The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for coverage for yourself and eligible family members.
For the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, applications are open. The benefit period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
If you have already applied, you can also check your Canadian Dental Care Plan application status online or by phone. This guide explains who can apply, what information you need, how to submit an application, how to check your status, and what happens after you are approved.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal dental benefit program designed to help eligible residents access dental services at a lower cost.
The plan is intended for people who meet specific income, residency and insurance requirements. Having dental coverage through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program does not automatically prevent you from qualifying. Government dental programs may coordinate benefits with the CDCP where applicable.
The important distinction is private dental insurance. If you have access to dental insurance through your employer, pension plan or a family member’s plan, you generally cannot qualify for the CDCP.
Your CDCP application is also based on information from your tax return, so keeping your tax information up to date is an important part of the process.
Visit Now: MauricetteCalculetteWho Can Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Before starting a Canadian Dental Care Plan application, make sure you meet all four basic eligibility requirements.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| No access to private dental coverage | You cannot have access to private dental insurance or qualifying dental coverage |
| Canadian tax return filed | You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed the required Canadian tax return |
| Adjusted family net income under $90,000 | Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 |
| Canadian resident | You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes |
1. You cannot have access to private dental insurance
This requirement is broader than simply asking whether you currently use dental insurance.
You generally cannot qualify if you have access to dental insurance through:
- Your employer
- Your pension plan
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s employer
- Your spouse or common-law partner’s pension plan
- A health spending account that covers dental costs
This can apply even if you have never used the coverage, decided not to enrol, or have to pay a premium for it.
Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan Income Limits – Who Qualifies in 2026?The government can verify dental coverage information through tax documents. For example, employers report information about access to dental coverage in Box 45 of the T4, while pension administrators use Box 015 of the T4A.
2. You must have filed your Canadian tax return
Your income information is used to determine whether you meet the CDCP income requirement.
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their tax return is also relevant when determining family income.
3. Your adjusted family net income must be below $90,000
For CDCP eligibility, your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
The calculation starts with family net income and makes certain adjustments for Universal Child Care Benefit and Registered Disability Savings Plan amounts.
4. You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must meet the Canadian residency requirement for tax purposes.
What Information Do You Need for a CDCP Application?
Preparing your information before you start can make the application process much easier.
You may need the following for each person applying:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN), where available
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Mailing address
- Information about dental coverage through government social programs, if applicable
- Tax information from the previous year
- Notice of Assessment information
You will also need information about your spouse or common-law partner if you have one. Both you and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed the relevant Canadian tax return.
Example
Suppose you are applying for yourself and one child.
Before starting, you should have your own information ready and the required information for your child. You should also have your spouse’s or common-law partner’s tax information available if applicable.
Having this information prepared reduces the chance of stopping midway through the application.
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
There are several ways to access the application process. The easiest option for many applicants is to apply online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
Apply Online Through My Service Canada Account
To apply through MSCA:
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account.
- If you do not have an account, create an MSCA profile.
- Go to the Canadian Dental Care Plan section on your dashboard.
- Select the option to apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage.
- Follow the instructions and provide the requested information.
- Review your information carefully before submitting the application.
MSCA can also be used to manage your CDCP information after applying. You can view CDCP letters, check eligibility information and update certain personal details through the account.
Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage- What Dental Services Are Included?What If You Cannot Use My Service Canada Account?
If you cannot use MSCA or the online application process, you can apply by phone.
Service Canada assists at:
1-833-537-4342
For TTY service, call:
1-833-677-6262
You can also ask a trusted person to help you apply by phone, such as a family member, caregiver, translator or interpreter. If someone is legally authorized to represent you, a delegate may also be able to assist.
How to Check Your Canadian Dental Care Plan Application Status
After submitting your application, you do not have to rely solely on waiting for a letter.
The Government of Canada provides an online status checker that lets you check the status of your CDCP application for yourself and your dependants. You can also check your status by phone.
Information Needed to Check Your Status
You will generally need:
- Your application code or client number (member ID)
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your application code or client number may be found in information you received after applying. It may also appear on your CDCP letter or membership card.
If you are checking the status for a child who does not have a SIN, the online process can use the child’s full name and date of birth instead. The automated phone service has different requirements, so you may need to speak with a representative.
Where Can You Find Your CDCP Member ID?
Your member ID or client number can appear in several places.
You may find it:
- In the information provided after your application
- On your CDCP letter from Service Canada
- In your CDCP information within MSCA
- On the front of your CDCP membership card
Keeping this number somewhere secure can make it easier to check your application or discuss your file with Service Canada.
Read More: Canada Disability Benefit Application- How to Apply Step by StepWhat Happens After You Apply?
Once your application has been processed, you will receive confirmation about whether you have been enrolled.
Depending on your communication preference, the confirmation can arrive by mail or email. You can also view CDCP letters through My Service Canada Account.
If you are enrolled, your confirmation will include important information such as:
- Your CDCP plan number
- Your CDCP member ID
- Your benefit coverage start date
- Your applicable co-payment level
These details are important because your coverage start date determines when you can begin receiving covered services.
Do You Need to Wait for Your Physical CDCP Card?
Not necessarily.
Once you have been determined eligible, your information is shared with Sun Life, which sends the CDCP welcome package and physical membership card.
However, you do not necessarily have to wait for the physical card before receiving care. If your coverage is active, you can provide the required CDCP information and identification to your oral health provider.
You should not book an appointment before your benefit coverage start date. Only eligible care received after your coverage begins can be covered under the plan. Your provider can also confirm whether your coverage is active.
Why Your CDCP Coverage Start Date Matters
Getting approved does not necessarily mean every dental appointment you have after applying will be covered.
Your coverage has a specific start date. The government states that this date depends on when your application is received and when your enrolment is completed.
For example, if your application is approved but your coverage starts on a particular date, treatment received before that date should not be assumed to be covered.
Before receiving dental treatment, confirm:
- Your CDCP enrolment is active.
- Your coverage start date has arrived.
- Your oral health provider participates in the CDCP.
- You understand what portion of the cost you may have to pay.
This can help prevent unexpected dental bills.
What If Your Application Is Under Review?
The CDCP uses an attestation-based eligibility process. This means applicants confirm that they do not have access to private dental insurance or qualifying dental coverage.
The government can subsequently review eligibility. For example, information from your application may be compared with information reported through T4 or T4A tax documents.
If you are selected for an eligibility review, you may receive a letter asking you to provide documentation showing that you do not have access to private dental coverage.
You may need documentation from your employer or pension plan confirming details such as:
- You were not offered dental coverage
- You did not qualify for the coverage
- Your coverage ended
- Your employment or pension benefits ended
- You opted out and cannot rejoin the plan
Documents must meet the government’s requirements, and the review letter will provide instructions and a deadline. Members generally have 45 days from the date the eligibility review letter is issued to mail the required documents.
Read More: Canada Disability Benefit Calculator- Estimate Your Monthly PaymentWhat Happens If You Are Found Ineligible?
If a review determines that you do not meet the eligibility requirements, your CDCP coverage can end.
In some circumstances, you may also have to repay amounts that the government paid for dental services while you were ineligible.
This is why it is important to provide accurate information when completing your Canadian Dental Care Plan application and renewal.
Do not assume that having a dental plan you never use is the same as having no access to dental coverage. Check your employer or pension benefits carefully before applying.
Can You Have Other Government Dental Coverage?
Yes. Having dental coverage through a federal, provincial or territorial government social program does not automatically make you ineligible.
If you qualify for the CDCP, government programs can coordinate coverage where appropriate to avoid duplication of benefits.
The important distinction is between government social dental programs and access to private dental insurance.
CDCP Application vs Renewal
The CDCP operates by benefit periods, so maintaining coverage requires attention to renewal requirements.
The 2026 to 2027 benefit year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
For people who had CDCP coverage during the previous benefit year, the renewal period for 2026 to 2027 closed on June 1, 2026. People who missed that renewal deadline can submit a new application for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, although there may be a coverage gap.
This distinction matters because a coverage gap can mean dental services received during that period are not covered retroactively.
How to Manage Your CDCP Information Online
My Service Canada Account is useful beyond the initial application.
After signing in, you can use the Canadian Dental Care Plan section to:
- View your CDCP information
- View your eligibility
- View CDCP letters
- Update contact information
- Update communication preferences
- Update information about access to other dental benefits
Choosing digital communications can also make it easier to receive important notifications without waiting for physical mail.
Expert Tips for a Smoother CDCP Application
Check your dental insurance before applying
Do not simply assume you have no coverage because you do not currently use dental benefits. Check your employer, pension and family coverage carefully.
File your tax return first
Your family income information is important to the CDCP eligibility assessment. Make sure the required tax returns have been filed before applying.
Keep your application number
Save your application code or client number after submitting your application. You may need it when checking your status.
Check your MSCA account
Your MSCA account can provide access to CDCP letters and other information, making it easier to monitor your application.
Confirm coverage before dental treatment
Approval alone is not enough. Confirm that your coverage is active and that the appointment takes place after your coverage start date.
Be accurate about insurance access
The CDCP can review eligibility after enrolment. Providing incorrect information about access to dental coverage can result in removal from the plan and potentially repayment of benefits.
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
You can apply online through My Service Canada Account. Sign in or create an MSCA account, open the Canadian Dental Care Plan section and follow the application instructions. If you cannot apply online, you can apply by phone through Service Canada.
How do I check my Canadian Dental Care Plan application status?
You can use the Government of Canada’s online CDCP status checker or contact Service Canada by phone. You will generally need your application code or client number and SIN.
What income qualifies for the CDCP?
Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 to meet the CDCP income requirement.
Can I apply if I have government dental coverage?
You may still qualify if your dental coverage comes through a federal, provincial or territorial government social program. Where applicable, benefits can be coordinated.
Can I apply if I have dental insurance through work?
Generally, no. Access to private dental insurance through your employer, pension plan or a spouse or common-law partner’s plan can make you ineligible. This can apply even if you do not use the insurance.
Do I need to wait for my CDCP card before visiting a dentist?
Not necessarily. Once your eligibility and coverage are confirmed, you may be able to receive care without waiting for the physical welcome package. However, your coverage must be active and you should provide the required information to your oral health provider.
What if I entered incorrect information on my application?
If you realize that information is incorrect, you should update your information or contact Service Canada rather than ignoring the issue. The government can review CDCP eligibility after enrolment.
What phone number can I use for CDCP questions?
You can contact the Canadian Dental Care Plan at 1-833-537-4342. TTY service is available at 1-833-677-6262. Current telephone service hours are Monday to Friday, with general representatives available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.
Final Thoughts
Completing a Canadian Dental Care Plan application is relatively straightforward if you prepare your tax and personal information first. The most important step is confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements, particularly the rule concerning access to private dental insurance.
For the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, eligible applicants can apply through My Service Canada Account or use the phone application route if they cannot apply online. After submitting your application, you can check its status online or by phone and access important CDCP correspondence through MSCA.
If you are approved, pay close attention to your coverage start date, member ID and co-payment information before booking dental treatment. Checking that your coverage is active before every appointment can help you avoid unexpected costs.