Canada Dental Care Plan 2026: Eligibility, Coverage, Income Limits and How to Apply

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026 | Benefit period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 | Country: Canada

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps eligible Canadian residents pay for dental care when they do not have access to private dental insurance.

Dental treatments can be expensive, particularly for families, older adults and people who have delayed care because of cost. The CDCP aims to make necessary oral health services more affordable by paying a portion of eligible treatment costs.

However, the plan is not completely free dental care for everyone. Your household income, the type of treatment, CDCP-established fees and the dental provider’s charges can all affect what you pay.

This guide explains the official 2026 eligibility requirements, income thresholds, covered dental treatments, application steps, renewal rules and ways to avoid unexpected bills.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal dental benefit program designed to help eligible residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.

It is administered through the Government of Canada, with Sun Life responsible for processing dental claims and administering important aspects of the plan.

Unlike a cash benefit deposited into your bank account, CDCP coverage generally works through direct billing between a participating oral health provider and Sun Life.

You receive eligible treatment from an oral health professional, and the provider submits the claim. The plan pays its approved share of the CDCP-established fee. You may be responsible for a co-payment or other charges.

For official program information, visit Canada.ca — Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Who Is Eligible for the Canada Dental Care Plan in 2026?

According to Service Canada, applicants must satisfy all four eligibility requirements.

1. You Must Not Have Access to Private Dental Insurance

You generally cannot qualify if you have access to private dental insurance or coverage through:

• Your employer or workplace benefits.
• A spouse’s or family member’s employment benefits.
• A pension plan.
• A professional or student organization.
• Private dental insurance purchased by you or a family member.
• A health spending account that covers dental expenses.

Important: Choosing not to enroll in an available workplace dental plan does not necessarily make you eligible for the CDCP. The program examines access to coverage, not simply whether you are currently using it.

2. You Must Have Filed Your Canadian Tax Return

Your income information is used to determine eligibility and calculate your co-payment level.

You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed the required Canadian income tax returns.

If you have not filed your taxes, you may need to complete that step before applying.

3. Your Adjusted Family Net Income Must Be Below $90,000

The CDCP uses adjusted family net income rather than simply looking at one person’s wages or salary.

If your adjusted family net income is $90,000 or more, you do not meet the program’s income requirement.

Applicants with income below $90,000 may qualify for different levels of cost-sharing depending on their income band.

4. You Must Be a Canadian Resident for Tax Purposes

You must meet the program’s Canadian tax residency requirement.

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their applicable residency and tax information is also relevant to the application.

These are federal program conditions, so living in a particular province alone does not establish eligibility.

Canada Dental Care Plan 2026 Income Limits and Co-Payments

The CDCP has three cost-sharing levels based on adjusted family net income.

The percentages below apply to CDCP-established fees for eligible services, not necessarily the full amount charged by a dental clinic.

Source: Government of Canada — CDCP coverage and co-payments.

Does 100% Coverage Mean Completely Free Dental Care?

Not always.

If your adjusted family net income is below $70,000, the plan covers 100% of the CDCP-established fee for eligible services.

However, a dental provider may charge more than the amount recognized by the plan. The difference may still be your responsibility.

You may also need to pay for services that the CDCP does not cover or for treatments that do not meet its approval requirements.

Example: How Much Might You Pay?

Consider a hypothetical eligible dental service with a CDCP-established fee of $200. Assume the dental clinic charges exactly $200 and there are no additional fees.

This example is illustrative only. Actual charges depend on the treatment, applicable CDCP fees, coverage rules and the provider’s billing practices.

What Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover?

The CDCP covers a range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services when they meet the plan’s requirements.

Coverage is not unlimited. Some services have frequency limits, clinical conditions or preauthorization requirements.

Dental Examinations and Preventive Care

Eligible services can include:

• Routine and emergency dental examinations.
• Dental X-rays.
• Professional teeth cleaning and scaling.
• Fluoride applications.
• Dental sealants.

These services can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of more serious oral health conditions.

Fillings and Basic Restorative Care

The plan may cover permanent and temporary fillings, along with certain procedures used to treat cavities and damaged teeth.

Coverage depends on the clinical circumstances and the applicable benefit rules.

Root Canal Treatment

Eligible endodontic services include certain root canal procedures and treatments to reduce infection or relieve pain.

Some complex procedures, including certain repeat root canal treatments, require preauthorization.

Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal coverage can include selected services for gum infections and disease, such as cleaning below the gumline and certain nonsurgical treatments.

Some procedures require additional approval.

Dentures and Related Services

Eligible denture-related services may include:

• Complete dentures.
• Some partial dentures.
• Denture repairs.
• Relines and rebases.
• Other qualifying removable prosthodontic services.

Some denture treatments require preauthorization before they can be covered.

Extractions and Oral Surgery

The CDCP may cover certain tooth extractions, removal of roots and other qualifying oral surgery procedures.

Coverage is determined under the plan’s clinical criteria and limitations.

Crowns and Major Restorative Treatment

Some major restorative services, including certain crowns and supporting procedures, may be covered when clinical criteria are met.

Preauthorization is generally required for crowns. Your provider should explain the approval process before treatment.

Are Braces or Orthodontics Covered?

According to the current official CDCP coverage page, orthodontic services are not yet available under the plan.

Do not assume that braces or other orthodontic treatment will be reimbursed.

Coverage Summary Table

For detailed treatment rules, consult the official CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, effective April 1, 2026.

How to Apply for the Canada Dental Care Plan in 2026

Applications for the July 2026–June 2027 benefit period are open.

The Government of Canada provides an online application process through My Service Canada Account, an alternative Canada.ca application route and telephone assistance.

Step 1: Check the Four Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, confirm that you meet the insurance, tax filing, income and residency conditions.

Use the official CDCP eligibility page to review the requirements.

Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information

Service Canada may request the following information for applicants and applicable household members:

• Full legal name.
• Date of birth.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN), where applicable.
• Home and mailing address.
• Information about a spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.
• Details of dental coverage through government social programs, where applicable.

Make sure your tax information is up to date before submitting your application.

Step 3: Sign In to My Service Canada Account

Visit the official application page and sign in or create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

On your dashboard, find the Canadian Dental Care Plan section and select the application option.

If you cannot use MSCA, the official website provides an alternative online application method.

Apply for CDCP on Canada.ca

Step 4: Complete the Application

Enter the requested details carefully and confirm that your information is accurate.

Providing information about your spouse or common-law partner does not automatically apply for coverage on their behalf.

Each adult who needs coverage must submit their own application, subject to the program’s application rules.

Step 5: Submit and Monitor Your Application

After submitting, follow the instructions provided by Service Canada.

You can use My Service Canada Account and the official CDCP application status services to review updates.

Do not schedule treatment on the assumption that coverage begins immediately after applying.

Can You Apply by Phone?

Yes. If you cannot use the online services, Service Canada provides telephone application assistance.

• CDCP telephone assistance: 1-833-537-4342.
• TTY: 1-833-677-6262.

These numbers are published on the official Canada.ca application page. Check the government website for current service hours and accessibility options.

How to Find a Dentist Who Accepts the CDCP

Before booking an appointment, confirm that the dental provider will treat CDCP clients and submit claims directly to Sun Life.

Eligible providers may include:

• Dentists.
• Dental specialists.
• Independent dental hygienists.
• Denturists.
• Participating dental education clinics.

Providers can participate through formal registration or by submitting eligible claims directly under the plan’s rules.

You can ask a local clinic whether it accepts CDCP patients or use the provider search resources described on Canada.ca.

Five Questions to Ask Before Your Appointment

1. Do you currently accept Canadian Dental Care Plan patients?
2. Will you bill Sun Life directly?
3. Is the treatment I need covered by the CDCP?
4. Does the procedure require preauthorization?
5. What is my estimated out-of-pocket cost?

Request a written cost estimate for expensive treatment whenever possible.

Do You Need to Renew CDCP Coverage Every Year?

Yes. CDCP members must renew their coverage annually to confirm they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

The 2025–2026 renewal deadline was June 1, 2026. Members who missed that deadline may submit a new application for the 2026–2027 benefit period, but they will have a gap in coverage.

The Government of Canada states that renewal applications for the 2027–2028 benefit period will open in spring 2027.

The CDCP benefit period ends on June 30 each year.

What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?

If you miss the applicable renewal deadline, your coverage may lapse.

You can submit a new application if applications are open and you still meet the eligibility requirements.

However, dental services received during a gap in coverage are not covered retroactively.

Always check your coverage status before an appointment.

Official source: Canada.ca — CDCP renewal information.

Can Seniors Receive the Canada Dental Care Plan?

Yes. Seniors may qualify if they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Being 65 or older does not automatically establish eligibility, and receiving Old Age Security or the Guaranteed Income Supplement does not by itself guarantee CDCP coverage.

Income, access to private dental insurance, tax filing and residency requirements remain relevant.

Seniors who have dental coverage available through a pension plan should carefully review the insurance access rules before applying.

Can Children and Families Apply?

Eligible children and adults can receive coverage under the CDCP.

For dependent children, a parent or guardian may need to provide the child’s information as part of the applicable application process.

Household income is assessed under the plan’s adjusted family net income rules.

Families should check the status of each member who needs coverage rather than assuming approval of one applicant automatically covers everyone.

What If You Already Have Provincial Dental Coverage?

Having coverage through a qualifying federal, provincial or territorial government social dental program does not necessarily disqualify you from the CDCP.

In some cases, benefits can be coordinated between programs.

However, the CDCP does not coordinate benefits with private dental insurance in the same way.

Tell your provider about any government dental program coverage you receive so the correct billing and coordination procedures can be followed.

Why Might Your CDCP Application Be Rejected?

An application may be unsuccessful if the applicant does not meet one or more eligibility conditions.

Potential reasons include:

• Adjusted family net income of $90,000 or more.
• Access to private dental insurance.
• Missing or incomplete tax information.
• Failure to meet the Canadian tax residency requirement.
• Information that cannot be verified.

Service Canada may also review eligibility after coverage has been approved.

If information provided during an application does not match other records, the government may request supporting documents.

Applicants found ineligible may lose coverage and could be required to repay amounts paid for services during a period of ineligibility.

For details, read the official member eligibility review guidance.

How to Avoid Canadian Dental Care Plan Scams

Applying for or renewing the CDCP is free.

Be cautious of websites, text messages or telephone callers asking for a processing fee, banking password or credit card information to activate your coverage.

Use official Government of Canada pages ending in canada.ca and avoid sharing sensitive personal information through unsolicited messages.

If you receive suspicious communication, contact Service Canada through its published contact channels.

Official Government Sources

This article is based on the following Canadian government resources:

• Canadian Dental Care Plan — Main Program Page
• CDCP — Eligibility Requirements
• CDCP — Covered Services and Co-Payments
• CDCP — How to Apply
• CDCP — Renewal Information
• CDCP Dental Benefits Guide

Editorial review: Eligibility, coverage and renewal information was checked against official Canada.ca publications on October 28, 2026. Program rules, treatment fees and administrative procedures may change.

Explore More Canada Benefits Guides

Find additional information about Canadian government assistance, eligibility rules and payment programs:

• Canada Benefits
• Government Payment Dates
• Eligibility and Application Guides
• Government Program Updates

Read our Editorial Policy to learn how we research benefits information, or visit our Corrections Policy to report inaccurate information.

Disclaimer: Seminarsonly Benefits is an independent informational publication and is not affiliated with Service Canada, Sun Life or the Government of Canada. This article is general information, not a guarantee of eligibility, treatment coverage or reimbursement.