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Is My Family Eligible for Free Dental Care Under the CDCP?
For many Canadian families, the cost of dental care has been a long-standing barrier to maintaining good oral health. Regular checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other essential treatments can add up quickly—especially for households with multiple children or limited income. To help make dental care more affordable and accessible, the Government of Canada introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This national program supports individuals and families without private dental insurance.
But one of the most common questions Canadians ask is: “Is my family eligible for free dental care under the CDCP?” This blog explains eligibility requirements, what the plan covers, how co-pays work, and how to access care at clinics that proudly accept CDCP patients.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a government-funded dental program that helps Canadians without private dental insurance. It aims to reduce financial barriers and ensure that more families can get the preventive and restorative dental care they need. The plan is administered through Sun Life, which handles claims and coverage verification. Depending on your family’s income, you may receive full coverage or partial coverage for a wide range of dental services.
Is My Family Eligible for Free Dental Care Under CDCP?
Eligibility for free or reduced-cost dental care is based on three key criteria:
1. You Do Not Have Private Dental Coverage
To qualify, your family must not have:
- Employer-sponsored dental insurance
- Union or group benefit plans
- Personal or individually purchased dental insurance
- Student dental plans
If your household entirely relies on public health programs or has no dental coverage at all, you may be eligible for CDCP assistance.
2. You Filed Your Taxes for the Previous Year
The government uses your tax return to determine:
- Your adjusted family net income (AFNI)
- Your level of coverage
- Your co-payment responsibility, if any
Every applying family member must have a valid SIN and be up to date with tax filing.
3. Your Household Income Must Fall Within the CDCP Limits
The amount your family pays out of pocket depends on your adjusted family net income:
Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)Coverage Level
|
Adjusted Family Net Income (AFNI)
|
Coverage Level
|
|---|---|
|
Less than $70,000
|
Full coverage (no co-pay)
|
|
$70,000 – $79,999
|
Partial coverage + 40% co-pay
|
|
$80,000 – $89,999
|
Partial coverage + 60% co-pay
|
|
$90,000 or more
|
Not eligible
|
If your family’s income is below $70,000, you may qualify for completely free dental care under the CDCP, depending on the treatment.
What Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental treatments. While each case is assessed based on clinical need, many essential services are included:
Dentists commonly prescribe an antibiotic for tooth infection after an examination. However, antibiotics alone are not always the final solution—the dentist may also need to perform a root canal, drainage, or extraction depending on the severity.
Let’s look at the most common antibiotics for tooth infection used in Canada.
Preventive Care
- Exams and checkups
- Dental cleanings
- Scaling and polishing
- Fluoride treatments
- X-rays
- Oral hygiene instruction
Basic Restorative Services
- Fillings (silver or composite, depending on clinical need)
- Extractions
- Emergency dental care
Children’s Dentistry
- Sealants
- Space maintainers
- Preventive treatments to support healthy development
More Complex Services (Often Require Prior Approval)
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Dentures
- Deep scaling
- Surgical procedures
Not all services are fully covered, and some may require pre-authorization, especially higher-cost or specialty procedures.
How Co-Payments Work Under the CDCP
Even if your family qualifies for CDCP, you may still have a co-pay, which is your share of the treatment cost. The percentage depends on your income bracket.
Examples:
- If your income is under $70,000 → $0 co-pay
- If your income is $75,000 → You may pay 40% of the CDCP fee guide price
- If your income is $85,000 → You may pay 60%
It’s important to note that:
- Dentists may charge more than the CDCP fee guide, and families may need to cover the difference.
- Co-pays are calculated before insurance coordination; your dental office will help clarify these costs.
Where Can Families Use Their CDCP Coverage?
Not all dentists across Canada participate in the CDCP. Since the plan uses a specific fee guide and billing structure, clinics must choose to accept CDCP patients before providing services.
Choosing a dental clinic familiar with CDCP billing helps ensure:
- Transparent pricing
- Accurate estimates
- Fewer unexpected costs
- Smooth coordination with Sun Life
- Confidence in what your family will pay—or won’t pay
We Proudly Welcoming CDCP Patients
Access to quality dental care is essential for families who have delayed treatment due to cost. At Dental Square, we proudly welcome CDCP patients and support the federal government’s initiative to improve oral health nationwide. Our team is experienced in handling CDCP billing, explaining coverage clearly, and helping families understand treatment options based on clinical need. We believe financial limitations should never prevent anyone—especially children—from getting the dental care they deserve. When you visit Dental Square, you can expect friendly guidance, transparent cost discussions, and compassionate dental care tailored to your family’s needs.
How to Apply for CDCP for Your Family
Applying for CDCP is simple and can be completed online or by phone.
Steps to Apply:
- Confirm eligibility based on your family’s income and insurance status.
- Gather key documents, including SIN numbers and income information.
- Apply through the official Government of Canada website.
- Wait for your welcome package from Sun Life, which includes your coverage start date.
- Book your appointment with a CDCP-accepting dentist.
What to Expect During Your First CDCP Appointment
At a CDCP-participating dental office, your appointment will follow a transparent and straightforward process:
1. Coverage Confirmation
The clinic verifies your CDCP eligibility and determines whether any co-pay applies.
2. Comprehensive Dental Examination
This may include:
- A full oral exam
- Necessary X-rays
- Review of your family’s oral health needs
- Discussion of symptoms or concerns
3. Treatment Planning
Your dentist will explain:
- Which services are covered
- Which may require pre-authorization
- Expected co-payments
- A preventive care plan for each family member
4. Direct Billing
Dental Square handles billing to Sun Life directly whenever possible, reducing paperwork and stress for families.
Why the CDCP Matters for Canadian Families
For many households—especially those with children or limited income—routine dental care often becomes delayed or skipped altogether. Unfortunately, untreated dental issues can lead to:
- Tooth pain
- Infection
- Missed school days
- Difficulty eating
- Higher long-term treatment costs
The CDCP helps remove these barriers by providing the financial support families need to maintain healthy smiles.
Also read: Canadian Dental Care Program at Dental Square Brampton
Final Thoughts:
Your family may be eligible for reduced-cost dental care through the CDCP if:
- You do not have private dental insurance
- You have filed your taxes
- Your household meets the income requirements
The CDCP is designed to ensure that cost is no longer a primary obstacle to maintaining good oral health.
If your family qualifies, the next step is simple.
Dental Square proudly accepts CDCP patients and is committed to helping families access the quality dental care they deserve. Whether you need regular checkups, cleanings, or more advanced treatments, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your appointment at with us today and give your family the healthy, confident smiles they deserve.
Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays)