What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program that provides dental coverage to eligible Canadians who don't have private dental insurance. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada and covers a range of dental services for those who qualify.
Important: Coverage depends on your eligibility, income level, plan details, and the treatment required. Not all dental services are fully covered, and patients may still have co-payments depending on their coverage tier. Our team will always provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins. For the most current eligibility details, patients should also refer to the official Government of Canada CDCP information at canada.ca/dental.
Do I Qualify for CDCP?
To be eligible for the CDCP you generally need to:
- Be a Canadian resident with a valid health card
- Have filed a tax return
- Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000/year
- Not have access to private dental insurance
What Does CDCP Cover?
Diagnostic
Exams, X-rays, and consultations to assess your oral health.
Preventive
Cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to keep teeth healthy.
Restorative
Fillings, crowns (in some cases), and dentures to restore damaged teeth.
Extractions
Simple and surgical tooth extractions when necessary.
Gum Treatment
Scaling and root planing for patients with gum disease.
Root Canals
Endodontic treatment on eligible teeth to save them from extraction.
For a full breakdown, read our detailed guide on what CDCP covers in Barrie.
How to Apply for CDCP
Check Eligibility
Visit canada.ca/dental or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 to confirm you qualify.
Apply Online or by Phone
Apply through My Service Canada Account or by phone. You may also receive an invitation letter in the mail.
Receive Your Coverage Card
Once approved, you'll receive a Sun Life CDCP coverage card to bring to your dental appointments.
Book at Lakeside Smiles
Join our priority list and bring your CDCP card. We'll handle the rest and make sure your benefits are applied correctly.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- CDCP / Sun Life information
- Government ID
- Any private insurance information, if applicable
- A list of current medications
- Any questions you have about your coverage
Why Choose Lakeside Smiles as Your CDCP Dentist in Barrie?
As a CDCP Friendly Practice, we're committed to making dental care accessible to every patient in Barrie. Our team will help you understand exactly what's covered under your plan before any treatment begins — no surprises, no unexpected bills.
We also work with patients who have partial CDCP coverage, explaining your out-of-pocket costs upfront so you can make informed decisions about your care. And if you're not sure whether you qualify, we're happy to help you figure it out.
Questions About CDCP? We Can Help.
Call us or join our priority list and mention your CDCP coverage. We'll walk you through what applies to your situation before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions — CDCP Dentist Barrie
Yes — Lakeside Smiles Dentistry is a CDCP Friendly Practice. We accept CDCP coverage and will help you make the most of your benefits.
Yes — eligible family members including children under 18 can be covered under the CDCP. Each family member's coverage is based on the household's adjusted net income. Learn more about our children's dental care and family dentistry.
If your income falls in the 60% or 40% coverage tier, you'll have a co-pay for eligible services. We'll always tell you the estimated patient portion before beginning treatment so there are no surprises.
Yes — emergency services like extractions and treatment of infections are generally covered. See our Emergency Dentist Barrie page for more details.
Absolutely. When you join our priority list or come in for your appointment, mention the CDCP and we'll walk through the eligibility criteria with you. You can also visit canada.ca/dental to check.