Until just a few years ago, high dental costs and lack of insurance, especially after retirement, caused many seniors in Canada to postpone their dental treatment. Fortunately, the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has changed this by covering eligible individuals of all ages. If you would like to take advantage of this plan, contact us at Vancouver Main Dentist; we can explain the eligibility requirements, the services covered for seniors, and how to enroll in the CDCP.
Eligibility for CDCP Coverage for Seniors in Canada
Fortunately, as of 2026, the age restriction for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been removed; you can benefit from this coverage at any age, provided you meet the following criteria:
- You do not have access to private dental insurance (whether through your workplace, a retirement plan, or a personal policy).
- You have filed a tax return for the previous year. If you are married, your spouse must also have filed their tax return.
- Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000 per year.
- If you are married, both you and your spouse must be tax residents of Canada.
If you do not meet these four conditions, you are not eligible to apply for the CDCP; however, other government insurance plans and programs remain available, which we will outline below.
Make the Most of Your CDCP Benefits at Vancouver Main Dentist
The Canadian Dental Care Plan can help eligible seniors manage the cost of essential dental treatments. At Vancouver Main Dentist, we offer services covered under the CDCP, including examinations, cleanings, root canal treatments, and custom dentures.
Contact us to discuss your dental coverage and arrange an appointment.
What Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover for Seniors?
One of the key benefits of this program is that it covers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and therapeutic dental services. The table below outlines the primary services that eligible seniors may be able to access through the CDCP.
| Type of Service | Examples of Covered Services |
| Examinations and Diagnostics | Comprehensive examinations, periodic and emergency examinations, and dental X-rays |
| Preventive Services | Scaling, fluoride treatments, and sealants where eligible |
| Restorative Dentistry | Fillings for decayed teeth and certain approved restorative procedures |
| Root Canal Treatment | Root canal therapy and certain treatments related to dental infections |
| Gum Disease Treatment | Deep scaling, root planing, and certain non-surgical periodontal treatments |
| Dental Prostheses | Complete dentures and certain denture repairs, adjustments, and relining services |
| Dental Crowns | Certain crowns and related services, subject to eligibility requirements and prior authorization |
| Oral Surgery | Tooth extractions, root removal, and certain oral surgical procedures |
| Sedation | Certain sedation and pain management procedures, where eligible |
Please note that this table provides a general overview of services and does not imply automatic approval for all treatments. For instance, the program may require prior authorization for procedures such as the fabrication of partial dentures or dental crowns. Cosmetic services such as orthodontics and veneers are also not currently covered by CDCP.
How Much of Seniors’ Dental Costs does the CDCP Cover?
To determine its contribution, the government considers three main income brackets; therefore, the level of coverage provided by the CDCP is based on your annual household income.
| Annual Household Income | Percentage Covered by CDCP | Percentage You Pay |
| Less than $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| 70,000–79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| 80,000–89,999 | 40% | 60% |
It is important to note that the CDCP calculates coverage amounts based on a “Dental Benefit Grid.” This grid is published by Sun Life; if your dentist charges more than the rates specified in this grid, you will be responsible for paying the difference. Consequently, before beginning any treatment, you should ask your dentist whether they accept the CDCP rates as full payment.
How Seniors Can Apply for the CDCP
The registration process is simple; just have your documents ready and follow these steps:
- Visit the official CDCP application page.
- Log in to your “My Service Canada Account” or create an account if you do not have one.
- Navigate to the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section and select the option to apply for coverage.
- Enter the required information, including your full name, date of birth, Social Insurance Number (SIN), and residential address.
- Submit your application, then check back later to see the outcome and your coverage start date.
If you are unable to apply online, you can call 1-833-537-4342. Please note that you must renew your coverage annually to ensure there is no interruption. Check the official website for the specific renewal dates.
Read more: CDCP Renewal for 2026 Tutorial: Vancouver Patients’ Guide
Do all dentists in Canada accept the CDCP?
No, not all dentists accept the CDCP. Before booking an appointment, ask the dental office whether they participate in the plan, whether they bill Sun Life directly, and if the specific treatment you require is covered by the CDCP.
How Can I Find a Dentist in Vancouver Who Accepts the CDCP?
To find a dentist who accepts the CDCP, visit the Sun Life website and search for “Vancouver.” If you need further assistance finding a dentist, you can contact the Sun Life CDCP support center at 1-888-888-8110.
At Vancouver Main Dentist Clinic, we offer all services covered under the CDCP, including Examinations, Cleanings, Root Canal Treatments and even Custom Dentures. Simply call us at +16042000284 or click the “Book an Appointment” button at the top of our website.
Provincial Programs and Other Coverage You May Be Eligible For
In addition to the federal program, some provinces offer dental programs for seniors. If you are covered by both, the provincial program typically pays first, and the CDCP covers the remaining costs, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Ontario: The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program provides basic dental services at no cost to low-income seniors aged 65 and older; please check the Government of Ontario’s website for current income requirements and thresholds.
- Alberta: The Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors program covers the cost of certain dental services for eligible seniors; to access this, you must meet the criteria for Alberta’s seniors’ financial assistance programs.
- IFHP Coverage in Vancouver: The federal Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) covers certain essential and emergency dental services for refugees and other eligible individuals in Vancouver.
- Other Provinces: Most provinces offer more limited programs for recipients of income assistance or individuals with low incomes. Inquire with your provincial health authority.
If you live in Alberta, check the province’s participation status regarding the CDCP before enrolling, as the provincial government has previously expressed reservations about the federal program.
Ready to Use Your CDCP Benefits?
For years, Canadian seniors have been caught in a dilemma between maintaining their oral health and managing the associated costs. Today, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has significantly bridged this gap. If your household income is below $90,000 and you do not have private dental insurance, check your eligibility and apply today. If you are currently covered and are looking for a clinic that accepts this insurance, we are waiting for you at Vancouver Main Dentist, book an appointment now to take care of your oral health.
FAQ
1. Can seniors use the CDCP alongside another government dental program?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the CDCP, you may be able to use it in conjunction with another government dental program. In such cases, the two programs coordinate to ensure there is no duplication of coverage.
2. Does a change in my annual income affect my CDCP eligibility?
Yes, changes in income can impact your eligibility for the CDCP. If your income increases during the year, your coverage will not necessarily be terminated immediately; However, if your household’s adjusted net income on your tax return reaches CAD$90,000 or more, you may not be eligible for CDCP for the next period.
3. If my CDCP application is denied, can I reapply?
Yes. Before submitting a new application, however, you should check the reason for the denial through your “My Service Canada Account.” If your application was rejected due to incomplete information or lack of eligibility, first resolve the issue and then, if eligible, reapply.
4. Do I have to pay a monthly premium to use the CDCP?
No, there are no monthly premiums for using the CDCP; however, depending on your household income and the cost of services, you may need to pay a portion of the treatment costs yourself.
Have you applied for the CDCP, or are you still trying to understand which dental services your coverage includes? Share your questions or experience in the comments below!
