Canadian Dental Care Plan in Pickering
Canadian Dental Care Plan Near You
Many people delay dental care because of cost. The Canadian Dental Care Plan in Pickering helps make essential dental treatment more affordable for people who do not have private dental insurance.
If you need help finding a dentist in Pickering who accepts the plan, we can help you understand how it works and what to expect.
Who Can Apply For the CDCP Program
To qualify for CDCP, you must meet these requirements:
- No access to private dental insurance.
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed a recent tax return.
- Have an adjusted family net income below CAD $90,000.
Age Eligibility for the CDCP Plan
The program launched for seniors in late 2023. By May 2025, all uninsured adults were eligible, with coverage starting as soon as June 1, 2025.
Specifically:
- Seniors (65 and older): Eligible since December 2023.
- Adults aged 18 to 64: Eligible as of May 2025, with phased registration:
- May 1, 2025: Ages 55–64
- May 15, 2025: Ages 18–34
- May 29, 2025: Ages 35–54
Eligible Canadians of all ages can now apply for the CDCP.
How Much Does the Plan Pay?
The government’s share depends on household income:
Adjusted Family Net Income | Government’s share | Your co-payment |
Under CAD $70,000 | 100% of CDCP fee schedule | 0% |
CAD $70,000–79,999 | 60% | 40% |
CAD $80,000–89,999 | 40% | 60% |
If your dentist charges more than the CDCP fee guide, you will be responsible for the difference (balance billing). This table is used to plan likely out-of-pocket costs.
What Services are Typically Covered Under the CDCP Plan
The CDCP helps pay for many common, clinically necessary dental treatments:
- Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride, and sealants
- Fillings, extractions, and root canals
- Periodontal (gum) care and wound care
- Crowns, dentures, implants (often need preauthorization)
- Oral surgery and sedation/anesthesia when needed
Starting November 1, 2024, some more complex treatments require preauthorization through the program administrator. That means your dentist must request approval before the work starts.
What are the Services CDCP Does Not Cover
While the program covers many essential treatments, some services are not included:
- Cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening, veneers purely for appearance)
- Non-essential orthodontics (unless medically necessary)
- Experimental or unapproved treatments
- Costs for procedures done before the official CDCP start date
- Any service for people with existing private dental insurance
- Knowing what’s not covered helps you plan and avoid surprises.
How to Apply and Use the Benefit of the CDCP
- Confirm you meet the eligibility rules (see above).
- Apply through your My Service Canada Account (online), by phone, or by mail.
- Wait for the welcome letter with your start date and member ID.
- Book with a CDCP-registered provider and begin care on or after your start date.
The provider bills Sun Life directly for approved services; you only pay your portion.
You cannot claim services performed before your official start date, so time your appointments accordingly.
Valuable Tips to Use the Plan
- Ask your clinic to submit preauthorization for crowns, dentures, implants, and higher sedation early.
- Get estimates in writing so you know any balance billing up front.
- Keep filing your taxes each year to maintain eligibility.
- Use preventive visits (cleanings/checkups), they are usually simpler to approve.
What Makes Us a Go-To CDCP Clinic
At Pickering Dental, we make using the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Pickering easy. Our team will:
- Check your CDCP eligibility before the appointment so you know what is covered and if you qualify for the plan.
- Will directly bill Sun Life, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
- Submit all your preauthorizations needed for major services like crowns, dentures, or sedation.
- We can help you get the right cost estimates ahead of time, so there are no surprises.
- Lastly, our team can also help you get advice on preventive care and the best ways to maximize the coverage.
If you want a local dentist near you who truly understands the CDCP and will support you every step of the way, call Pickering Dental at (905) 837-2322 or book online today.
Our friendly team is ready to help you get the care you need and make the process as smooth as possible.
FAQs
Who is eligible for CDCP?
People without private dental insurance whose family income is under $90,000.
Does the plan cover seniors?
Yes. Seniors aged 65+ are included and may have strong coverage depending on income.
Are complex treatments covered?
Some are. Crowns, dentures, and major work often need preauthorization before treatment.
How do I find a provider near me?
Use the Sun Life CDCP provider search or call Pickering Dental and we’ll confirm participation.