FREE GUIDE — NATIONAL
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) (2026)
Federal dental coverage for Canadians who have no access to private dental insurance and whose adjusted family net income is under $90,000 (as of 2026-07). Administered by Sun Life. Now open to all eligible ages.
Now open to all eligible ages.
All-ages access was completed in May 2025. The current event is the 2026-2027 benefit year (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), with applications that opened June 2, 2026.
Historical rollout timeline
- December 2023: Seniors 65+
- June 2024: Children under 18 and DTC holders
- May 1, 2025: Adults 55-64
- May 15, 2025: Adults 18-34
- May 29, 2025: Adults 35-54
Eligibility — all four required
No access to private dental insurance
No employer, pension, professional, student, group, or purchased dental insurance -- even if you decline it, pay a premium toward it, or do not use it. Retiree exception: opted out of employer dental coverage before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in. Check T4A box 015 or T4 box 45 (code 1 = no access).
Tax return filed
You and your spouse or common-law partner (if any) must have filed last year's tax return.
Adjusted family net income under $90,000
Income cap as of 2026-07. This threshold re-verifies each benefit year -- check canada.ca/dental each spring.
Canadian resident for tax purposes
Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Coverage through a government social program (provincial/territorial/federal) does NOT disqualify you -- plans are coordinated to avoid duplication.
Co-payment tiers
As of 2026-07 · Percentages apply to CDCP established fees. Your dentist may charge above these fees (see balance billing). Re-verify at canada.ca/dental each spring.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP pays | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 - $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 - $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Balance-billing warning
CDCP established fees may be lower than what your dentist charges. Even at 0% co-pay you may owe the difference.
Sun Life reimburses PROVIDERS, not members. If you pay out of pocket yourself, you will NOT be reimbursed by CDCP.
Before treatment, confirm your dentist participates in CDCP and will bill Sun Life directly.
Approximately 98% of active oral-health providers were participating as of March 2025. · Use the Sun Life CDCP provider search at sunlife.ca or call 1-888-888-8110.
What is covered
Preauthorization required for:
Crowns, partial/immediate dentures, root-canal re-treatment, deep sedation.
Orthodontics: not available yet (future, date TBD).
How to apply
Current benefit year: 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). Applications opened June 2, 2026.
What you need
- • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- • Date of birth, name, and mailing address
- • List of any government dental coverage
- • You and your spouse/partner must have filed last year's tax return AND received the Notice of Assessment
Annual renewal required
Renew every year. You need your CDCP member ID. Your co-pay level can change at renewal. A late reapplication creates a coverage gap that is NOT reimbursed retroactively.
Free eligibility + application checklist
Download a printable PDF with all four eligibility requirements, co-pay tiers, application steps, the balance-billing warning, and annual renewal reminders.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CDCP open to all ages?
Yes. The CDCP is now open to all eligible ages. All-ages access was completed in May 2025. The current benefit year is 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027).
I have workplace dental through my employer but I never use it — am I disqualified?
Yes. Access to private dental insurance disqualifies you, even if you do not use it, pay a premium toward it, or have not enrolled. The exception is retirees who opted out before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in.
What is balance billing and how do I avoid it?
CDCP pays based on its own established fee schedule, which may be lower than what your dentist charges. Even with 0% co-pay, you may owe the difference. Sun Life pays providers, not members — paying out of pocket yourself is not reimbursed. Confirm your dentist participates and will bill Sun Life before your appointment.
Does the CDCP coordinate with my provincial dental program?
Yes. Coverage through a government social program does not disqualify you — plans are coordinated to avoid duplication. Always disclose any government dental coverage when applying.
Is orthodontics covered by the CDCP?
No. Orthodontics are not currently available under the CDCP. The government has indicated it may be added in the future, but no date has been confirmed.
What happens if I miss my annual renewal?
A late renewal creates a coverage gap. CDCP will not reimburse retroactively for services received during the gap. Renew on time each year using your CDCP member ID.
Official sources
Last verified: July 2026 · Income thresholds and co-pay bands re-verify each benefit year — check canada.ca/dental each spring.