Canadian Dental Care Plan in Toronto
Canadian Dental Care Plan Near You
For several Canadian residents, maintaining a healthy smile can feel out of reach due to the high cost of dental insurance or out-of-pocket expenses. The Canadian Dental Care Plan in Toronto was introduced to change that by providing essential dental coverage to those who need it most.
At the dental clinic of Dr. Steven and Dr. Jonathan Stern, we believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of quality healthcare. As a family-run practice, we take a conservative and caring approach to dentistry, ensuring our patients are informed every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the Canadian Dental Care Plan near you so you can access the treatments you need to stay healthy and pain-free.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The CDCP is a federally funded program designed to provide dental coverage for Canadian residents who do not have access to private insurance.
Administered by Sun Life, this plan helps lower the cost of various oral health services, from routine checkups to more complex restorative work.
Your adjusted family net income determines coverage levels. While the plan covers a significant portion of fees, it is important to understand that some out-of-pocket costs (co-payments and balance billing) may still apply depending on your specific situation.
Who is Eligible: Age Groups & Requirements
To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Toronto, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Have filed your most recent income tax return.
Not have access to private dental insurance (including employer-sponsored plans or retiree benefits).
Meet the income requirement: Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
The plan is now available for all eligible age groups:
Seniors: 65 and older.
Adults: 18 to 64.
Children: Under 18.
Persons with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.
Once approved, you can search for a participating dentist near you to begin using your benefits.
New 2026 Fee Grid and Coverage Changes
As of April 1, 2026, the federal government has officially updated the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids. These changes are designed to better reflect the current costs of dental care and include several improvements for patients:
Increased Reimbursement
CDCP fees have increased from 2025 levels to help account for inflation and rising dental sector costs.
Laboratory Fee Adjustment
Reimbursements for commercial laboratory fees (critical for dentures and crowns) have increased, which may reduce the out-of-pocket co-payment for some patients.
Immediate Dentures
Certain types of complete immediate dentures no longer require pre-authorization. This allows for faster treatment planning when a patient requires dentures immediately following extractions.
Simplified Maintenance
Additional codes for denture liners are now available without pre-authorization to support easier upkeep and extend the life of your dentures
Essential Requirements for CDCP Patients
Annual Renewal Requirement
Your CDCP coverage is not permanent; you must renew it every year to keep your benefits active.
Renewal Window
Renewals open on April 15 and close on June 1 each year.
Tax Filing
You must file your 2025 tax return to be eligible for the 2026–2027 benefit year.
Stay Covered
If you miss the renewal deadline, your coverage will expire on June 30, and you may face a gap in benefits.
The Sun Life Member Portal
We highly recommend that all our patients register for the Sun Life CDCP Member Portal. This digital tool allows you to:
Access your digital member card instantly on your smartphone.
View your claims history to see what the plan has paid.
Check your current co-payment level based on your latest tax assessment.
Essential Requirements for CDCP Patients
The amount of coverage you receive depends on your household income:
Adjusted Family Net Income | Government Coverage | Patient Responsibility |
Under $70,000 | 100% of CDCP fees | $0 plus any amount above CDCP rates |
$70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of CDCP fees | 40% co-payment plus any fee difference |
$80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of CDCP fees | 60% co-payment plus any fee difference |
$90,000 and above | Not eligible | Full cost of treatment |
Comprehensive Services Covered Under the CDCP
Our fully-equipped clinic provides a wide range of services that align with the CDCP’s focus on essential health.
When you visit a dentist like ours, the Canadian Dental Care Plan near you typically covers:
Diagnostic & Preventive
Dental examinations, cleanings (scaling), and digital X-rays (including Panoramic X-rays).
Restorative Care
Tooth-coloured fillings and porcelain crowns (crowns require pre-authorization).
Endodontics & Periodontics
Root canal treatments and gum disease therapy (deep cleanings).
Prosthodontics
Complete and partial dentures.
Oral Surgery
Routine and complex tooth extractions.
The "Pre-Authorization" Process
For major restorative work like crowns or partial dentures, the government requires an official “pre-authorization” before treatment can begin.
Our administrative team handles the entire process, submitting digital X-rays and treatment plans to Sun Life, so you know exactly what is covered before we start.
Why Choose Dr. Steven & Dr. Jonathan Stern Dentistry?
Experienced Family Care
Dr. Steven and Dr. Jonathan Stern offer a multi-generational, conservative approach to dental health.
On-Site Denturist Advantage
A unique feature of our clinic is our on-site denturist, Paul Gayne. This allows us to provide efficient, high-quality denture fabrications, relines, and repairs directly at our location, making it easier for CDCP patients to get their smiles restored quickly.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use cutting-edge diagnostic and restorative tools for precision and comfort.
Sunday Availability
We offer Sunday appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
Transparent Payments
We accept most payment methods, including Cash, Cheque, Visa, Mastercard, and Interac, and we provide clear estimates for any out-of-pocket costs.
Compassionate Service
Our staff is committed to providing a relaxed and peaceful environment to help alleviate dental anxiety.
Book Your Visit Today
Contact us today to schedule your appointment and discover how the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Toronto can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
FAQs
Does the CDCP cover the cost of dental implants at your clinic?
The CDCP does not currently cover the surgical placement of dental implants. However, it provides excellent coverage for alternative restorative options like bridgework and dentures.
Can I get a crown under the CDCP?
Yes, porcelain crowns are covered, but they require pre-authorization. This means we must submit a request to the government for approval before we can proceed with the treatment.
What if I already have a provincial dental plan like Healthy Smiles Ontario?
The CDCP is designed to work alongside existing provincial programs. In most cases, your provincial plan will remain the primary payer, and the CDCP will act as a secondary payer to help cover remaining gaps.
Can the CDCP cover dental treatment for a dental emergency on a Sunday?
Yes. While some complex treatments require pre-authorization, the CDCP provides coverage for emergency exams and urgent extractions to relieve pain. Since our clinic is open on Sundays, we can provide immediate care for these urgent needs under the plan.
What happens if I move or want to switch my care to your clinic?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan near you is not just provided by one dental clinic, so you can choose any CDCP-approved dental care provider. If you decide to continue your care at our Toronto clinic, we’ll help transfer your records and make sure your future claims and pre-authorizations are handled properly through Sun Life.
How do the April 1st fee changes affect my treatment cost?
Because the CDCP now pays a higher rate for many procedures, the “gap” between our clinic fees and the plan’s coverage may be smaller. This can lead to lower out-of-pocket costs for you, especially for lab-heavy services like dentures.
I am already enrolled; do I still need to renew this April?
Yes. Every CDCP member must renew annually to confirm they still meet the income and insurance eligibility requirements. The renewal window is strictly between April 15 and June 1.
Can I get my dentures faster now?
Yes. As of April 1, 2026, certain types of complete immediate dentures (placed right after extractions) no longer require the weeks-long pre-authorization wait. This allows our team to restore your smile much more quickly.