Canadian Dental Care Plan
Comprehensive dental coverage for eligible Canadian residents. Applications now open for specific age groups and those with Disability Tax Credit certificates.
Program Highlights
Application Timeline
Applications Open
May 2025
Coverage Begins
June 1, 2025
Full Implementation
Throughout 2025
Government Supported Dental Care
Canadian Dental Care Plan
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
A federal government program helping uninsured Canadians access affordable dental care
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is expanding to cover all remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 years old, with applications opening in May 2025 and coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025.
This federal government program helps pay for dental care for Canadian residents who don't have dental insurance and earn less than $90,000 per year.
Up to 4.5 million uninsured Canadians between 18 and 64 years old are expected to join the millions of seniors, children, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate already eligible for affordable oral health care services under the CDCP.
Application Timeline
Children under 18
Applications open now
Adults aged 18-34
Applications open now
Adults aged 55+
Applications open now
Adults 35-54 with Disability Tax Credit
Applications open now
Important for Current Members:
If you're already enrolled in CDCP, you must renew your coverage before June 1, 2025, for the new 2025-2026 coverage period.
Eligibility & Covered Services
Requirements to qualify and what dental services are covered
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements:
Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Have filed your 2024 tax return in Canada and received your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency
Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
Not have access to dental insurance through any source
Important Insurance Restrictions:
You're not eligible if you have dental coverage through employment benefits, professional organizations, student organizations, or if you purchased private dental insurance. If you decline dental coverage through your or your spouse's employment benefits, you will not be eligible for the CDCP.
Additional exclusions include:
- Pension benefits (federal, provincial, territorial government employer pension plans)
- Coverage through a family member's employment or pension benefits
- Private insurance purchased individually or through group plans
Exception: You may be eligible if you're retired and opted out of pension benefits before December 11, 2023, and can't opt back in.
Tax Filing Requirements:
Both you and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) must file Canadian tax returns. If your spouse is not living in Canada and doesn't file Canadian taxes, you will not be eligible for CDCP.
Adjusted Family Net Income Calculation:
Your family net income (line 23600 of your tax return + spouse's line 23600)
- Minus: UCCB and RDSP income (lines 11700 and 12500)
+ Plus: UCCB and RDSP repayments (lines 21300 and 23200)
= = Adjusted family net income (must be under $90,000)
Exception:
If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social program, you can still qualify for the CDCP. Your coverage will be coordinated between the plans to ensure there are no duplications or gaps.
What Services Are Covered?
Preventive Care
- • Dental exams (complete, routine, specific and emergency)
- • Professional cleanings (scaling and polishing)
- • Fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent decay
- • Sealants for clients 17 years of age and under
Diagnostic Services
- • X-rays to detect hidden dental issues
- • Comprehensive oral health assessments
Restorative Treatments
- • Fillings for cavities and broken teeth
- • Crowns to restore damaged teeth
- • Inlays and onlays for partial tooth restoration
Advanced Procedures
- • Root canals to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp
- • Periodontal treatments for gums and bone
- • Dentures and prosthodontic care
- • Oral surgery including extractions
- • Pain management and sedation services
Coming in 2025:
Orthodontic services will be added to the CDCP in 2025, but only for cases of medical need based on strict criteria with maximum spending limits.
Understanding CDCP Costs & Co-payments
The CDCP is not free dental care - learn about your potential costs
Co-payment Structure
Your co-payment is based on your family's adjusted annual net income:
Under $70,000
No co-payment required
$70,000 - $79,999
40% co-payment
$80,000 - $89,999
60% co-payment
Note: The CDCP is a government dental benefit that covers part of the cost of your care. You may have to pay the portion of costs that are not covered.
Additional Costs to Consider
Balance Billing
Balance billing is permitted for patients using the CDCP. This means dentists can charge the difference between their usual fees and the amount the CDCP covers.
Important: You may have to pay balance billing fees in addition to a potential co-payment.
Before Your Appointment
Always ask your dentist if the CDCP covers the dental services and if there will be any out-of-pocket or balance billing costs.
Coverage Confirmation
Your oral health provider needs to confirm your CDCP coverage prior to submitting claims.
Need to Book an Appointment?
Get your dental care started with Dr. Lok's experienced team
Book Online NowHow to Apply & Getting Care at David Lok Dentistry
Your complete guide to applying and receiving care in Toronto
How to Apply for CDCP
Application Methods:
Online (Recommended)
Visit canada.ca/dental using your My Service Canada Account
By Phone
Call 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262)
In Person
Visit your local Service Canada centre
Required Information:
- • Social Insurance Numbers for all applicants
- • Information for your spouse or common-law partner if applicable
- • Submit one application for everyone in your household who qualifies
Application Notes:
The Government of Canada will send letters to Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 who may be eligible based on their 2024 adjusted family net income. You can apply even if you haven't received this letter, as long as you meet the requirements.
Getting Care at David Lok Dentistry
About Dr. David Lok
Dr. David Lok,has been serving Toronto patients for decades, and is now located at 1006 Bay Street. Our practice is fully prepared to assist eligible patients with their Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits and guide them through the process.
Booking Your Visit
You can conveniently book your appointment online. Your coverage start date will be laid out in your welcome package and may vary based on when you apply and when your application is processed.
Before Your Appointment
- • Always ask if the CDCP covers the dental services you need
- • Confirm if there will be any out-of-pocket or balance billing costs
- • Ensure your CDCP coverage is confirmed prior to treatment
- • Bring your CDCP member card and government-issued ID
Location & Contact
Address: 1006 Bay Street, Toronto
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tagalog
Preauthorization, Renewal & What to Expect
Important processes and timelines you need to know
Preauthorization
Starting November 1, 2024, a wider range of essential treatments became available to CDCP patients through preauthorization.
Covered Treatments:
- • Re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatments
- • Bonding for mobile teeth
- • Post-surgical evaluations
- • Crowns and cores (to support crowns)
- • Posts for crowns
- • Complete immediate and overdentures
- • Partial dentures
- • Higher levels of sedation
- • Other complex dental services
Process: Your dentist needs to submit a preauthorization request to the CDCP administrator (Sun Life) for complex services prior to proceeding with treatment.
Annual Renewal
CDCP coverage is valid for one year from your enrollment date. You must renew annually to maintain your benefits.
Important Deadline: Current CDCP members must renew their coverage before June 1, 2025, for the new 2025-2026 coverage period.
Renewal Process:
- You'll receive a renewal notice before your coverage expires
- Complete and return the renewal form promptly
- Ensure your income information is up to date
- Failure to renew will result in loss of coverage
Warning: If you don't renew before June 1, 2025, your CDCP coverage will end on June 30, 2025.
What to Expect
Welcome Package
Your CDCP welcome package may take up to three months to arrive from the time you apply and enroll.
Package Contents:
- • Member card from Sun Life
- • Co-payment information
- • Coverage start date
Important: You cannot receive care under the program until you have received your CDCP card and observed your start date.
Scheduling: Appointments can only be scheduled on or after your coverage start date.
Need More Information?
Official Resources
canada.ca/dental
Official CDCP website for eligibility and applications
Service Canada
Contact directly for application assistance
Book Your CDCP Appointment
Once you receive your CDCP coverage, book your appointment with David Lok Dentistry to get started with your dental care.
Key Things to Remember About CDCP
Important points that could improve your health and quality of life
Why This Program Matters
Health Impact
Poor oral health can lead to respiratory disease, diabetes complications, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, pregnancy complications, life-threatening infections, and greater mortality from all causes.
Expanded Access
The CDCP expands access to dental care for millions of Canadians who previously couldn't afford it, representing a significant step toward making dental care more accessible.
Toronto Residents
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are in the 18-64 age range, the May 2025 application period offers an opportunity to access essential dental services at David Lok Dentistry and other participating providers across Canada.
Act Early
Remember: The earlier you apply, the faster your application gets processed. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application.
Quick Reminder
- • Applications open in May 2025 based on age groups
- • Coverage starts as early as June 1, 2025
- • Family income must be under $90,000
- • Cannot have existing dental insurance
- • Must file 2024 tax return and receive Notice of Assessment
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step towards better oral health with Dr. David Lok's experienced team in Toronto.
Book your appointment once you receive your CDCP coverage or schedule a consultation to learn more about your options.
David Lok Dentistry
1006 Bay Street, Toronto
Serving Toronto for over 44 years
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog
Additional Resources
Official CDCP Website
canada.ca/dental
Service Canada
1-833-537-4342