Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Coverage 2026
The CDCP helps eligible Canadians — with net family income under $90,000 — pay for many dental services. Coverage ranges from routine exams and fillings to complete dentures, with income-based co-pay rates of 100%, 60% or 40%. Dental implants, bridges, veneers and whitening are absolute exclusions at every income level.
Estimate your CDCP out-of-pocket cost
Select your province, income tier and the procedure you need to see whether it is covered, whether pre-authorization is required, and what you can expect to pay out of pocket under the 2026 CDCP Dental Benefit Grids administered by Sun Life.
CDCP Coverage & Out-of-Pocket Calculator
Province × income tier × procedure — 2026 figures in CAD
paymentsCDCP Coverage & Out-of-Pocket Estimate
* Estimates based on 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides (CAD). Actual costs vary by province and provider; figures flagged as estimates are modelled.
Keep in mind that the CDCP reimburses on the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids (effective April 1, 2026), which are typically lower than a dentist's actual charge. Even at the 100% income tier you may still owe a balance if your provider bills above the CDCP fee. The estimate uses the provincial suggested-fee guide as a proxy — your real out-of-pocket cost can be higher.
We have since measured that difference directly: in Alberta on the 2025 documents, the provincial suggested fee sat 6.6% above the CDCP established fee on average, reaching 15.1% on a simple extraction — but zero on a molar root canal, where the two amounts match to the cent. See the CDCP fee guide, with the amounts per procedure code.
What the CDCP covers and does not cover (2026)
The CDCP covers a meaningful range of preventive and restorative procedures, but the plan has firm exclusions written into its benefit structure. These exclusions apply regardless of income tier, clinical need, or individual dentist discretion.
Covered procedures (most without pre-authorization)
| Procedure | Covered | Pre-auth required | Frequency limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recall exam | Yes | No | 1 per 12 months |
| Complete oral exam | Yes | No | 1 per 60 months |
| Scaling / cleaning | Yes | Sometimes | Age 17 and over: 4 units per 12 months |
| Permanent filling (composite) | Yes | No | 1 per tooth surface per 24 months |
| Simple extraction | Yes | No | No specific limit |
| Root canal — standard anterior/premolar | Yes | No | Standard cases only |
| Root canal — molar or retreatment | Yes | Sometimes | Third molars and retreatments require pre-auth |
| Complete denture (standard acrylic) | Yes | No | 1 per arch per 96 months |
Procedures requiring pre-authorization
| Procedure | Covered | Pre-auth required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast partial denture — initial placement | Partial | Yes | 1 per arch per 96 months; precision-attachment partial excluded |
| Ceramic or PFM crown | Partial | Yes | Maximum 4 crowns per patient per 120 months; 1 per tooth per 96 months |
| Overdenture | Partial | Yes | Implant-supported overdentures remain excluded |
| Long-term soft-liner complete denture | Partial | Yes | Limited circumstances |
Pre-authorization for crowns and certain dentures must be obtained through Sun Life before treatment begins. Submitting a claim without prior approval risks full denial, even for otherwise covered procedures. Contact your dentist or Sun Life directly before scheduling covered complex work.
Absolute exclusions — never covered under CDCP
| Procedure | CDCP status | Estimated cost in Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dental implant (fixture, abutment and crown) | Not covered | $3,000 – $6,100 |
| Implant-supported crown | Not covered | Implant-related |
| Fixed bridge (fixed partial denture) | Not covered | Varies by span |
| Implant-supported denture (any type) | Not covered | Varies |
| Veneer — composite or ceramic | Not covered | Varies |
| Teeth whitening | Not covered | — |
| Night guard or occlusal splint | Not covered | — |
| TMJ appliances and therapy | Not covered | — |
| Crown lengthening | Not covered | — |
| 3/4 crown | Not covered | — |
| Precision-attachment partial denture | Not covered | — |
| Orthodontics (braces, clear aligners) | Not covered (future phase) | — |
Implants represent the largest coverage gap for many patients. A full implant — fixture, abutment and crown — runs roughly $3,000–$6,100 CAD depending on the province, and the CDCP provides zero reimbursement for any component of the process, including associated bone grafts or sinus lifts. For a detailed breakdown, see our page on whether the CDCP covers implants.
Income tiers: how much the CDCP pays
The plan uses four net family income brackets to determine how much it reimburses. "Net family income" is the figure on line 23600 of your Notice of Assessment — the combined income of you and your spouse or common-law partner if applicable.
| Net family income | CDCP pays | Patient co-pay |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of the CDCP fee | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of the CDCP fee | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of the CDCP fee | 60% |
| $90,000 and above | Not eligible | 100% |
Important: balance billing. The CDCP pays its percentage of the CDCP Dental Benefit Grid fee — not your dentist's actual bill. If your dentist charges $200 for a recall exam but the CDCP grid lists that exam at $58, even the 100% tier only reimburses $58. The remaining $142 is your responsibility. This gap is called balance billing, and it is legal in every province. Ask your dentist upfront whether they accept the CDCP fee as payment in full (assignment billing) or whether they bill above it.
Your copay by income tier — per procedure
Coverage status (covered / partial / excluded) and pre-authorization rules are set by procedure, not by income. What changes by income tier is your copay percentage — the share of the CDCP fee-guide amount you pay yourself. The table below combines both: the coverage status for each of the nine core procedures in our Canada Dental Cost Index, and the copay percentage that applies at each of the four CDCP income tiers.
| Procedure | Under $70,000 (0% copay) | $70,000–$79,999 (40% copay) | $80,000–$89,999 (60% copay) | $90,000+ (not eligible) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recall exam | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Cleaning / scaling (per unit) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes (over the frequency limit) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Composite filling (1 surface) | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Simple extraction | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Covered, no pre-auth | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Root canal (molar) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes (retreatment/3rd molar) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Complete denture (per arch) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes (overdenture/soft-liner) | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Covered, pre-auth sometimes | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Cast partial denture | Partially covered, pre-auth required for initial placement | Partially covered, pre-auth required | Partially covered, pre-auth required | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Ceramic crown | Partially covered, pre-auth mandatory | Partially covered, pre-auth mandatory | Partially covered, pre-auth mandatory | Not eligible for CDCP |
| Single implant (full) | Not covered — absolute CDCP exclusion | Not covered — absolute CDCP exclusion | Not covered — absolute CDCP exclusion | Not covered — absolute CDCP exclusion |
This table shows status and copay percentages only — not dollar amounts, since your real out-of-pocket depends on your province's fee guide and what your dentist actually charges. Use the calculator below to turn these percentages into an estimated dollar figure for your province and procedure.
CDCP copay calculator — what will you actually pay?
Copay by income tier + the balance if your dentist bills above the fee guide
The CDCP reimburses on its own established fees (the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids), which are often lower than a dentist's actual charge. Even at the 100% tier you may owe a balance if your dentist bills above the CDCP fee. Estimates below use the provincial suggested-fee guide as a proxy; your real out-of-pocket can be higher.
Balance billing note: the CDCP reimburses on its own established fees (the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids), which are often lower than a dentist's actual charge. Even at the 0% copay tier (under $70,000), you may still owe a balance if your dentist bills above the CDCP fee. If your dentist's quote is higher than you expected under CDCP, see our dedicated guide on what to do when your dentist charges more than CDCP covers.
Pre-authorization: when it is required — and what happens if you skip it
Since November 2024, certain CDCP services require pre-authorization from Sun Life before any treatment is delivered. The two most common categories are:
- Crowns: Pre-authorization is mandatory without exception. Your dentist submits a treatment plan including X-rays and clinical notes to Sun Life; Sun Life reviews it and issues an approval (or denial) — typically within 10 business days. Only then may treatment proceed. Skipping this step means the claim will be denied.
- Cast partial dentures (initial placement): Pre-authorization is also mandatory for the first cast partial denture per arch. Subsequent repairs or adjustments within the frequency limit do not require renewed approval.
- Standard complete dentures: Pre-authorization is not required for a standard acrylic complete denture within the 96-month frequency window.
- Scaling and cleaning: Within the annual unit limits (4 units per year for adults 17 and over), scaling does not require pre-authorization. Exceeding those limits without documented clinical justification will lead to denial.
If you are unsure whether your planned procedure needs prior approval, call Sun Life's CDCP line or ask your dentist's billing coordinator before the appointment is booked.
What the CDCP does not cover: planning for out-of-pocket gaps
The biggest financial gap under the CDCP is implants. With a single full implant costing $3,000–$6,100 CAD and zero CDCP reimbursement at any income level, patients needing tooth replacement must either self-fund, use private insurance (if they have it), or explore the covered alternatives — specifically standard complete dentures or cast partial dentures — that the plan does reimburse.
Crowns present a subtler gap. They are technically covered, but the 4-crown-per-decade limit means patients who need extensive restorative work may exhaust their entitlement quickly. And because balance billing can apply, the 40% co-pay for mid-income earners can still represent several hundred dollars per crown. For a full cost walkthrough, see our page on CDCP crown coverage.
Dentures are where the CDCP delivers the most straightforward value: standard complete dentures require no pre-authorization, cover one arch per 96 months, and at the under-$70,000 tier cost the patient nothing beyond any balance-billing gap. The catch is the 8-year frequency limit and the exclusion of all implant-supported variants. Our CDCP denture coverage page walks through the distinction.
Open data: CDCP coverage matrix and provincial fee cross-reference
Every procedure listed on this page is included in our openly licensed dataset, which cross-references provincial suggested-fee guide figures against CDCP coverage status, income-tier reimbursement rates, and pre-authorization requirements for each procedure code.
Procedures where a provincial guide is members-only (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland) are modelled from neighbouring-province guides and flagged is_estimate in the data.
Explore CDCP coverage by topic
Does CDCP Cover Implants?
Why implants are an absolute exclusion, and what alternatives the plan does cover.
Does CDCP Cover Dentures?
Complete vs. partial dentures — pre-auth rules, frequency limits and out-of-pocket cost.
Does CDCP Cover Crowns?
Pre-authorization requirements, the 4-crown limit, and balance-billing reality.
CDCP Eligibility & Income Tiers
Who qualifies, how income is assessed, and what the four tiers mean in practice.
CDCP by Province
How balance billing varies by province and which dentists accept CDCP assignment.
CDCP vs Private Insurance
Coordination of benefits, which plan pays first, and whether you can hold both.
CDCP for Seniors
Specific services prioritized for seniors and how denture coverage applies after 65.
CDCP Application & Status
How to apply, check your status, and what to do if your application is delayed.
CDCP Renewal
The annual renewal cycle, deadlines and what changes if your income shifts.
Find a CDCP Dentist
Who accepts the CDCP, assignment vs balance billing, and what to ask.
Dental Costs in Canada (Home)
Full cost index by procedure and province — recall exam to implants in CAD.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
Does the CDCP cover crowns?
What percentage does the CDCP cover?
What is not covered by the CDCP?
Do I need pre-authorization for crowns or dentures under the CDCP?
What does a dental implant cost in Canada if the CDCP will not cover it?
What does the CDCP cover?
What does the CDCP cover for seniors?
Why do I still have to pay if CDCP covers 100%?
Independent dental pricing research — figures verified against provincial suggested-fee guides (ODA, ACDQ, BCDA, etc.) and the CDCP coverage rules published on canada.ca. Pricing/market research, not medical or dental advice.
This page provides pricing and market research information, NOT medical or dental advice. Real Dental Costs is an independent data publisher and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or Sun Life Financial.