Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) 2026: Toronto Guide
The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers eligible Canadians without private dental insurance and with adjusted family net income under $90,000. As of April 2026 the program expanded to all eligible ages, more than 6.3 million Canadians are enrolled, and average savings run about $900 per person per year. Here's exactly who qualifies, what's covered, and what to do in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- All ages now eligible as of the 2026-27 benefit year (income and insurance criteria still apply)
- Income threshold: adjusted family net income under $90,000
- 6.3M+ Canadians enrolled, 4M+ have already seen a provider (ESDC, April 2026)
- Average savings: about $900 per person per year
- Renewal opens April 15; deadline June 1 to stay continuously covered (see the 2026 CDCP renewal walkthrough)
Who qualifies for CDCP in 2026?
Three criteria:
- Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Adjusted family net income under $90,000 for the previous tax year
- No access to private dental insurance (employer, union, or personally-purchased)
What's covered?
CDCP covers the standard menu of preventive, diagnostic, restorative, and oral-surgery services at federally-set fee schedule rates:
- Diagnostic exams + X-rays
- Routine cleanings + scaling
- Fluoride treatments
- Fillings (amalgam and composite)
- Extractions (simple and surgical)
- Root canals (endodontic therapy)
- Crowns, bridges, dentures (prosthodontics)
- Periodontal treatment (gum disease)
- Some orthodontic services for children with severe malocclusion
- Some sedation services for medically necessary cases
What's the co-pay structure?
CDCP uses income-bracketed co-pays:
| Adjusted family net income | Your co-pay |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 0% (full coverage) |
| $70,000 - $79,999 | 40% |
| $80,000 - $89,999 | 60% |
| $90,000+ | Not eligible |
How do I apply or renew?
The CDCP application + renewal flow runs entirely through Service Canada:
- Apply at canada.ca/dental (new members) or renew at the same URL (existing members between April 15 and June 1)
- Phone alternative: 1-833-537-4342
- Required documents: SIN, most recent CRA Notice of Assessment, contact info
For a full step-by-step on the 2026 renewal cycle including the June 1 deadline, see the 2026 CDCP renewal walkthrough.
Is The Village Dentist a CDCP provider?
Yes. We accept CDCP across our full service menu. We direct-bill Sun Life (the CDCP administrator) so you don't pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. You're responsible only for your co-pay share (if your income bracket has one) plus any work outside the CDCP fee schedule -- which we always explain in writing before any treatment begins.
If cost has kept you away from the dentist for years, CDCP plus our no-judgment first-visit approach is designed to remove the barrier.
How does CDCP compare to private insurance?
| Feature | CDCP | Typical private dental insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Income + no-private-coverage check | Employer-sponsored or paid premiums |
| Annual maximum | Generally none (capped by fee schedule and frequency rules) | Usually $1,500-$2,500/year |
| Co-pay | 0%, 40%, or 60% by income bracket | Usually 20% (preventive) to 50% (major) |
| Major work (crowns, dentures) | Covered with co-pay | Usually 50% coverage, often 12-month wait |
| Orthodontics | Children only, severe cases | Sometimes covered for kids; rarely for adults |
| Cosmetic | Not covered | Not covered |
| Pre-authorization for major work | Required | Often required |
From Dr. Kaur
"Two real conversations happen at our practice now that didn't happen three years ago. One is the patient who waited eight years because of cost and is finally back because CDCP covers them. The other is the patient who didn't realize the 2026 expansion removed the age restriction -- they assumed they didn't qualify because they're working-age. If you're in either group, file your 2025 taxes if you haven't, and apply at canada.ca/dental this week." > -- Dr. Abinaash Kaur, DDS, The Village Dentist, 750 Annette Street, Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My employer has dental insurance but it's really limited. Can I get CDCP too? Generally no. Eligibility requires no access to private dental insurance. The "access" test is binary -- even limited employer plans count as access. Exceptions sometimes apply if your plan has been fully exhausted.
Q: I had CDCP in 2025. Do I need to renew? Yes. Renewal is between April 15 and June 1, 2026, at canada.ca/dental. If you miss the window your coverage lapses and you re-apply June 2 onward.
Q: Does CDCP cover Invisalign for adults? No. Adult cosmetic Invisalign is not covered. CDCP orthodontic coverage is limited to children under 18 with severe documented malocclusion. See our Invisalign cost overview for typical Toronto pricing.
Q: Can my dentist charge me more than the CDCP fee schedule? Only if you consent in writing and the difference is for services outside the CDCP scope or above-schedule treatments. Reputable Toronto dentists are transparent about this -- there should be no surprise bills.
Q: How fast can I get a first appointment under CDCP? At The Village Dentist, usually within 1-2 weeks of your first call. We do the direct billing -- you bring your CDCP member number.
Q: What about kids -- are dental visits free? For families under the $70,000 bracket, yes -- 0% co-pay covers diagnostic exams, cleanings, fluoride, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic consultations. See when to bring your baby for their first dental visit.
Q: I just retired and lost my workplace insurance. When can I apply? Anytime after coverage ends. New applications are open year-round (renewal is the spring-only window). Have your most recent NOA ready.
References
- Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
- Government of Canada. Apply -- Canadian Dental Care Plan. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html
- Government of Canada. Renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/renew.html
- Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan renewal season opens April 15 (news release, April 2026). https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2026/04/canadian-dental-care-plan-renewal-season-opens-april-15.html
- Oral Health Group. CDCP renewal opens as 6.5M approved. April 2026. https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/cdcp-renewal-opens-as-6-5m-approved-more-than-2m-yet-to-receive-care-1003995139/
- Canadian Dental Association. CDCP Resources for Patients and Providers. https://www.cda-adc.ca/
Bottom line
CDCP covers eligible Canadians without private dental insurance and adjusted family net income under $90,000. The 2026 expansion removed the age restriction. If you qualify, applications and renewals run through canada.ca/dental, average savings are about $900/year, and The Village Dentist direct-bills so you pay nothing upfront beyond your income-bracketed co-pay. Renew between April 15 and June 1, 2026 if you had coverage last year.
Related posts
- CDCP Renewal 2026: What Toronto Patients Need to Know
- How Much Does a Dental Checkup Cost in Toronto? OHIP, CDCP & Insurance
- Scared of the Dentist? Here's What Most People Get Wrong
The Village Dentist is a CDCP provider in Toronto's Bloor West Village. Call (416) 760-0404 or book online. Dr. Abinaash Kaur, DDS, 750 Annette Street.
