The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is one of the most significant healthcare expansions in recent Canadian history. Launched to help millions of Canadians access dental care they couldn’t previously afford, the program has already changed the way families across the country think about oral health. But finding a dentist who participates in the CDCP can still feel confusing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about finding a CDCP-participating dentist near you.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal program designed to provide dental coverage for Canadian residents who don’t already have access to dental insurance. The program is managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life, and it covers a range of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and emergency dental services.
The plan was rolled out in phases starting in 2024, beginning with seniors aged 87 and older, and has since expanded to cover all eligible Canadians. As of 2026, the program serves millions of people who previously had to choose between dental care and other essential expenses.
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You must be a Canadian resident and have filed your most recent tax return. Your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000 per year. You must not have access to dental insurance through an employer, a pension, or a spouse’s plan. You must not already be covered by a provincial or territorial dental program.
Coverage levels are tiered based on family income. Families earning less than $70,000 pay no co-pays at all for covered services. Those earning between $70,000 and $79,999 have a co-pay of up to 40%, and families earning between $80,000 and $89,999 pay up to 60% of the cost.
What Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a broad range of dental services grouped into several categories. Preventive care includes cleanings, polishing, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral hygiene instruction. Diagnostic services cover examinations, X-rays, and other imaging. Restorative services include fillings, crowns, root canals, and extractions. Prosthodontic services such as complete and partial dentures are covered, as are some periodontal treatments and oral surgery procedures.
The plan does not currently cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers, orthodontics for adults, or dental implants in most cases. However, the list of covered services may expand in future phases of the program.
How to Find a CDCP-Participating Dentist
Not every dental clinic in Canada has enrolled as a CDCP provider. Dentists must register with Sun Life and agree to the program’s fee schedule to accept CDCP patients. Here are the most reliable ways to find a participating dentist near you.
The Sun Life CDCP provider search tool at sunlife.ca is the official directory for finding enrolled providers. You can search by postal code, city, or province to find dental offices accepting CDCP patients in your area.
You can also use Smile Directory to browse dental clinics across Canada. Our directory includes dentists, denturists, and dental hygienists, and we’re working to identify providers who accept CDCP. Searching by your city or province lets you compare clinics and read about the services they offer.
If you already have a dentist, call their office directly and ask whether they’ve enrolled as a CDCP provider. Many clinics joined the program in 2025 and 2026 as patient demand increased.
What to Do If No Dentists Near You Accept CDCP
In some rural and remote areas, the number of CDCP-enrolled providers can be limited. If you’re having trouble finding a participating dentist, consider expanding your search radius to include nearby towns or cities. You might also contact your provincial dental association, as they can often point you toward clinics that are accepting new CDCP patients.
Community health centres in many provinces offer dental services on a sliding scale or through government programs, and many of these centres participate in the CDCP. Universities with dental schools also sometimes provide services at reduced rates through their teaching clinics.
Tips for Your First CDCP Dental Visit
Before your appointment, make sure you have your CDCP member card or confirmation letter from Sun Life. Bring valid government-issued identification and your most recent Notice of Assessment from the CRA if the clinic requests it.
Arrive early to fill out any new patient paperwork. Ask the front desk to verify your coverage and confirm which services are covered under your plan before any work begins. This helps avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
If you haven’t seen a dentist in several years, don’t worry. Your dentist will likely start with a comprehensive examination and cleaning, and then create a treatment plan to address any issues that need attention.
The CDCP and Smile Directory
At Smile Directory, our mission is to connect Canadians with dental professionals in their communities. As a non-profit organization, we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care. The CDCP is a major step forward in making that possible, and we’re committed to helping Canadians navigate the program and find the care they need.
Browse our directory to find dental clinics in your city, read about the services they offer, and take the first step toward better oral health. Whether you’re covered by the CDCP, private insurance, or paying out of pocket, Smile Directory is here to help you find the right dentist for you and your family.