Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Toronto: Who Qualifies, What It Covers, and Where to Go (2026 Guide)

Dental care is one of the biggest healthcare costs for many Toronto families, and OHIP does not cover routine dental visits. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to help with that. If you do not have dental insurance and your family income is under $90,000, it may pay for some or all of your dental care. This guide explains who qualifies, how to apply, what is covered, and how to find a dentist in Toronto who takes the plan.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

You may be eligible for the CDCP if you meet all four of these requirements. You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes, you filed your most recent tax return, your adjusted family net income is under $90,000, and you do not have access to dental insurance through an employer, a pension, a student plan, or a private plan.

A few things are worth knowing:

Family income counts, not just yours: If you have a spouse or common-law partner, the combined adjusted family net income is what matters.
Children under 18: Eligibility is based on the parents' or guardians' family income.
Access to insurance matters: If you could get dental coverage through work but have chosen not to, you are generally not eligible. If your coverage changes during the year, the plan needs to know.
Newcomers: Because eligibility is checked through your tax return, you will need to have filed taxes in Canada. If you arrived recently, you may need to wait until after you file your first return.

How do I apply for the CDCP in Ontario?

You apply directly with the federal government, not through Ontario or OHIP. The plan is managed by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada, and the application is handled through Service Canada.

Most people apply online through their My Service Canada Account or through the Canada.ca website. If you prefer, you can apply by phone. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a letter with your member ID, your coverage start date, and your co-payment level, if you have one. Bring that letter to your dental appointments.

Coverage is renewed each year. Applications for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year opened in June 2026. If you had coverage last year and did not renew on time, you can reapply, but you may have a gap in coverage. If you are not sure where you stand, check your status with Service Canada or the plan before booking a dentist.

What dental treatments does the CDCP cover?

The CDCP covers a wide range of everyday dental care. Examples include:

Preventive services, such as cleanings and exams
Diagnostic services, such as X-rays
Restorative services, including fillings
Periodontal (gum) services, including deep scaling
Root canal treatment
Oral surgery, including extractions
Dentures and related services, some of which need approval before treatment

Some services are not covered. Cosmetic-only treatments, such as crowns done for appearance, are not included, and the plan does not cover medical transportation costs. Some treatments require preauthorization, which means your dentist asks the plan to approve the work before it starts. If your dentist recommends something larger, like dentures or a crown, ask whether preauthorization is needed so you are not caught off guard by the bill.

Do I still pay anything with CDCP coverage?

It depends on your adjusted family net income. Here is how the co-payment works:

Under $70,000: The plan covers 100% of eligible services at the plan's set fees. You pay no co-payment.
$70,000 to $79,999: The plan covers 60%. You pay a 40% co-payment.
$80,000 to $89,999: The plan covers 40%. You pay a 60% co-payment.

The plan pays based on its own fee schedule. If a dentist charges more than the plan's rates, or if you choose a service the plan does not cover, you may be responsible for the difference. It is a good idea to ask for a cost estimate before treatment begins, especially for larger procedures.

Which dentists in Toronto accept CDCP patients?

Many Toronto dental offices take part in the CDCP, but not all of them do. The plan has its own provider search tool through Sun Life, and you can also simply ask when you call a clinic. A helpful question to ask is, "Do you accept CDCP patients and bill Sun Life directly?"

To start your search close to home, you can browse dental offices by neighbourhood on our dental clinic search page, then call the ones that suit you to confirm they take CDCP. You can also use our main clinic search or try Care Finder on the HealthEh! homepage and describe what you need, such as a dentist in Scarborough that is open on weekends.

When you book, bring your CDCP member ID and the letter you received. Many offices will ask for it at your first visit so they can check your coverage before treatment.

What if I do not qualify for the CDCP?

If your income is above the limit or you have other dental insurance, you still have some options in Ontario:

Healthy Smiles Ontario: A provincial program that offers free dental care for eligible children and youth 17 and under.
Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program: Offers dental care for eligible low-income seniors aged 65 and older.
Toronto Public Health dental services: If you cannot afford a dentist, you may be able to get free dental care through the City of Toronto. Call 3-1-1 and ask about dental appointments to find out if you qualify.
Dental school clinics: The University of Toronto's dental programs, like other dental schools, offer care provided by supervised students, often at a lower cost.
Community Health Centres: Some can connect you with dental resources if you are facing barriers to care.

Key tips for using the CDCP in Toronto

Check your eligibility early: Make sure you have filed your taxes, since eligibility is checked through your tax return.
Renew every year: Do not wait until the last minute, so you avoid a gap in coverage.
Call before you book: Confirm the dentist accepts CDCP and bills the plan directly.
Ask about preauthorization: It matters most for dentures and larger treatments.
Request a cost estimate: Know what your co-payment and any extra fees will be before work begins.
Keep your member ID handy: Bring your confirmation letter to every visit.

The CDCP rules and application dates can change from year to year, so it is worth confirming the latest details with Service Canada or the plan before you apply. If you are ready to find a dentist, you can start by browsing dental clinics across Toronto and calling a few that fit your neighbourhood and schedule.