CRA Dental Benefit Plan for Seniors

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a program ran by the CRA for Canadian residents who do not have access to dental insurance and have an adjusted family income of less than $90,000

Canadian residents who have access to dental coverage through a social program offered by a province or territory and/or the federal government can still qualify for the CDCP if they meet all the eligibility criteria. In that case, coverage will be coordinated to ensure no duplication and avoid gaps in oral health care.

Open for application in phases, starting with seniors aged 87 and over, in December 2023.

Letters of enrollment will be mailed out to those who may qualify according to the following:

Group	Applications open
Seniors aged 87 and above	Starting December 2023
Seniors aged 77 to 86	Starting January 2024
Seniors aged 72 to 76	Starting February 2024
Seniors aged 70 to 71	Starting March 2024
Seniors aged 65 to 69	Starting May 2024
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate	Starting June 2024
Children under the age of 18	Starting June 2024
All remaining eligible Canadian residents	Starting 2025

What do I do once I receive an enrollment letter?

Follow the instructions in the letter to apply by phone.
Wait to receive a confirmation from Service Canada that lets you know whether your application was successful, and you qualify for the CDCP.
Sun Life is the contracted service provider who will manage the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) on behalf of the Government of Canada. If you do qualify, you will receive your welcome package from Sun Life. It will explain any further information regarding coverage and payments.

How much will be covered?

Individuals enrolled in the CDCP will not be required to pay upfront and be reimbursed. Dental offices participating in the program will directly submit claims to Sun Life for covered services, eliminating the need for patients to seek reimbursement.

The CDCP will reimburse a portion of eligible expenses, but some participants may only receive a portion of CDCP coverage. The fees not covered by the program will need to pay directly to their oral health provider. The specific co-payment is determined based on their adjusted family net income.

You should confirm any expenses not covered by the plan with our receptionists before proceeding with treatment.

Co-payments based on adjusted family net income
Adjusted family net income	How much will the CDCP cover	How much you  will pay
Lower than $70,000	100% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	0%
Between $70,000 and $79,999	60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	40%
Between $80,000 and $89,999	40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees.	60%

What dental services are covered? 

• Preventive dental such as scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments 
• Diagnostic procedures like examinations and x-rays 
• Restorative treatments such as fillings 
• Root canal treatments 
• Prosthodontic (dentures) 
• Extractions 

Some services may require prior approvals through the CDCP/Sunlife plan.  To avoid any out of pocket expenses, be sure to communicate with your dentist about your coverage options. 

When does coverage begin and when do I book an appointment? 

Your coverage will begin on the date provided in the welcome package you receive from Sun Life. Any treatment provided on a date before the date provided in your Sunlife welcome package will not be paid for by the CDCP. . The CDCP will not reimburse you for oral health care services received before the start date. 

Learn more and stay up to date on the Government of Canadian’s Dental Health page.