Access to dental care is a fundamental component of overall health, yet the high cost of treatment has long put essential oral services out of reach for many Canadians. In response, the federal government launched the Canada Dental Care Plan in phases between December 2023 and May 2025. By 2025, the CDCP aims to provide affordable dental coverage for millions of uninsured Canadians in families earning under $90,000 per year.
This blog will explain exactly who qualifies for the new Canadian Dental Plan in 2025, outline the eligibility criteria, detail the application process, summarize coverage and fees, and introduce you to how Poco Dental Group participates as a CDCP dentist.
What Is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP Canada)?
The Canada Dental Care Plan is a landmark federal initiative designed to eliminate financial barriers to dental care for low- and middle-income families. Administered in partnership with Sun Life and coordinated by Health Canada and Service Canada, the CDCP provides subsidized coverage for a wide range of essential dental services.
At full rollout, the program is expected to cover up to nine million Canadians. It targets groups traditionally underserved by employer-sponsored or private dental plans, including all age groups with family net incomes below $90,000. By locking in negotiated fee schedules with participating providers, the CDCP ensures predictable out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients across the nation.
CDCP Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Understanding who qualifies under the CDCP is the first step. To be eligible in 2025, applicants must meet all four of the following criteria:
Canadian Residency Status
– Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
– Includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons (refugees).
– Temporary visitors and international students are not eligible.
Income Threshold
– Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI) for the previous tax year must be under $90,000.
– AFNI is calculated based on Line 23600 of your T1 tax return, adjusted for benefits like the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income.
– Families under $70,000 AFNI receive the most generous coverage; those between $70,000 and $89,999 receive scaled benefits.
No Other Dental Insurance
– Applicants and their dependents cannot have access to any employer‑sponsored, professional association, pension plan, or private dental coverage—even if they choose not to use it.
– Proof of absence of coverage is required during the application process.
Tax Filing Requirement
– You and your spouse or common‑law partner (if applicable) must have filed your Canadian income tax return for the previous year and received a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency.
– If a partner lives outside Canada and does not file taxes here, the entire household becomes ineligible.
Meeting these four requirements confirms that you qualify for CDCP coverage in 2025. If you’re uncertain about your AFNI calculation or need assistance interpreting your NOA, consider consulting a tax professional before applying.
CDCP Coverage: What Services Are Included?
Once approved, CDCP dental coverage kicks in for a broad spectrum of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, oral surgery, and sedation services. The key covered services include:
- Preventive Care: Professional cleanings, scaling, fluoride treatments, and sealants—typically every six months.
- Diagnostic Services: Oral exams, digital X‑rays (intraoral and panoramic), and emergency assessments.
- Restorative Treatments: Permanent and temporary fillings, medically necessary dental crowns, posts and cores, and pain management procedures.
- Endodontics: Root canal therapy, pulpectomy, and pulpotomy to treat infected teeth.
- Periodontal Therapy: Scaling and root planing for gum disease, abscess management, and periodontal maintenance.
- Prosthodontics: Complete and partial dentures, repairs, and temporary prosthetics.
- Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions, surgical drainage of abscesses, and minor oral surgeries.
- Sedation and Anesthesia: Minimal to deep sedation for qualifying procedures, with prior authorization for moderate and profound levels.
Frequency limits (e.g., up to three exams per year, one panoramic X-ray every five years, and four crowns every ten years) are applied to keep costs sustainable. Services such as cosmetic whitening, veneers, implants, and bone grafts are not covered and must be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance.
How to Apply for CDCP (CDCP Application)
Applying for the CDCP is straightforward and can be completed online, by phone, or with in‑person support:
#1 Online (Recommended)
– Log in to your My Service Canada Account at canada.ca/dental.
– Complete the application form, upload the required documents, and submit.
#2 Phone
– Call the toll‑free number 1‑833‑537‑4342 (available 24/7; live agents during business hours).
– Provide your information over the phone or via mail, or upload documents as instructed.
#3 Assisted Application
– You may appoint a trusted friend, family member, or legal representative to apply on your behalf.
– Complete a Consent to Disclosure form to grant access to your CDCP eligibility details.
#4 Required Documents Checklist:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Notice of Assessment (NOA) from CRA for the previous tax year
- Proof of Canadian residency (driver’s license, utility bill)
- List of any existing dental coverage (if none, state “none”)
- Valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate (if claiming disability benefits)
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks. You can track your application status through your My Service Canada Account or by phone. Successful applicants receive a Welcome Package from Sun Life, which includes a member card and detailed coverage information.
Role of Sun Life in CDCP Dental Administration (CDCP Sun Life)
While Health Canada and Service Canada set policy and eligibility rules, Sun Life serves as the CDCP’s administrative partner. Their responsibilities include:
- Verifying Applications: Sun Life reviews eligibility documents and confirms coverage tiers.
- Issuing Member Cards: Approved participants receive a Sun Life‑branded CDCP card to present at dental offices.
- Processing Claims: Providers submit claims electronically to Sun Life for reimbursement of established fees.
- Customer Support: Sun Life’s call center handles inquiries about coverage details, claim status, and denials.
Sun Life’s infrastructure and experience with large-scale benefits administration ensure a smooth claims process and timely payments to participating providers, such as Poco Dental Group.
Choosing a CDCP Dentist
To maximize your CDCP benefits, you must see a participating dentist. Poco Dental Group is proud to be part of the CDCP network, offering:
- Direct Billing: We submit claims directly to Sun Life, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Transparent Estimates: Before any treatment, we verify your CDCP tier and provide a detailed cost breakdown, including any co-payment or fee difference.
- Expert Care: Our team stays current on CDCP policy updates, preauthorization requirements, and Sun Life claim procedures to ensure you receive all entitled benefits.
- Convenient Locations: Poco Dental Group makes it easy for eligible families to access covered services without delay.
If you’re unsure whether a specific service requires prior authorization or how much you’ll owe, schedule a complimentary CDCP consultation at Poco Dental Group. We’ll guide you through every step—from application to treatment completion.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Dental Care Plan, introduced in 2025, represents a historic expansion of public dental benefits in Canada, designed to bring essential oral healthcare within reach of millions. By understanding who qualifies, familiarizing yourself with the eligibility criteria, preparing the CDCP application, and choosing a trusted CDCP dentist, you can confidently navigate this new program. Remember to review the CDCP fee guide to anticipate any co‑payments and submit your application as soon as possible to start enjoying the benefits.
Don’t let cost concerns stand between you and a healthy smile. Once approved, contact Poco Dental Group to schedule your first CDCP‑covered appointment and take a proactive step toward better oral health in 2025.