Do I always pay nothing for CDCP-covered services?

Not always; it depends on income. Families under $70,000 pay nothing (100% covered). Higher incomes have co-pays (40–60%). Balance billing may apply if fees exceed CDCP rates. Always ask for an estimate.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Toronto

At Park Dental, we’re proud to support the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Toronto, a federal program designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who don’t have private insurance.
The CDCP helps improve oral health across the country by covering a wide range of essential dental services for eligible residents. If you live in or near Christie Pits, you may qualify to receive dental care at little to no cost.

Schedule your CDCP visit today in Toronto!

Dundas Square

+1(647) 474 7996

KOREATOWN

+1(416) 531-5796

Book Your Dental Appointment

Do You Qualify for Dental Benefits?

Wondering if you can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan? The CDCP is meant to help Canadians who need dental care and meet certain criteria. You can qualify if you meet these three simple requirements.

Income Level

Your adjusted family net income must be below $90,000. This is based on your most recent tax return (line 23600, minus certain deductions like child care benefits). Lower incomes mean lower or no co-payments.

Residency & Taxes

You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your most recent income tax return (for 2024 taxes by April 2025). If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they must file too.

No Other Insurance

You cannot have access to private dental insurance, employer plans, or group coverage (even if you opt out). However, if you have coverage through a government social program, you may still qualify; the CDCP will coordinate with it.

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The CDCP’s Phased Rollout Schedule

The CDCP rolled out in phases to ensure smooth access. As of 2025, all eligible Canadians can apply, but here’s a quick recap of the timeline so you know where things stand:

Seniors (Aged 70+)

Applications opened May 2023; 65-69 in May 2024. Coverage started as early as July 2023.

Disability Tax Credit Holders

Applications began June 27, 2024, for those with a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate.

Children & Youth (Under 18)

Applications opened June 27, 2024. Parents or guardians apply on their behalf.

All Other Residents (Aged 18-64)

Applications opened in May 2025, with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025.

Renewals for existing members were due by June 1, 2025. If you missed it, reapply now. Coverage is annual, so check your eligibility each year after filing taxes.

How to Apply for the CDCP in Toronto: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Confirm you meet the requirements above. Have your 2024 Notice of Assessment ready (file taxes if you haven't).

Gather the required documents, including SIN, tax filing confirmation, and proof of any government social dental coverage (if applicable). No private insurance proof needed; you declare it.

Submit your application through the official CDCP portal.

Watch for confirmation from Sun Life, the plan administrator.

Receive your welcome package, including your CDCP member card and start date.

CDCP Covered Services: What's Included in Your Plan?

We offer flexible whitening solutions that fit your lifestyle and goals. Choose the option that works best for you.

Preventive Care: Cleanings, exams, and X-rays.
Restorative Care: Fillings and crowns.
Endodontics: Root canal treatments.
Prosthodontics: Dentures (full or partial).
Oral Surgery: Extractions (including wisdom teeth).
Periodontal Care: Scaling and root planing.
Limited Orthodontics (starting 2025, date TBD): Medically necessary braces or aligners.

Your Costs Explained: Co-payments and Preauthorizations

Depending on your income, you may have to pay a small portion of your dental bill. Families with lower incomes may have no out-of-pocket costs at all.

Some treatments need approval to confirm coverage. Your dentist submits via Sun Life (available since November 2024). For example, crowns, bridges, or root canals beyond frequency limits need preauthorization.

Approval takes 2-4 weeks; plan ahead. Emergencies may qualify for post-treatment review. We handle submissions at Park Dental.

How to Use Your CDCP Benefits: Finding a Dentist & Booking an Appointment

Ready to book? Follow these steps to use your benefits right away. We’re accepting new CDCP patients at Park Dental in Christie Pits; call us or book online.

Step 1: Find a Participating Provider with the Sun Life Tool

Use the Sun Life Provider Search to find CDCP-accepting dentists, hygienists, or specialists near you. Search “Christie Pits, Toronto” for locals like us. Confirm they direct-bill Sun Life (Park Dental does!).

Tip: Call ahead to check availability for CDCP patients. Ask about wait times and services offered.

Step 2: Your Pre-Appointment Checklist

Use your official start date and member ID from Sun Life (or your approval letter). Coverage doesn’t start until then; no retroactive claims. Always ask the dental office directly if they are accepting CDCP patients. (Yes, we are!) Talk to your provider about any potential out-of-pocket expenses (co-pays, balance billing) before treatment. Get an estimate. Bring your member ID to your visit. We’ll verify coverage on-site.

How the CDCP Works with Your Existing Insurance

Navigating coverage? The CDCP fills gaps but has clear rules.

How Does the CDCP Coordinate with Provincial or Territorial Dental Programs?

If you have Ontario programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario or Ontario Disability Support Program dental benefits, you can still join CDCP. Benefits coordinate; CDCP pays first (primary), then the provincial plan covers extras (secondary), avoiding duplicates. No gaps! Tell us about your other coverage; we’ll handle claims.

Can the CDCP Replace My Workplace or Private Dental Benefits?

No, the CDCP is for those without access to private or employer plans. If you have (or could have) such coverage, you’re ineligible. Don’t drop existing insurance; opting out still counts as “access.” Use your private plan instead; it’s often more generous.

Canadian Dental Care Plan: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? We’ve got answers based on the most common ones from patients like you.

Will my dental care be 100% free with the CDCP?

Not always; it depends on income. Families under $70,000 pay nothing (100% covered). Higher incomes have co-pays (40-60%). Plus, balance billing may apply if fees exceed CDCP rates. Always ask for an estimate.

What should I do if my regular dentist isn't participating in the CDCP?

Switch providers! Use the Sun Life search tool to find one nearby, like Park Dental. Your regular dentist might join later; ask them to check with Sun Life.

Do I have to pay out-of-pocket for my dental services?

Only for co-pays, balance billing, or non-covered items (e.g., cosmetics). Providers bill Sun Life directly; you pay your share at the visit. Never pay full upfront for covered services.

How long does my CDCP coverage last, and will I need to reapply?

Coverage is for one year (April 1 to March 31). Renew annually after filing taxes. Confirm eligibility by June 1 to avoid gaps. If you miss it, reapply, but services during gaps aren’t reimbursed.