Access to quality dental care is essential for overall health, yet for many Canadians, cost has been a barrier. To make oral care more accessible, the Government of Canada has launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — a national program designed to help uninsured Canadians get the dental treatments they need.
At All Smile Dental in Newmarket, our team is proud to support this new initiative. If you or a family member are eligible for the CDCP, here’s everything you need to know about how the plan works, what it covers, and how you can start using your benefits.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program aimed at providing affordable dental care to Canadians without private dental insurance. The plan is being rolled out in stages, prioritizing seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities, before expanding to all qualifying residents.
The CDCP is administered by Health Canada in partnership with Sun Life Financial, which manages the claims and reimbursement process.
The goal is simple: to ensure that every Canadian has access to essential preventive and restorative dental care — not just emergency treatment.
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
You may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if you meet the following criteria:
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You don’t have private dental insurance.
If you receive coverage through an employer, pension, or spouse, you won’t be eligible. -
You have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year.
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You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your most recent tax return.
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You receive care from a participating dental provider, such as All Smile Dental in Newmarket, that accepts CDCP patients.
Eligibility is verified through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), so it’s important that your tax information is up to date.
How the CDCP Is Being Rolled Out
The CDCP is being introduced in phases throughout 2024 and 2025, with invitations sent to eligible Canadians by mail.
Here’s the rollout timeline:
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December 2023 – June 2024: Seniors aged 70 and older
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May 2024: Seniors aged 65 to 69
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June 2024: Adults with disabilities and children under 18 years old
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2025: All remaining eligible Canadians
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an invitation letter from Service Canada with instructions on how to apply. Once approved, you’ll be able to choose a participating dentist and begin using your benefits.
What Does the CDCP Cover?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a wide range of basic and preventive dental services, including:
Preventive Care
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Dental exams and checkups
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Professional cleanings
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Scaling and polishing
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Fluoride treatments
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X-rays
Restorative & Basic Treatments
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Fillings
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Extractions
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Root canal treatments (on eligible teeth)
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Partial and complete dentures
Other Eligible Services
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Emergency dental care
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Certain diagnostic and minor surgical procedures
Coverage levels depend on your income bracket, with higher reimbursements available for lower-income households.
| Family Net Income | Coverage Percentage |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of eligible costs covered |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 60% coverage |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 40% coverage |
Some services, such as cosmetic procedures (teeth whitening or veneers), are not covered under the CDCP.
How to Use the CDCP at All Smile Dental
At All Smile Dental, we’re committed to helping patients understand and make full use of their CDCP benefits.
Here’s how it works:
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Confirm Your Eligibility:
Wait for your official CDCP invitation letter from Service Canada or check online when the self-application portal becomes available. -
Book an Appointment:
Call (905) 235-6999 or book online to schedule your visit. Let us know you are a CDCP participant so we can prepare your paperwork. -
Bring Your Information:
Bring your CDCP ID or reference number from Sun Life so we can submit claims directly on your behalf. -
Receive Care:
Our dentists will provide your treatment according to your coverage, explaining any services or costs that may fall outside the plan.
Our administrative team will handle all claim submissions to Sun Life, making your visit simple and stress-free.
Why Oral Health Matters
Dental health plays a major role in your overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. By ensuring more Canadians can access preventive care, the CDCP helps reduce both oral and systemic health risks.
At All Smile Dental, our goal is to help you maintain a healthy smile for life — not just respond to problems when they appear. The CDCP makes it easier for families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes to receive regular care and avoid painful, costly emergencies down the road.
Why Choose All Smile Dental in Newmarket?
Our clinic combines advanced technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach. When you visit All Smile Dental, you can expect:
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Experienced dentists familiar with CDCP processes
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Direct billing to Sun Life / CDCP
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Convenient appointment times for families and working professionals
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Comprehensive care under one roof — from cleanings to crowns
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Friendly, bilingual staff ready to answer all your coverage questions
We’re here to make your transition into the new plan as seamless as possible.
How to Prepare Before Applying
To ensure a smooth application process:
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File your most recent income tax return
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Make sure your contact information (address, phone, email) is up to date with CRA
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Check your mail or online Service Canada account for your invitation letter
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Keep your provincial health card handy — it’s often needed for verification
If you haven’t received an invitation but believe you’re eligible, visit the official Government of Canada website for updates or contact Service Canada for guidance.
Final Thoughts: A Step Toward Accessible Oral Health for All
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a major step forward in making dental health accessible to every Canadian, regardless of income. It bridges the gap between public health care and oral care — ensuring everyone can smile with confidence.
At All Smile Dental in Newmarket, we’re proud to participate in this national initiative and welcome CDCP patients with open arms. Whether you need a cleaning, filling, or urgent care, our team is ready to help you get the most from your new dental benefits.
📞 Call us today at (905) 235-6999 to learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan and how we can help you access care under the new program.