CDCP for Seniors 65+ (2026)

Why the CDCP matters for seniors

Dental care is frequently cited as a top unmet healthcare need for lower-income seniors in Canada. The CDCP fills some of this gap for Canadians aged 65 and over with net family income under $90,000. The phased rollout began with seniors in December 2023, followed by adults with disabilities and children in 2024, then all adults in 2025. Seniors who enrolled early were first to benefit from the coverage expansion to crowns and partial dentures introduced in the November 2024 update. For older Canadians living on fixed pension income, the plan can substantially reduce what was previously an entirely out-of-pocket expense.

What the CDCP covers for seniors

Routine exams and cleaning

Recall exams are covered without pre-authorization, once per 12 months. A complete oral exam is available once every 60 months. Scaling and cleaning are covered within frequency limits — adults and seniors receive up to 4 units per 12 months, with additional units requiring pre-authorization. These preventive services are the most frequently used CDCP benefit for seniors and the easiest to access since no prior approval is needed.

Complete dentures — the key senior benefit

Standard complete dentures are covered without pre-authorization, one per arch per 96 months (8 years). For seniors who need full tooth replacement, this is the most financially significant CDCP benefit. A complete denture per arch runs $618–$2,177 CAD nationally, depending on the province. Even at the 40% income tier ($80,000–$89,999 net family income), the CDCP pays a meaningful share of the CDCP-grid amount — potentially $320 or more per arch. Note that implant-supported dentures are excluded from coverage. See /ca/does-cdcp-cover-dentures for the full frequency and scope details.

Crowns — pre-authorization required

Crowns are a frequent need for seniors with heavily restored teeth or significant decay. The CDCP covers up to 4 crowns per patient per 10 years (1 per eligible tooth per 8 years). Pre-authorization through Sun Life is mandatory before any crown treatment begins — work done without prior approval risks full claim denial. Even with approval, balance billing can occur if your dentist charges above the CDCP Dental Benefit Grid. See /ca/does-cdcp-cover-crowns for pre-authorization steps.

Root canals and fillings

Standard root canals on anterior teeth, premolars, and first and second molars are covered without pre-authorization. Permanent fillings are covered once per tooth surface per 24 months. These restorative services benefit seniors aiming to preserve existing teeth rather than move directly to extractions or dentures.

What the CDCP does NOT cover for seniors

• Dental implants (absolute exclusion at any income level)
• Implant-supported dentures
• Crowns placed on implants
• Bridges
• Veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Night guards (occlusal splints)
• Orthodontics
• Precision-attachment partial dentures

For seniors who need implants, costs run $3,000–$6,100 CAD per implant — entirely out of pocket under the CDCP. Some individually purchased private dental insurance plans may cover implants partially. Employer-sponsored plans that count as "qualifying dental coverage" make you ineligible for the CDCP, so check whether your plan actually provides comparable implant coverage before declining the CDCP. See /ca/does-cdcp-cover-implants for cost details by province.

Out-of-pocket estimate for seniors

Even at the 100% income tier, dentists may bill above the CDCP Dental Benefit Grid, creating an additional out-of-pocket balance that the CDCP does not cover. Ask your dentist whether they accept CDCP assignment (billing directly at the CDCP fee) or whether balance billing applies.

Income tiers and pension income

The CDCP uses adjusted net family income from your CRA tax return for the most recently assessed year. Importantly for seniors, pension income — including Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and employer pension plans — counts toward net family income. RRSP withdrawals and RRIF minimum withdrawals also count. Seniors whose combined income exceeds $90,000 are not eligible for the CDCP. Those between $70,000 and $89,999 still receive partial coverage: 60% of the CDCP fee at the $70,000–$79,999 tier, and 40% at the $80,000–$89,999 tier. See /ca/cdcp-eligibility-income-tiers for the full income calculation guide.

How to apply — seniors

Applications are open through My Account on the CRA website or in person at a Service Canada Centre. Seniors who received an invitation letter but did not apply at the time can still apply — invitations do not expire. You will need your most recent CRA Notice of Assessment. Coverage begins from the date your application is approved, not retroactively. Check /ca/cdcp-application-and-status for the full step-by-step application guide, document checklist, and how to check your application status.

Frequently asked questions

This page provides pricing and market research, NOT medical advice. Consult a licensed dental professional for diagnosis or treatment recommendations.