Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Our offices are accepting the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Hamilton and St. Catharines to provide all Canadians access to affordable dental care.
Get coverage for a range of eligible oral health care services.
Martindale Dental is excited to be part of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which allows us to provide dental care for many more patients in the Hamilton and St. Catharines area.
The new dental benefit program helps Canadians who may not be able to afford it, gain access the oral health care they need.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is being phased in throughout 2024 and 2025 and will provide dental care coverage to all uninsured Canadian residents with an annual household income under $90,000.
The CDCP assists in covering the costs of a range of oral health care services for those eligible. It is currently only available to eligible Canadian residents under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be open for all eligible Canadians in 2025.
The CDCP builds on the preexisting Canada Dental Benefit and aims to offer affordable dental care to almost 9 million Canadians by the end of 2025.
What you need to know
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) reimburses a percentage of eligible dental care costs based on adjusted family net income (AFNI).
- Only families with an AFNI of less than $90,000 are eligible for CDCP benefits.
- The CDCP is undergoing a phased rollout and is currently available to eligible Canadians under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be available to all eligible Canadians in 2025.
- Our clinics are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Hamilton and St. Catharines. We can guide you through the application process.
| Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) | |
|---|---|
|
What is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? |
The CDCP is a federal insurance program to help reduce financial barriers preventing eligible Canadian residents from accessing dental care. |
|
Dental care plan coverage period |
Starting June 27, 2024 and ongoing. |
|
Eligible age groups |
As of June 27. 2024 children under the age of 18, adults over the age of 65, and people aged 18-64 with valid disability tax credit are eligible. Canadians of all ages with an annual adjusted family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible sometime in 2025. |
|
What's covered? |
Coverage includes but is not limited to the following common oral health services: • Dental diagnostic services including examinations and X-rays • Preventative dental services including professional cleaning, scaling, sealants, polishing, fluoride treatments and more • Periodontic services such as deep scaling • Endodontic treatment including root canal procedures • Minor oral surgery including tooth extractions • Prosthodontic services including full and partial dentures • Restorative dentistry including fillings • Orthodontics (coming in 2025) *Some services may require preauthorization. |
|
Coverage amount |
The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of the cost of dental care, based on established CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income. |
Benefits of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Financial relief for expensive dental care
- Comprehensive coverage
- Enhanced oral and overall health
- Support for low-income familes
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) you must meet the following criteria:
• no access to private dental insurance
• your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000
• be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• have filed your tax return for the previous year
When can you apply for the CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is undergoing a phased rollout and won’t be fully available to all Canadians until sometime in 2025.
Please refer to the following application schedule:
| Group | Eligible to apply |
|---|---|
|
Seniors aged 65+ |
Eligible since December 2023 |
|
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
Children under the age of 18 |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
All remaining Canadian residents |
Eligibility begins 2025 |
We can help you apply for the CDCP
Beginning June 27, 2024, children under the age of 18, seniors over 65, and people 18-64 years old with a Disability Tax Credit certificate can apply online.
You will need the following to apply:
• Social Insurance Number
• Date of Birth
• Full name
• Home and mailing address
• List of all dental coverages you have through government programs (if applicable)
• You and your spouse or common-law (if applicable) must have filed tax returns for 2023 and received a Notification of Assessment.
Our staff is available to answer any questions and to help guide patients through the application process – call us, fill out the form, or drop by your nearest clinic location!
Let's get you covered:
When can you visit Martindale Dental for covered care?
Sun Life has been tasked with managing the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Applications must be sent to the Government of Canada for qualification confirmation prior to forwarding your information to Sun Life, who will then enrol you in the CDCP.
You can expect to receive your CDCP welcome package from Sun Life within 3 months of applying.
This package includes:
• information about the CDCP
• your CDCP membership card
• your coverage level and start date
Once you have your membership card, you can visit us for dental care covered under the CDCP. If you have any questions about the program, or need help filing your application – we can help.
How do you receive treatment using the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Starting on July 8, 2024, oral healthcare providers will be able to bill Sun Life directly for services. This means that as a CDCP member, you can choose any dentist of your choice, provided they agree to bill Sun Life directly for services provided under the CDCP.
This means you are able to book an appointment with any dentist of your choice and be covered under the CDCP for all eligible services (minus the required co-payment if applicable).
* Any claims made before Jul 8, 2024, will only be accepted by a participating oral healthcare service provider (like Martindale Dental). You must first confirm that your chosen provider is participating and that you are covered under the CDCP.
*Do not pay for services you wish covered under the CDCP in advance, as receiving reimbursement from Sun Life is not possible.
How much is covered by the CDCP?
The CDCP will cover a percentage of the cost of services based on the CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income figure.
The cost for eligible treatments will be billed directly to Sun Life. You may be required to pay additional charges directly to your oral health care provider if:
• your adjusted family income is between $70,000 – $89,999
• the cost of services is higher than the CDCP fees
• you received services that aren’t covered under the CDCP
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP coverage amount | Co-payment required |
|---|---|---|
|
Under $70,000 |
CDCP covers 100% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
0% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$70,000 - $79,999 |
CDCP covers 60% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
40% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$80,000 - $89,999 |
CDCP covers 40% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
60% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
Additional charges
Please be advised that the CDCP fees may differ from what a provider charges. If your provider’s service cost exceeds the CDCP fee, you will be required to pay the difference directly to the provider.
If you have received service not covered by the CDCP, you will also be required to pay directly.
*It’s important to always consult with your chosen oral healthcare provider about any additional costs that are not covered by the CDCP.
Martindale Dental in Hamilton &
St. Catharines are accepting the CDCP
Our Hamilton and St. Catharines locations are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team is proud to help low-income Canadians receive the oral health care they deserve and is happy to help make sure the process runs smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns about coverage or prescribed treatment, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Canadian Dental Care Plan FAQ
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government initiative designed to provide dental coverage for Canadian residents without existing dental benefits and with a household income under $90,000 annually. It’s important to note that this is a government dental benefit, not a free dental program.
The CDCP aims to assist Canadians who lack dental benefits and is not meant to replace existing coverage through employment, educational institutions, or private plans.
Administered by Health Canada and managed by Sun Life, the CDCP does not involve dentists in determining eligibility or covered services.
The application process for seniors aged 65 and above began in December 2023. Starting in June 2024, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18 can apply online.
All other eligible Canadians will have the opportunity to apply online in 2025.
Those who qualify will receive a welcome package from Sun Life, which includes a member card, co-payment details, and the start date for their coverage under the CDCP. The coverage start date will depend on the application submission date and enrollment in the CDCP, and it will vary for each individual.
The CDCP covers a portion of your care costs. You may need to pay for the part of the costs that are not covered.
Patients might be required to make a co-payment (a portion of the dental care costs) based on their adjusted family net income:
- No co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income below $70,000.
- A 40% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $70,000 and $79,999.
- A 60% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $80,000 and $89,999.
Dentists can choose to bill their usual and standard fees. Besides the potential co-payment, you may also need to pay the portion of the dentist’s usual and standard fees not covered by the CDCP.
When booking your dental appointment, discuss the costs of your treatment with your dentist, including any expenses not covered by the CDCP.
Examples of services that might be covered under the CDCP, when recommended by your dentist, include:
- Scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Examinations and X-rays
- Fillings and root canal treatments
- Complete and partial removable dentures
- Oral surgery services, including extractions
Some services will require preauthorization, meaning prior approval is needed based on a dentist’s recommendations. Before treatment begins, your dentist will check if it will be covered under the CDCP. Services requiring preauthorization will be available starting in November 2024.
If you are covered under other government dental programs (such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program) and are eligible for the CDCP. In that case, you will be able to apply. Benefits will be coordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated.
No. Participation in the CDCP is voluntary.
A complete list of participating dentists is available from the Sun Life provider list.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. The CDCP is intended for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits. To qualify, you must not have access to any dental insurance or coverage through:
- Your employer or a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts
- A professional or student organization
- Your pension benefits (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits
Exception: You may be eligible for the CDCP if you’re retired, opted out of pension benefits before December 11, 2023, and cannot opt back in under the pension rules.
Additionally, coverage purchased by yourself, a family member, or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company disqualifies you from the CDCP.
Suppose you are eligible for dental coverage through your employment benefits or a professional or student organization. In that case, you are not eligible for the CDCP, even if you choose not to take or use that coverage.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please contact out office for more information.
Additionally, you can visit the Canadian government website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
or,
The Sun Life CDCP page:
Have questions about the Canada Dental Care Plan?
Give us a call for more information, we’re happy to help you get the coverage you need and the dental care you deserve.
You can also visit the Government of Canada website here:
Canada Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca
Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Our offices are accepting the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Hamilton and St. Catharines to provide all Canadians access to affordable dental care.
oral health care services.
Martindale Dental is excited to be part of the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which allows us to provide dental care for many more patients in the Hamilton and St. Catharines area.
The new dental benefit program helps Canadians who may not be able to afford it, gain access the oral health care they need.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is being phased in throughout 2024 and 2025 and will provide dental care coverage to all uninsured Canadian residents with an annual household income under $90,000.
The CDCP assists in covering the costs of a range of oral health care services for those eligible. It is currently only available to eligible Canadian residents under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be open for all eligible Canadians in 2025.
The CDCP builds on the preexisting Canada Dental Benefit and aims to offer affordable dental care to almost 9 million Canadians by the end of 2025.
What you need to know
- The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) reimburses a percentage of eligible dental care costs based on adjusted family net income (AFNI).
- Only families with an AFNI of less than $90,000 are eligible for CDCP benefits.
- The CDCP is undergoing a phased rollout and is currently available to eligible Canadians under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be available to all eligible Canadians in 2025.
- Our clinics are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Hamilton and St. Catharines. We can guide you through the application process.
| Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) | |
|---|---|
|
What is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? |
The CDCP is a federal insurance program to help reduce financial barriers preventing eligible Canadian residents from accessing dental care. |
|
Dental care plan coverage period |
Starting June 27, 2024 and ongoing. |
|
Eligible age groups |
As of June 27. 2024 children under the age of 18, adults over the age of 65, and people aged 18-64 with valid disability tax credit are eligible. Canadians of all ages with an annual adjusted family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible sometime in 2025. |
|
What's covered? |
Coverage includes but is not limited to the following common oral health services: • Dental diagnostic services including examinations and X-rays • Preventative dental services including professional cleaning, scaling, sealants, polishing, fluoride treatments and more • Periodontic services such as deep scaling • Endodontic treatment including root canal procedures • Minor oral surgery including tooth extractions • Prosthodontic services including full and partial dentures • Restorative dentistry including fillings • Orthodontics (coming in 2025) *Some services may require preauthorization. |
|
Coverage amount |
The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of the cost of dental care, based on established CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income. |
Benefits of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Financial relief for expensive dental care
- Comprehensive coverage
- Enhanced oral and overall health
- Support for low-income familes
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) you must meet the following criteria:
• no access to private dental insurance
• your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000
• be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• have filed your tax return for the previous year
When can you apply for the CDCP?
The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is undergoing a phased rollout and won’t be fully available to all Canadians until sometime in 2025.
Please refer to the following application schedule:
| Group | Eligible to apply |
|---|---|
|
Seniors aged 65+ |
Eligible since December 2023 |
|
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
Children under the age of 18 |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
All remaining Canadian residents |
Eligibility begins 2025 |
We can help you apply for the CDCP
Beginning June 27, 2024, children under the age of 18, seniors over 65, and people 18-64 years old with a Disability Tax Credit certificate can apply online.
You will need the following to apply:
• Social Insurance Number
• Date of Birth
• Full name
• Home and mailing address
• List of all dental coverages you have through government programs (if applicable)
• You and your spouse or common-law (if applicable) must have filed tax returns for 2023 and received a Notification of Assessment.
Our staff is available to answer any questions and to help guide patients through the application process – call us, fill out the form, or drop by your nearest clinic location!
Let's get you covered:
When can you visit Martindale Dental for covered care?
Sun Life has been tasked with managing the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Applications must be sent to the Government of Canada for qualification confirmation prior to forwarding your information to Sun Life, who will then enrol you in the CDCP.
You can expect to receive your CDCP welcome package from Sun Life within 3 months of applying.
This package includes:
• information about the CDCP
• your CDCP membership card
• your coverage level and start date
Once you have your membership card, you can visit us for dental care covered under the CDCP. If you have any questions about the program, or need help filing your application – we can help.
How do you receive treatment using the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Starting on July 8, 2024, oral healthcare providers will be able to bill Sun Life directly for services. This means that as a CDCP member, you can choose any dentist of your choice, provided they agree to bill Sun Life directly for services provided under the CDCP.
This means you are able to book an appointment with any dentist of your choice and be covered under the CDCP for all eligible services (minus the required co-payment if applicable).
* Any claims made before Jul 8, 2024, will only be accepted by a participating oral healthcare service provider (like Martindale Dental). You must first confirm that your chosen provider is participating and that you are covered under the CDCP.
*Do not pay for services you wish covered under the CDCP in advance, as receiving reimbursement from Sun Life is not possible.
How much is covered by the CDCP?
The CDCP will cover a percentage of the cost of services based on the CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income figure.
The cost for eligible treatments will be billed directly to Sun Life. You may be required to pay additional charges directly to your oral health care provider if:
• your adjusted family income is between $70,000 – $89,999
• the cost of services is higher than the CDCP fees
• you received services that aren’t covered under the CDCP
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP coverage amount | Co-payment required |
|---|---|---|
|
Under $70,000 |
CDCP covers 100% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
0% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$70,000 - $79,999 |
CDCP covers 60% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
40% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$80,000 - $89,999 |
CDCP covers 40% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
60% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
Additional charges
Please be advised that the CDCP fees may differ from what a provider charges. If your provider’s service cost exceeds the CDCP fee, you will be required to pay the difference directly to the provider.
If you have received service not covered by the CDCP, you will also be required to pay directly.
*It’s important to always consult with your chosen oral healthcare provider about any additional costs that are not covered by the CDCP.
Martindale Dental in Hamilton & St. Catharines are accepting the CDCP
Our Hamilton and St. Catharines locations are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team is proud to help low-income Canadians receive the oral health care they deserve and is happy to help make sure the process runs smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns about coverage or prescribed treatment, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Canadian Dental Care Plan FAQ
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government initiative designed to provide dental coverage for Canadian residents without existing dental benefits and with a household income under $90,000 annually. It’s important to note that this is a government dental benefit, not a free dental program.
The CDCP aims to assist Canadians who lack dental benefits and is not meant to replace existing coverage through employment, educational institutions, or private plans.
Administered by Health Canada and managed by Sun Life, the CDCP does not involve dentists in determining eligibility or covered services.
The application process for seniors aged 65 and above began in December 2023. Starting in June 2024, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18 can apply online.
All other eligible Canadians will have the opportunity to apply online in 2025.
Those who qualify will receive a welcome package from Sun Life, which includes a member card, co-payment details, and the start date for their coverage under the CDCP. The coverage start date will depend on the application submission date and enrollment in the CDCP, and it will vary for each individual.
The CDCP covers a portion of your care costs. You may need to pay for the part of the costs that are not covered.
Patients might be required to make a co-payment (a portion of the dental care costs) based on their adjusted family net income:
- No co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income below $70,000.
- A 40% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $70,000 and $79,999.
- A 60% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $80,000 and $89,999.
Dentists can choose to bill their usual and standard fees. Besides the potential co-payment, you may also need to pay the portion of the dentist’s usual and standard fees not covered by the CDCP.
When booking your dental appointment, discuss the costs of your treatment with your dentist, including any expenses not covered by the CDCP.
Examples of services that might be covered under the CDCP, when recommended by your dentist, include:
- Scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Examinations and X-rays
- Fillings and root canal treatments
- Complete and partial removable dentures
- Oral surgery services, including extractions
Some services will require preauthorization, meaning prior approval is needed based on a dentist’s recommendations. Before treatment begins, your dentist will check if it will be covered under the CDCP. Services requiring preauthorization will be available starting in November 2024.
If you are covered under other government dental programs (such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program) and are eligible for the CDCP. In that case, you will be able to apply. Benefits will be coordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated.
No. Participation in the CDCP is voluntary.
A complete list of participating dentists is available from the Sun Life provider list.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. The CDCP is intended for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits. To qualify, you must not have access to any dental insurance or coverage through:
- Your employer or a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts
- A professional or student organization
- Your pension benefits (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits
Exception: You may be eligible for the CDCP if you’re retired, opted out of pension benefits before December 11, 2023, and cannot opt back in under the pension rules.
Additionally, coverage purchased by yourself, a family member, or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company disqualifies you from the CDCP.
Suppose you are eligible for dental coverage through your employment benefits or a professional or student organization. In that case, you are not eligible for the CDCP, even if you choose not to take or use that coverage.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please contact out office for more information.
Additionally, you can visit the Canadian government website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
or,
The Sun Life CDCP page:
Have questions about the Canada Dental Care Plan?
Give us a call for more information, we’re happy to help you get the coverage you need and the dental care you deserve.
You can also visit the Government of Canada website here:
Canada Dental Care Plan – Canada.ca
Canada Dental
Care Plan (CDCP)
Canada Dental
Care Plan (CDCP)
Care Plan (CDCP)
Martindale Dental is excited to be part of the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which allows us to provide dental care for many more patients in the Hamilton and St. Catharines area.
What you need to know
- The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) reimburses a percentage of eligible dental care costs based on adjusted family net income (AFNI).
- Only families with an AFNI of less than $90,000 are eligible for CDCP benefits.
- The CDCP is undergoing a phased rollout and is currently available to eligible Canadians under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be available to all eligible Canadians in 2025.
- Our clinics are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Hamilton and St. Catharines. We can guide you through the application process.
Get coverage for a range of eligible oral health care services.
The new dental benefit program helps Canadians who may not be able to afford it, gain access the oral health care they need.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is being phased in throughout 2024 and 2025 and will provide dental care coverage to all uninsured Canadian residents with an annual household income under $90,000.
The CDCP assists in covering the costs of a range of oral health care services for those eligible. It is currently only available to eligible Canadian residents under 18 or over 65 and all persons with a valid disability tax credit. The CDCP will be open for all eligible Canadians in 2025.
The CDCP builds on the preexisting Canada Dental Benefit and aims to offer affordable dental care to almost 9 million Canadians by the end of 2025.
| Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) | |
|---|---|
|
What is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)? |
The CDCP is a federal insurance program to help reduce financial barriers preventing eligible Canadian residents from accessing dental care. |
|
Dental care plan coverage period |
Starting June 27, 2024 and ongoing. |
|
Eligible age groups |
As of June 27. 2024 children under the age of 18, adults over the age of 65, and people aged 18-64 with valid disability tax credit are eligible. Canadians of all ages with an annual adjusted family income of less than $90,000 will be eligible sometime in 2025. |
|
What's covered? |
Coverage includes but is not limited to the following common oral health services: • Dental diagnostic services including examinations and X-rays • Preventative dental services including professional cleaning, scaling, sealants, polishing, fluoride treatments and more • Periodontic services such as deep scaling • Endodontic treatment including root canal procedures • Minor oral surgery including tooth extractions • Prosthodontic services including full and partial dentures • Restorative dentistry including fillings • Orthodontics (coming in 2025) *Some services may require preauthorization. |
|
Coverage amount |
The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of the cost of dental care, based on established CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income. |
Benefits of the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Financial relief for expensive dental care
- Comprehensive coverage
- Enhanced oral and overall health
- Support for low-income familes
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) you must meet the following criteria:
• no access to private dental insurance
• your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000
• be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• have filed your tax return for the previous year
When can you apply for the CDCP?
The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is undergoing a phased rollout and won’t be fully available to all Canadians until sometime in 2025.
Please refer to the following application schedule:
| Group | Eligible to apply |
|---|---|
|
Seniors aged 65+ |
Eligible since December 2023 |
|
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
Children under the age of 18 |
Eligibility begins June 27, 2024 |
|
All remaining Canadian residents |
Eligibility begins 2025 |
We can help you apply for the CDCP
Beginning June 27, 2024, children under the age of 18, seniors over 65, and people 18-64 years old with a Disability Tax Credit certificate can apply online.
You will need the following to apply:
• Social Insurance Number
• Date of Birth
• Full name
• Home and mailing address
• List of all dental coverages you have through government programs (if applicable)
• You and your spouse or common-law (if applicable) must have filed tax returns for 2023 and received a Notification of Assessment.
Our staff is available to answer any questions and to help guide patients through the application process – call us, fill out the form, or drop by your nearest clinic location!
Let's get you covered:
When can you visit Martindale Dental for covered care?
Sun Life has been tasked with managing the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Applications must be sent to the Government of Canada for qualification confirmation prior to forwarding your information to Sun Life, who will then enrol you in the CDCP.
You can expect to receive your CDCP welcome package from Sun Life within 3 months of applying.
This package includes:
• information about the CDCP
• your CDCP membership card
• your coverage level and start date
Once you have your membership card, you can visit us for dental care covered under the CDCP. If you have any questions about the program, or need help filing your application – we can help.
How do you receive treatment using the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Starting on July 8, 2024, oral healthcare providers will be able to bill Sun Life directly for services. This means that as a CDCP member, you can choose any dentist of your choice, provided they agree to bill Sun Life directly for services provided under the CDCP.
This means you are able to book an appointment with any dentist of your choice and be covered under the CDCP for all eligible services (minus the required co-payment if applicable).
* Any claims made before Jul 8, 2024, will only be accepted by a participating oral healthcare service provider (like Martindale Dental). You must first confirm that your chosen provider is participating and that you are covered under the CDCP.
*Do not pay for services you wish covered under the CDCP in advance, as receiving reimbursement from Sun Life is not possible.
How much is covered by the CDCP?
The CDCP will cover a percentage of the cost of services based on the CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income figure.
The cost for eligible treatments will be billed directly to Sun Life. You may be required to pay additional charges directly to your oral health care provider if:
• your adjusted family income is between $70,000 – $89,999
• the cost of services is higher than the CDCP fees
• you received services that aren’t covered under the CDCP
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP coverage amount | Co-payment required |
|---|---|---|
|
Under $70,000 |
CDCP covers 100% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
0% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$70,000 - $79,999 |
CDCP covers 60% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
40% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
|
$80,000 - $89,999 |
CDCP covers 40% of eligible services at the established CDCP fees. |
60% of the CDCP established fees. *Additional charges may be required as described below. |
Additional charges
Please be advised that the CDCP fees may differ from what a provider charges. If your provider’s service cost exceeds the CDCP fee, you will be required to pay the difference directly to the provider.
If you have received service not covered by the CDCP, you will also be required to pay directly.
*It’s important to always consult with your chosen oral healthcare provider about any additional costs that are not covered by the CDCP.
Martindale Dental in Hamilton & St. Catharines are accepting the CDCP
Our Hamilton and St. Catharines locations are accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Our team is proud to help low-income Canadians receive the oral health care they deserve and is happy to help make sure the process runs smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns about coverage or prescribed treatment, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Canadian Dental Care Plan FAQ
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government initiative designed to provide dental coverage for Canadian residents without existing dental benefits and with a household income under $90,000 annually. It’s important to note that this is a government dental benefit, not a free dental program.
The CDCP aims to assist Canadians who lack dental benefits and is not meant to replace existing coverage through employment, educational institutions, or private plans.
Administered by Health Canada and managed by Sun Life, the CDCP does not involve dentists in determining eligibility or covered services.
The application process for seniors aged 65 and above began in December 2023. Starting in June 2024, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and children under 18 can apply online.
All other eligible Canadians will have the opportunity to apply online in 2025.
Those who qualify will receive a welcome package from Sun Life, which includes a member card, co-payment details, and the start date for their coverage under the CDCP. The coverage start date will depend on the application submission date and enrollment in the CDCP, and it will vary for each individual.
The CDCP covers a portion of your care costs. You may need to pay for the part of the costs that are not covered.
Patients might be required to make a co-payment (a portion of the dental care costs) based on their adjusted family net income:
- No co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income below $70,000.
- A 40% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $70,000 and $79,999.
- A 60% co-payment for those with an adjusted annual family net income between $80,000 and $89,999.
Dentists can choose to bill their usual and standard fees. Besides the potential co-payment, you may also need to pay the portion of the dentist’s usual and standard fees not covered by the CDCP.
When booking your dental appointment, discuss the costs of your treatment with your dentist, including any expenses not covered by the CDCP.
Examples of services that might be covered under the CDCP, when recommended by your dentist, include:
- Scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments
- Examinations and X-rays
- Fillings and root canal treatments
- Complete and partial removable dentures
- Oral surgery services, including extractions
Some services will require preauthorization, meaning prior approval is needed based on a dentist’s recommendations. Before treatment begins, your dentist will check if it will be covered under the CDCP. Services requiring preauthorization will be available starting in November 2024.
If you are covered under other government dental programs (such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program) and are eligible for the CDCP. In that case, you will be able to apply. Benefits will be coordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated.
No. Participation in the CDCP is voluntary.
A complete list of participating dentists is available from the Sun Life provider list.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. Oral health providers participating in the CDCP must comply with the program’s terms and conditions, which mandate that they submit claims directly to Sun Life for reimbursement. Patients cannot receive reimbursement from the CDCP.
No. The CDCP is intended for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits. To qualify, you must not have access to any dental insurance or coverage through:
- Your employer or a family member’s employer benefits, including health and wellness accounts
- A professional or student organization
- Your pension benefits (previous employer) or a family member’s pension benefits
Exception: You may be eligible for the CDCP if you’re retired, opted out of pension benefits before December 11, 2023, and cannot opt back in under the pension rules.
Additionally, coverage purchased by yourself, a family member, or through a group plan from an insurance or benefits company disqualifies you from the CDCP.
Suppose you are eligible for dental coverage through your employment benefits or a professional or student organization. In that case, you are not eligible for the CDCP, even if you choose not to take or use that coverage.
If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please contact out office for more information.
Additionally, you can visit the Canadian government website:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
or,
The Sun Life CDCP page:
Have questions about the Canada Dental Care Plan?
Give us a call for more information, we’re happy to help you get the coverage you need and the dental care you deserve.
You can also visit the Government of Canada website here →