What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program that helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. The plan is funded by the Government of Canada and administered by Sun Life. Applications for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year are currently open. If you had coverage for the 2025 to 2026 benefit year and did not renew by June 1, 2026, you will need to reapply and there may be a gap in your coverage. To apply or check your status, visit the official Government of Canada page at canada.ca/dental.
To be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must meet all four of the following requirements.Do You Qualify for the CDCP?
No Private Dental Insurance
Canadian Tax Return
Second, you and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year so your family income can be assessed.
Family Net Income
Third, your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 per year.
Canadian Resident
Fourth, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Important note: If you receive a pension, check box 015 on your T4A tax slip. If you are working, check box 45 on your T4 slip. A code of 1 in either box means you do not have access to dental insurance through your employer or pension. A code of 2, 3, 4, or 5 means you do have access, and you would not be eligible for the CDCP. If you have dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social program such as BC Income Assistance, you may still qualify for the CDCP. Coverage will be coordinated between the plans.
What Services Are Covered?
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services. Below is a summary based on the official Government of Canada coverage guide, current as of 2026.
Diagnostic and Preventive Services
Covered without preauthorization: dental exams (complete, routine, specific, and emergency), x-rays, cleaning (scaling), fluoride applications, and sealants.
Basic Services
Restorative: permanent fillings, temporary fillings, and treatment for cavities. Endodontic: root canal treatments, pulpectomies, procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain. Re-treatments of previously completed root canals require preauthorization. Periodontal: cleaning under the gumline, treating abscesses, and non-surgical gum disease management. Some periodontal services require preauthorization.
Major Services
Restorative: post repairs, crown repairs and re-bonding. Crowns, cores, and posts for crowns require preauthorization. Prosthodontics: complete dentures, denture repairs, relines and rebases. Partial dentures and complete immediate overdentures require preauthorization. Oral Surgery: removal of teeth and roots, surgical removal of tumours and cysts, surgical incisions, and treatment for broken jaw bones.
Anesthesia and Sedation
Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are covered. Conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia require preauthorization.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic services are not yet available under the CDCP. The Government of Canada has confirmed a specific range of orthodontic services will be added in the future at a date to be determined.
What Is Not Covered
The following services are not covered under the CDCP: dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, fixed bridges, mouthguards, night guards, TMJ appliances, bone grafting, inlays, onlays, and crown lengthening.
How Much Will the CDCP Cover?
The amount covered depends on your adjusted family net income. The CDCP uses its own fee guide, which may be lower than the provincial fee guide. If your dentist's fees are higher than the CDCP fee guide, you may be responsible for the difference in addition to any co-payment.
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of CDCP established fees | 0% co-payment |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of CDCP established fees | 40% co-payment |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of CDCP established fees | 60% co-payment |
What to Bring to Your CDCP Appointment
Once you have been approved and received your welcome package from Sun Life, you are ready to book. Please bring the following to your appointment at our Burnaby clinic:Your Sun Life member card. Your coverage start date (benefit effective date). A valid photo ID. Your completed new patient form if this is your first visit.Please contact us before your appointment at 604-558-3636 so we can confirm your coverage and prepare for your visit. You should not pay the full cost upfront for covered services. Sun Life will reimburse our clinic directly.
Scam Warning
The Government of Canada has issued a warning that the CDCP will never ask you to pay to apply or renew your coverage. Be cautious of scams sent by mail, phone, text, or email asking for your personal or banking information. Only trust communications from official Government of Canada websites (canada.ca) or Sun Life (sunlife.ca/cdcp).Please contact us before your appointment at 604-558-3636 so we can confirm your coverage and prepare for your visit. You should not pay the full cost upfront for covered services. Sun Life will reimburse our clinic directly.
Book Your CDCP Appointment in Burnaby
Dentists At Metrotown is open 7 days a week at Metropolis at Metrotown mall, 4800 Kingsway #396, Burnaby, BC V5H 4J2. Monday to Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm. To book a CDCP appointment, call 604-558-3636 or book online. New patients are always welcome and no referral is required. We are accessible by SkyTrain from Metrotown Station and free parking is available in the Metropolis at Metrotown parkade.