We are a participating provider under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
If you have been approved for CDCP, you can book with us. This page explains what the plan covers, what you may still owe, and how to get started — without the runaround.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal program that helps cover the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada, and as of 2026 it is open to all eligible age groups.
The plan is not free dental care for everyone, and it does not cover every procedure. Understanding what it does and does not do before your appointment saves a difficult conversation at the front desk.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined by Health Canada, not by us. There are four criteria:
- You have no access to private dental insurance. This includes coverage through your employer, a spouse or partner’s employer, a pension, or a policy you bought yourself. Having access disqualifies you even if you never use it.
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000. This is based on your most recent tax return.
- You have filed your taxes for the previous year, as has your spouse or common-law partner if you have one.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Being enrolled in a provincial program such as ODSP does not automatically disqualify you. The programs are coordinated to fill gaps rather than duplicate coverage.
You apply directly through the Government of Canada at canada.ca/dental or through your My Service Canada Account — we cannot enrol you or influence the decision. Once Sun Life confirms your coverage and sends your member card, bring it to your appointment.
What You Will Pay: The Co-Payment Tiers
Your income determines what share of the cost the plan covers.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP covers | You pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | No co-payment |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% | 40% co-payment |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% | 60% co-payment |
| $90,000 and above | Not eligible | — |
These percentages apply to the CDCP’s own established fee schedule, which is separate from the Ontario Dental Association fee guide most practices use. Where there is a difference between the two, that gap is not covered by the plan.
This is the part that surprises people, so we will be direct about it: even at the 0% co-payment tier, CDCP is not always the same thing as free. We give every patient a written estimate before treatment begins showing exactly what the plan pays and what, if anything, is left for you. You will never find out about a balance after the fact.
What CDCP Covers at Our Windsor Office
The plan covers a defined list of services. Where a treatment you need is on it, here is what that looks like with us:
- Cleanings — scaling and polishing at the frequency the plan permits
- Exams and diagnostics — including X-rays
- Fillings — restorative work on decayed teeth
- Extractions — where a tooth cannot be saved
- Root canals — endodontic treatment, subject to preauthorisation
- Dentures — complete and partial, with frequency limits
Some services require preauthorisation before we can proceed. Where that applies we submit the request and wait for a decision before scheduling, so you are not left with an unexpected bill.
What CDCP Does Not Cover
Being upfront about this is the point of the page. Services outside the plan include cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers, orthodontic treatment, and dental implants.
If you need something the plan does not cover, we will tell you before treatment and show you the cost. See our fees and what you may owe.
How to Book With Your CDCP Coverage
- Confirm your coverage is active. You should have received a Sun Life member card with your coverage start date. Coverage does not begin the day you are approved — check the date on the card.
- Book your appointment. Mention CDCP when you book so we can verify your coverage before you arrive.
- Bring your Sun Life card and photo ID to your first visit.
- Review your estimate. We confirm what is covered and what you may owe before any treatment starts.
New to the practice? See our new patient process. We handle direct billing to Sun Life, so you are not paying up front and waiting for reimbursement.
Other Coverage Programs We Accept
If CDCP is not available to you, another program may be:
- ODSP dental coverage — for Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- Healthy Smiles Ontario — free dental care for eligible children and youth under 18
- Affordable care options — if you do not qualify for any program
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply through you?
No. You apply directly to the Government of Canada, online through My Service Canada Account or at canada.ca/dental. We cannot enrol you or influence your eligibility decision.
Do you accept new patients under CDCP?
Yes. Let us know when you book so we can verify your coverage in advance. See our new patient information.
If my co-payment is 0%, is my visit free?
Often, but not always. The plan pays at its own fee schedule, and where our fee is higher than the CDCP rate the difference is not covered. We show you any gap in writing before treatment so there are no surprises.
I have insurance through work but it barely covers anything. Can I still apply?
Generally no. Having access to private coverage disqualifies you, even if the coverage is minimal and even if you do not use it. Your employer reports this to the CRA on your T4.
Does CDCP cover emergency dental care?
Covered services delivered during an emergency appointment are treated the same as any other visit under the plan. Come in and we will sort out the coverage.
My income went up. Do I lose coverage?
Eligibility is reassessed every benefit year against your most recent tax return. Crossing $70,000, $80,000 or $90,000 moves you into a different tier or out of the plan entirely. These are hard cutoffs, not gradual, so a small income change can have an outsized effect.
My application was denied. What now?
Eligibility decisions come from Health Canada and we cannot appeal on your behalf. We can still see you — talk to us about payment options.
Book Your Appointment
Bring your Sun Life card and we will handle the rest. Book online or get in touch with any questions.
Program details are set by Health Canada and change from one benefit year to the next. For official information, consult canada.ca/dental.