Learn about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, who qualifies, what’s covered, and how Kingston Park Dental Centre in Toronto helps you apply and use your benefits.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps eligible Canadians reduce the cost of essential dental care. If you and your family do not have access to dental insurance and your adjusted family net income is under $90,000, you may qualify for coverage of a wide range of clinically necessary services. Coverage is administered in partnership with Sun Life, using standardized CDCP fee levels, and your share of costs (if any) is based on your household income. Our team at Kingston Park Dental Centre in the Upper Beaches, Toronto is ready to help you understand your eligibility, plan your visit, and coordinate your care under the program.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the CDCP, all of the following must be true:
- You do not have access to dental insurance through employment, a family member, a union/student plan, or a private policy that’s currently in effect. (If you’re eligible for a workplace/student plan but decline it, you’re not eligible for the CDCP.)
- You (and your spouse/partner, if applicable) filed a Canadian tax return for the last tax year so your income can be assessed.
- Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) is less than $90,000.
- You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
If you already have coverage through a government social program, you may still qualify; benefits are coordinated between plans to avoid duplication.
What does “adjusted family net income” mean?
AFNI is calculated from line 23600 of your (and, if applicable, your spouse/partner’s) tax returns, minus certain UCCB/RDSP income and plus any UCCB/RDSP repayments.
What does CDCP cover?
CDCP helps pay for many diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, prosthodontic, oral surgery and periodontal services when they’re recommended by an oral health provider. Examples include check-ups, cleanings (scaling), x-rays, fillings, root canals, removable dentures, extractions and other medically necessary care. Exact coverage follows the CDCP benefits guide and fee schedule. Your dental provider may charge more or less than the CDCP’s established fees; if fees are higher than CDCP’s levels, you may pay the difference.
How much will CDCP Pay?
Your co-payment depends on AFNI:
- Under $70,000: CDCP covers 100% of eligible costs at CDCP fees (0% co-pay).
- $70,000–$79,999: CDCP covers 60% (you pay 40%).
- $80,000–$89,999: CDCP covers 40% (you pay 60%).
Remember: these percentages apply to CDCP established fees. If a clinic’s usual fees are higher than the program’s amounts, you may be responsible for the difference at the point of care. Our coordinators will review estimates with you before treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
When can you use your Coverage?
For services to be covered, your appointment must be on or after your benefit effective date (the start date provided when you’re enrolled). You don’t have to wait for the physical welcome package: bring your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level to your first visit so we can confirm your coverage with Sun Life.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
You can apply online through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA), by phone, or at a Service Canada Centre:
- Create/Sign in to MSCA
- From your MSCA dashboard, open “Canadian Dental Care Plan”
- Select “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan”
- Submit your application and watch for letters in MSCA under “View my letters”
If you prefer phone or in-person support, Service Canada can assist with your application.
CDCP at Kingston Park Dental Centre (Upper Beaches, Toronto)
At Kingston Park Dental Centre, our mission is to keep you and your family’s smile on track with friendly, professional care in the Upper Beaches community. Under the CDCP, our front-desk team will:
- Verify your details (CDCP member ID, effective date, and co-pay level) before treatment
- Provide pre-treatment estimates showing CDCP coverage at established fees and any potential patient portion if our usual fees exceed CDCP amounts
- Coordinate treatment by need, beginning with urgent concerns (pain, infection, broken teeth) and then focusing on preventive care to keep future costs down
We offer a full suite of dental services, general, cosmetic, restorative, gum care, mouth guards, and sedation options, so most care can be completed under one roof. If specialized care is needed, we’ll refer you promptly and supply the paperwork you’ll need for your CDCP claim.
New to Our Clinic?
We welcome patients from the Upper Beaches, The Beaches, East York, Danforth, Birch Cliff, Scarborough Southwest, and surrounding Toronto neighbourhoods. Street-level access and flexible scheduling make visits easy; ask us about early-morning or after-school times for families.
What to Bring to your First CDCP Visit
Bring a government-issued ID, your CDCP member ID, your coverage start date, and your co-pay level. If you received any letters in MSCA, bring them (printed or on your phone). We’ll also review your medical history and current medications to ensure safe, effective care.
What to Expect at your Appointment
Your first visit usually includes a clinical exam and any necessary x-rays so the dentist can confirm diagnoses and plan care that fits within CDCP rules. If you’re in pain, we prioritize urgent treatment the same day whenever possible. For preventive care (scaling/cleaning), the amount of coverage depends on your eligibility and fee levels set by CDCP; if your share is more than you expected, we’ll explain the difference and help stage treatment over time if needed.
Common Questions About Costs
Because CDCP uses established program fees, your out-of-pocket amount can change if a provider’s fees are higher than the CDCP rate. We always give written estimates beforehand and obtain consent before treatment so there are no surprises at checkout. If you have any coverage letters with your co-payment level, please share them with us at check-in.
Ready to Apply?
Applying is quick online via MSCA. If you’d like our front desk to walk you through the steps, call us and we’ll guide you while you’re in the office or over the phone.
Book CDCP Care in the Upper Beaches
Whether you’re due for a check-up and cleaning or you’ve got a chipped tooth that needs attention, our team is here to help, clearly explaining your coverage and options at each step.
Call 416-699-3910 or use our online booking to reserve your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you qualify for CDCP, coverage can be coordinated with government social programs to avoid duplication or gaps.
No. As long as you have your CDCP member ID, start date, and co-pay level, you can receive care on/after your effective date.
CDCP covers many medically necessary services, such as exams, x-rays, cleanings (scaling), fillings, root canals, dentures, extractions, and other treatments recommended by your dentist. Coverage follows the CDCP benefits guide and fees.
They’re based on adjusted family net income: under $70k (0% co-pay), $70–79,999 (40% co-pay), $80–89,999 (60% co-pay)—applied to CDCP fee levels. If a clinic’s fees are higher than CDCP’s, you pay the difference.
Those without access to dental insurance, who filed Canadian taxes, have AFNI under $90,000, and are Canadian residents for tax purposes.
Sign in to My Service Canada Account, open Canadian Dental Care Plan, and select Apply. You can also view your letters in the same section.
Yes, eligibility is assessed individually using family income and access to insurance. Each eligible family member can enroll; you’ll see letters for each in MSCA.
If a private policy is still in effect, you’re not eligible. Once that coverage ends and you meet the other criteria, you can apply.
Providers are encouraged to follow CDCP established fees, but fee guides vary. If a provider bills above CDCP levels, you may owe the difference. We’ll review estimates with you in advance.
Book on or after your benefit effective date; bring your CDCP details so we can confirm coverage with Sun Life.