP eligibility. The covered services are extensive — preventive cleanings and exams, x-rays, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, dentures, gum treatment, and even some orthodontic services when medically necessary — all priced at a national CDCP fee schedule.

CDCP Co-Payment Tiers (2026)

A critical condition of CDCP eligibility is that you must not have access to any private dental insurance. This includes plans provided through your own employer, your spouse's or parent's employer, a union or association, a federal or provincial program, a pension plan, or any personal individual policy. The federal government considers you to have "access" even if you have opted out of an employer plan, so you should not drop existing private coverage in order to qualify for the CDCP — doing so makes you ineligible for at least 12 months. Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) that can be used for dental are also disqualifying.

The CDCP replaced the temporary Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) that ran from 2022 to mid-2024 and provided up to $650 per child under 12 in two annual payments. The CDB is no longer accepting new applications, since children under 18 are now covered directly through the CDCP. To apply for the CDCP, you can use the online application through the Sun Life member portal or call the dedicated CDCP support line. You will need to have filed your most recent tax return so that the CRA can confirm your income eligibility. Once approved, you receive a CDCP member card and can choose any participating dentist in Canada to provide your care — most participating providers will bill Sun Life directly so you only pay any applicable co-payment at the time of service.