The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been a game-changer for millions of Canadians who previously couldn’t afford dental care. Since its launch, the program has expanded significantly, and as of 2026, it’s now available to all eligible Canadians regardless of age. But who exactly qualifies, how do you apply, and what does the plan actually cover? This guide answers all the key questions about CDCP eligibility in 2026.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP in 2026?
To be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all of the following criteria. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. You must have filed your most recent income tax return (your 2024 return for the 2026 benefit year). Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000. You must not currently have access to dental insurance through an employer, a pension plan, or a spouse or common-law partner’s plan. And you must not already be covered by a provincial, territorial, or federal dental benefits program that provides similar coverage.
The program is open to all age groups. When it first launched in 2024, it was rolled out in phases starting with seniors, then expanding to children, persons with disabilities, and eventually all eligible adults. As of 2026, the phased rollout is complete and any Canadian meeting the eligibility criteria can apply.
How Income Affects Your Coverage
Your adjusted family net income determines not just your eligibility but also how much you’ll pay out of pocket for dental services. The CDCP uses three income tiers.
If your family net income is under $70,000, you pay no co-pay at all. All covered services are provided at no cost to you. This tier provides the most comprehensive benefit and covers the majority of CDCP enrollees.
If your family net income is between $70,000 and $79,999, you’ll have a co-pay of up to 40% of the cost of covered services. For example, if a covered procedure costs $500, you would pay up to $200 and the CDCP would cover the remaining $300.
If your family net income is between $80,000 and $89,999, your co-pay is up to 60%. Using the same $500 example, you would pay up to $300 while the CDCP covers $200. While this tier has the highest out-of-pocket share, it still provides meaningful savings compared to paying the full cost without any coverage.
How to Apply
Applying for the CDCP is done through Service Canada. You can apply online through your My Service Canada Account, by phone at 1-833-537-4342, or by visiting a Service Canada office in person. You’ll need your Social Insurance Number and your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Processing times vary, but most applications are reviewed within a few weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a CDCP member card from Sun Life, which administers the plan. You’ll present this card at participating dental offices, similar to how you would use any other dental insurance card.
If your income or insurance situation changes during the year — for example, if you lose your employer dental coverage — you may become newly eligible and can apply at that time. The program is designed to respond to changing circumstances.
What Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a comprehensive range of dental services organized into several categories. Preventive services include oral exams, cleanings, scaling, polishing, fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral hygiene instruction. Diagnostic services cover X-rays, diagnostic imaging, and other tests your dentist needs to assess your oral health.
Restorative services include fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, and extractions. These are the services needed when problems are identified during an exam. Prosthodontic services cover complete dentures, partial dentures, denture repairs, and relining. Periodontal services for treating gum disease and some oral surgery procedures are also included.
Services not currently covered by the CDCP include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers, dental implants in most cases, adult orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), and some specialized procedures. The list of covered services may be updated as the program matures, so it’s worth checking the current coverage list on the official CDCP website or asking your dental provider.
Finding a Dentist Who Accepts the CDCP
To use your CDCP benefits, you need to visit a dentist who has enrolled as a CDCP provider with Sun Life. Not all dentists have enrolled, though participation has been growing steadily. You can find participating providers through the Sun Life provider search tool or by calling dental offices directly and asking if they accept CDCP patients.
Smile Directory can also help you find dental clinics in your area. Our Canadian non-profit directory lets you browse dental professionals across the country by city and specialty. If a clinic you’re interested in isn’t listed as a CDCP provider, it’s still worth calling to ask — many clinics enrolled throughout 2025 and 2026 as patient demand increased.
Common Questions About CDCP Eligibility
Can I qualify if I’m self-employed? Yes, as long as you don’t have dental insurance through any other source and your income is under $90,000. Self-employed Canadians who don’t carry private dental insurance are eligible.
What if my spouse has dental insurance but I’m not on their plan? If you have access to dental coverage through your spouse’s plan — meaning you could be added to it even if you haven’t been — you may not qualify. If the plan genuinely doesn’t cover you and you can’t be added, you may be eligible. Contact Service Canada to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need to reapply every year? The program reassesses eligibility annually based on your most recent tax return. You don’t need to submit a new application each year, but you must continue to file your taxes and meet the eligibility criteria.
What if I get a new job with dental benefits? If you gain access to dental insurance through a new employer, you would no longer be eligible for the CDCP and should notify the program. Using both your employer plan and the CDCP simultaneously is not permitted.
Making the Most of the CDCP
If you’re enrolled in the CDCP, take full advantage of your preventive benefits. Regular checkups and cleanings catch problems early when they’re simpler and less expensive to treat. The CDCP covers these services at no or low cost depending on your income tier, so there’s no reason to skip them.
If you need significant dental work, ask your dentist to submit a predetermination to Sun Life. This confirms in advance which services will be covered and what your co-pay will be, so you can plan accordingly. Your dental office can handle this process for you.
The CDCP is a major step forward in making dental care accessible to all Canadians. If you think you might be eligible, applying is free and the potential savings are significant. Visit the official CDCP website or contact Service Canada to get started.