How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in BC — 2026 Guide

If you live in British Columbia and don't have dental insurance through work, you may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This federal program helps cover the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know — from eligibility to how to apply, what's covered, and how it works specifically in BC.

What Is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who don't have access to private dental insurance. The program is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada.

As of 2025, the CDCP is open to all eligible Canadian residents — including adults aged 18 to 64, seniors 65 and over, and children under 18.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all four of the following requirements:

1. You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
2. You filed your tax return for the previous year (e.g., 2025 tax return for 2026 coverage).
3. Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000.
4. You do not have access to private dental insurance — including through your employer, a family member's employer, a pension, or a purchased plan.

You can check your eligibility on the official Government of Canada page: Do you qualify for the CDCP?

Important: Even if you choose not to use employer dental benefits, you're still considered to have access and will not qualify for the CDCP. Do not cancel your existing coverage assuming the CDCP will replace it.

However, if you receive dental coverage through a BC provincial social program — such as the Healthy Kids Program or BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) — you can still apply for the CDCP. These programs will coordinate with the CDCP to maximize your coverage.

How Much Does the CDCP Cover?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your adjusted family net income:

Note: The CDCP has its own fee schedule, which may be lower than what your dentist normally charges. If your dentist's fees are higher than the CDCP rate, you may need to pay the difference out of pocket. Always ask your dental office about this before your appointment.

What Services Are Covered?

The CDCP covers a range of essential dental services, including:

• Preventive care — teeth cleaning, scaling, fluoride treatments, sealants
• Diagnostic services — exams, X-rays
• Restorative treatments — dental fillings, root canals, extractions
• Prosthodontic services — dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures
• Oral surgery — including surgical extractions
• Periodontal services — treatment for gum disease

Some services require preauthorization — meaning your dentist must get approval from Sun Life before the treatment can be covered. This applies to procedures like crowns, dentures, and certain restorative work.

Not covered: Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and dental implants are not included under the CDCP.

How to Apply for the CDCP

There are two ways to apply:

Option 1: Apply Online (Recommended)

1. Go to canada.ca/dental
2. Sign in or create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
3. On your MSCA dashboard, find the "Canadian Dental Care Plan" section
4. Click "Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan"
5. Follow the instructions and submit your application

Option 2: Apply by Phone

Call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262). The automated system is available 24/7.

What You'll Need

Have the following ready before you apply:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant
• Your spouse or common-law partner's SIN (if applicable)
• Your filed tax return and Notice of Assessment for the previous year

If you're applying for children under 18, you'll need their name and date of birth (SIN if available).

What Happens After You Apply?

• Processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks.
• Once approved, you'll receive a welcome package from Sun Life with your CDCP member card, your coverage start date, and your co-payment level.
• You can check your application status anytime using the CDCP status checker tool at canada.ca/dental or through your MSCA dashboard.
• Do not book a dental appointment under the CDCP until you've received your card and your coverage start date has passed.

How the CDCP Works in BC

If you're on a BC provincial dental program like the Healthy Kids Program or BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA), here's how it works:

• The CDCP is the primary payer — it pays first.
• The BC provincial program is the secondary payer — it covers eligible remaining costs after the CDCP has paid its portion.
• In some cases, the combination of both programs may cover the full cost of your treatment.

This coordination is handled by your dental provider, so make sure to bring your CDCP card and let them know about any other coverage you have.

Important Reminders

• CDCP coverage must be renewed every year. You'll need to reconfirm your eligibility annually, typically by June 1, to maintain uninterrupted coverage through June 30 of the following year.
• Not all dentists participate in the CDCP. Before booking, ask your dental office if they accept the CDCP and bill Sun Life directly.
• You should never be asked to pay the full cost upfront for CDCP-covered services. Participating dentists bill Sun Life directly — you only pay your co-payment and any amount above the CDCP fee schedule.
• Beware of scams. Service Canada will never ask for personal information via text or email. If you receive a suspicious message, call 1-833-537-4342 to verify.

Book Your CDCP Appointment at Smile Well Dental

At Smile Well Dental, we're a participating CDCP provider with clinics in North Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam. Our team is fully trained in CDCP procedures and will help maximize your benefits while minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, fillings, dentures, or emergency dental care, we've got you covered.

Contact us to book your appointment today.