Patient Access
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
York Street Dental Centre welcomes eligible CDCP patients in Cornwall. Learn who may qualify, what the plan may cover, how co-payments work, and what to bring to your first appointment.
Understanding the plan
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a Government of Canada program that helps eligible Canadian residents pay for part of the cost of oral health care. It is administered through Service Canada and Sun Life.
It is not the same as free dental care or private dental insurance. The amount paid by the plan depends on CDCP-established fees, your co-payment level, the service provided, and the plan’s coverage rules.
Eligibility checklist
Who may qualify for the CDCP?
According to the Government of Canada, applicants must meet all four requirements:
- 01No access to private dental coverage
This includes coverage available through work, a pension, a family member, a professional organization, or a purchased plan.
- 02Required tax returns filed
You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed the required Canadian tax returns.
- 03Family income below $90,000
Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
- 04Canadian resident for tax purposes
You must meet the program’s Canadian residency requirement.
Coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal government social dental program may still allow you to qualify. The programs may coordinate benefits.
Review the official eligibility rulesApplication steps
How to apply and prepare to book
- 1
Confirm that you meet all four requirements
Have your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, address, government social-program coverage information, and the required Notice of Assessment available.
- 2
Apply through Service Canada
Apply through My Service Canada Account, Canada.ca, or by phone at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).
- 3
Wait for enrolment confirmation
Your confirmation includes your plan number, member ID, benefit coverage start date, and co-payment level.
- 4
Book on or after your coverage start date
Tell our team that you are a CDCP member when requesting your appointment so we can collect the right details.
Potentially eligible care
What dental services may be covered?
The CDCP may help pay for a range of services when they meet the plan’s rules and are recommended by an oral health provider. Coverage, frequency limits, and preauthorization requirements vary.
Exams and prevention
Dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants.
Restorative care
Fillings, pain control, and some crowns or crown-related care.
Root canal and gum care
Root canal treatment, infection relief, deep cleaning, and non-surgical gum care.
Dentures and oral surgery
Dentures, denture repairs, tooth removal, and certain oral surgery services.
Some services require preauthorization. This means the clinic submits information before treatment so the CDCP can decide whether the service meets its coverage criteria. Examples can include crowns, partial dentures, some services above frequency limits, and certain sedation services. Approval is not guaranteed.
Understanding your costs
CDCP co-payments and additional charges
Your co-payment is calculated using adjusted family net income and applies to the CDCP-established fee. Even with a 0% co-payment, there may be an additional amount if the clinic fee is higher than the CDCP fee or if a service is not covered.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP portion | Your co-payment |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% of eligible costs at CDCP fees | 0% |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 60% of eligible costs at CDCP fees | 40% |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 40% of eligible costs at CDCP fees | 60% |
Before accepting treatment, ask what the CDCP is expected to pay and what amount you may need to pay directly. An estimate or preauthorization does not guarantee the final amount because eligibility, fees, and plan rules are assessed on the date of service.
At our Cornwall office
What to expect when using CDCP at York Street Dental Centre
Tell us when booking
Let our team know that you plan to use CDCP coverage and provide your coverage start date.
Bring your information
Bring your member ID or card, government identification, co-payment level, medication list, and relevant health information.
Receive an assessment
Your dentist will examine your oral health and explain which care may be appropriate. Coverage does not determine clinical need.
Review coverage and costs
Where appropriate, we can review estimates or preauthorization requirements and discuss expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
Keep coverage active
Annual renewal and coverage gaps
CDCP coverage is issued for a benefit period ending June 30 and must be renewed each year. The 2026 renewal period closed on June 1, 2026. If you missed it, you may submit a new application for the 2026–2027 period, but there may be a coverage gap.
Dental care received during a gap is not covered or reimbursed retroactively. Confirm that your coverage is active before every appointment.
Read the current renewal informationOfficial information
Check the latest CDCP rules
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Cornwall?
Yes. York Street Dental Centre welcomes eligible patients covered by the CDCP.
Is the CDCP free?
No. Depending on your adjusted family net income, you may have a co-payment of up to 60%, and some services may not be covered.
How do I know if I'm eligible for the CDCP?
You generally need to have no access to private dental insurance, have filed the required Canadian tax return, have an adjusted family net income below $90,000, and be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. Confirm your eligibility at canada.ca/dental or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
What dental services may be covered?
Depending on CDCP rules, clinical need, frequency limits, and any preauthorization requirements, eligible services may include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canal treatment, gum care, dentures, extractions, and certain sedation services.
Can I book before my CDCP coverage start date?
You should not book a CDCP appointment before the benefit coverage start date shown in your enrolment letter. Confirm that your coverage is active before every appointment.
Do I need to wait for my physical member card?
No. If your coverage is active, the Government of Canada says you may receive care without waiting for the physical card when you can provide your CDCP member ID, identification, coverage start date, and co-payment level.
What does preauthorization mean?
Some services require the dental provider to submit clinical information to the CDCP before coverage can be confirmed. Approval is based on CDCP criteria and is not guaranteed. We will explain any required next step before treatment proceeds.
What happens if I missed the 2026 renewal period?
The renewal period for the 2026–2027 benefit period closed on June 1, 2026. If you missed it, you can submit a new application, but the Government of Canada advises that there may be a gap in coverage and care received during that gap is not reimbursed retroactively.