Canada's new dental care program just hit a major milestone — and if you've been dreaming of a free cleaning or finally fixing that tooth without breaking the bank, now could be your chance.
As of May 1, the first round of eligible adults can officially apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). It's one of the country's biggest health programs, and it's all about making dental care more affordable for Canadians who don't have insurance.
Previously, the CDCP was only available to children, seniors and Disability Tax Credit recipients. But now, eligible adults between the ages of 18 and 64 are being added to the list as well and can start receiving covered care as early as June 1.
Here's everything you need to know about the CDCP, including who's eligible as of May 2025, how to apply and what's covered.
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
You'll need to meet all four of these criteria to be eligible for dental care coverage under the CDCP:
- No dental insurance — This includes not having coverage through work, school, a pension or a private plan.
- Filed your 2024 taxes — You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one) must have submitted your tax return and received your notice of assessment.
- Income under $90,000 — That's your adjusted family net income for 2024.
- Canadian resident for tax purposes — You need to be living in Canada and filing taxes here.
If you already get dental benefits through a government social program, you might still qualify — the CDCP will coordinate with those to fill in any gaps.
Who is newly eligible in May 2025?
The first phase of this adult wave went live on Thursday. As of May 1, adults aged 55 to 64 can now apply.
Then it rolls out to more age groups later this month:
- May 15: Adults 18 to 34
- May 29: Adults 35 to 54
The plan is already open to seniors 65 and up, kids under 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.
What does the CDCP cover?
Once you're approved, the CDCP helps pay for all kinds of routine and major dental services. That includes:
- Checkups, x-rays and cleanings
- Fillings, root canals and crowns
- Dentures and repairs
- Extractions and some oral surgeries
- Sedation and anesthesia
Some treatments require preauthorization, meaning your dentist has to get the OK from the CDCP before going ahead. Orthodontic services (like braces) aren't included yet, but they're expected to launch later in 2025 for those with a medical need.
See the full list of services covered by the CDCP here.
It's important to note that while the CDCP helps with costs, it doesn't always cover 100%. How much you pay depends on your income and how much your provider charges.
Will you have to pay anything?
You may have a co-pay, depending on your family income. Here's the breakdown:
- Under $70,000 — The CDCP covers 100% of eligible costs (at government rates).
- $70,000 to $79,999 — The plan covers 60%, you pay 40%.
- $80,000 to $89,999 — The plan covers 40%, you pay 60%.
Also, if your provider charges more than the plan reimburses — or if you get services not covered — you'll have to pay the difference. Always ask your provider what's covered ahead of time.
Keep in mind that the plan only reimburses your provider, not you, so you should never pay the full cost upfront if it's supposed to be covered by the CDCP — you won't get that money back.
You can find the 2025 CDCP coverage rates by province or territory and provider type on the Sun Life website.
How to apply for the CDCP
You can apply online, over the phone or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Applying online is the fastest and easiest option. Here's what you'll need to have ready:
- SIN, date of birth and full name
- Your home and mailing address(es)
- Your notice of assessment for 2024
- Info for your spouse/partner or kids (if you're applying for them too)
Even if you haven't received a government letter inviting you to apply, you can still go ahead — as long as your age group is eligible and you've filed your taxes.
When can you start using your coverage?
Once your application is approved, you'll get a welcome package from Sun Life with your benefit start date and a member card. But you don't have to wait for the card — as long as you've got your approval letter with your ID and start date, you're good to go. You can find a CDCP provider here if you don't already have one.
Your dentist will need to confirm your plan info and bill Sun Life directly. You shouldn't be paying the full cost upfront — you won't get reimbursed if you do.
Already have CDCP coverage?
If you're already part of the plan, don't forget to renew by June 1, or your coverage will end on June 30. You canrenew onlineor through your My Service Canada Account once your 2024 taxes are filed.
AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of Narcity's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
