Canadian Dental Plan
What is the Canadian Dental Plan?
The Canadian Dental Plan is a federal program, administered by Sun Life, that covers part of the dental care costs for Canadian residents without private dental insurance. The Government of Canada created it to make oral health care more affordable, and it now offers coverage to every eligible age group. For full program details, consult the official Canadian Dental Plan guide on Canada.ca.
Who is eligible for the Canadian Dental Plan?
Eligibility for the Canadian Dental Plan rests on 4 criteria that every applicant must meet:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have no access to private dental insurance.
- Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000.
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year.
Eligible age groups
The Canadian Dental Plan now covers every age group: children under 18, adults aged 18 to 64, and seniors 65 and older. People with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate became eligible starting in 2024.
Adjusted family net income
Your adjusted family net income, calculated from line 23600 of your tax return, determines the financial support you receive. An adjusted family net income below $90,000 is one eligibility criterion. You must also meet the plan’s other requirements. Your coverage depends in part on your income and the care approved.
The Canadian Dental Plan at Oralvie
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The plan’s fees
We follow the Canadian Dental Plan’s fees for eligible care.
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100% coverage
You pay nothing for eligible care covered at 100%. Your coverage must be active. The plan’s limits and required preauthorizations apply.
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Partial coverage
Your co-payment applies. We explain your share before treatment.
What does the Canadian Dental Plan cover?
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Dental cleaning
Dental cleaning, or scaling, is part of the preventive care covered by the plan and keeps your gums healthy.
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Tooth extraction
Extraction of a damaged or painful tooth is covered when your dentist considers it necessary.
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Dental emergency
Emergency care for pain, a broken tooth or a damaged filling is covered based on Canadian Dental Plan criteria.
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Complete examination & x-rays
Dental exams covered by the Canadian Dental Plan include a complete examination and the x-rays needed to diagnose cavities and other oral health problems.
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Complete and partial dentures
Complete and partial dentures replace missing teeth and are among the benefits covered by the Canadian Dental Plan.
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Dental restorations (fillings)
Restorations, including fillings, repair decayed teeth and are eligible for Canadian Dental Plan reimbursement.
How do you apply for the Canadian Dental Plan?
You apply for the Canadian Dental Plan online through your My Service Canada Account, or by phone with Service Canada. Since May 2025, all adults aged 18 to 64 can submit an application. Once approved, you receive a Sun Life member card confirming your coverage.
Online enrolment
Online enrolment requires your social insurance number, your date of birth and your tax return from the previous year. You can also enrol by phone if you have no access to the internet.
Annual renewal
Canadian Dental Plan coverage renews every year. The renewal period generally runs from April to June 1, and coverage that is not renewed ends on June 30. Check Canada.ca for the exact dates of your benefit year.
Book an appointment at Oralvie
Contact our team to book an appointment or to learn more about the dental care covered by the Canadian Dental Plan in Montreal. Our dentists are here to help you meet your oral health needs.