Published: July 13, 2026  |  Category: Insurance & Coverage

If you’ve been putting off dental care because of cost, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) might change that. Applications for the 2026–2027 benefit year are open now, and at Northbridge Dental we want our patients—and their families—to understand exactly how it works before they book.

Who Qualifies?

You need to meet all four of the following:

• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• You don’t have access to private dental insurance
• Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
• You (and your spouse/partner, if applicable) have filed last year’s tax return

As of 2026, the plan is fully open — there are no more age-based rollout stages. Seniors, children, adults with disabilities, and working-age adults 18–64 can all apply.

What Will It Cost You?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your adjusted family net income:

• Under $70,000—no co-payment; covered services are fully paid
• $70,000–$79,999 — up to 40% co-payment
• $80,000–$89,999 — up to 60% co-payment

Keep in mind: CDCP pays according to its own fee schedule. If a dentist’s fee is higher than that schedule, you may be responsible for the difference—we’ll always walk you through your specific costs before any treatment begins.

What’s Covered?

Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride), fillings, and many restorative and diagnostic services are covered without needing pre-approval. Bigger procedures — like crowns, oral surgery, dentures, and root canal retreatments — typically need pre-authorization first, which our team handles for you.

Not covered: cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers. Orthodontics is limited to rare, medically severe cases and isn’t yet available for general use.

Key Dates to Know

• Applications for 2026–2027 opened June 2, 2026, and remain open
• Coverage runs on a single benefit year ending June 30, 2027
• If you already had CDCP coverage and missed the June 1 renewal deadline, you can still apply—but there may be a temporary coverage gap

How Northbridge Dental Can Help

We’re a participating CDCP provider, which means we bill Sun Life directly on your behalf—no reimbursement paperwork for you to chase down. If you’re not sure whether you qualify or you want to know what a specific treatment would cost under your co-payment tier, give our front desk a call, and we’ll help you figure it out before you book.

Ready to book your CDCP-covered checkup? Call us or book online today.

Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca/dental), Ontario Dental Association CDCP FAQ. Coverage details and fee schedules are subject to change — always confirm current details with our team or the official CDCP site.