Dental care can be expensive for many Canadians. To help reduce costs, the Government of Canada introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
This program replaces the temporary Canada Dental Benefit and provides ongoing support for eligible residents who do not have private dental insurance.
The CDCP is administered through Service Canada and works alongside the Canada Revenue Agency’s tax system to verify income and eligibility.
Canadians who qualify can apply online or by phone through official government portals.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that helps eligible residents pay for dental care. It aims to make oral health services more affordable for millions of Canadians who do not have dental insurance.
The plan is being rolled out gradually and now allows eligible Canadians to apply through Service Canada.
Once approved, coverage helps pay for many dental services such as exams, cleanings, and other necessary treatments.
How to Apply for CRA Dental Benefits Online
Most people apply for the CDCP online through their My Service Canada Account.
Follow these steps:
- Go to the official application page.
- Sign in or create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
- Once inside your dashboard, select “Canadian Dental Care Plan.”
- Click “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.”
- Follow the instructions and submit the required information.
After submitting your application, Service Canada will review your eligibility.
If approved, you will receive confirmation and details about when your coverage begins.
Information You Need Before Applying
Before starting your application, gather the required details. The government requires certain personal information to verify eligibility.
You will need:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Full name and date of birth
- Home and mailing address
- Details about any government dental coverage
- Tax filing confirmation for the previous year
- Your spouse or common law partner’s information if applicable
Applicants must have filed their most recent tax return and received a notice of assessment before applying.
Who Qualifies for CRA Dental Benefits?
Eligibility is based on four main conditions. To qualify for the CDCP, you must:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
- Not have access to private dental insurance
Private insurance includes coverage from:
- Employers
- Pension plans
- Professional or student organizations
- Personal dental insurance policies
Even if you choose not to use employer coverage, having access to it may affect eligibility.
Can You Apply by Phone Instead of Online?
Yes. Canadians who cannot apply online can apply by phone through Service Canada.
To apply by phone:
Call 1-833-537-4342 and follow the automated instructions.
TTY users can call 1-833-677-6262.
Service Canada representatives are available during business hours to assist with applications and answer questions.
Some seniors originally received invitation letters and were able to apply using an automated phone system.
How Do You Check Your CDCP Application Status?
After applying, you can check your application status online or by phone.
Online method:
Visit the CDCP application status page and enter your information.
You may need:
- Your application code or client number
- Your Social Insurance Number
You can also call the automated phone service to check your status 24 hours a day.
What Happens After Your Application Is Approved?
If your application is approved, your information is shared with Sun Life, the organization that manages CDCP benefits.
Sun Life will then:
- Enroll you in the program
- Send a welcome package
- Provide your member card and coverage start date
Dental services are only covered after your official coverage start date.