Eligible Canadians of all ages can now apply for dental coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and the Kawarthas health unit is encouraging residents to see if they qualify for care.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Northumberland, Peterborough District Health Unit (HKNP) — the legal name of the now-merged Peterborough Public Health and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit — is advising families to explore the program’s eligibility requirements to receive the dental coverage they need.
The health unit is also advising families that are currently enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO), a free dental program funded by the Ontario government for eligible children and youth 17 and under, that some dental offices are requesting that families enrol in CDCP. The federal and provincial governments are coordinating with providers how claims will be submitted and reimbursed under both programs.
“Good oral health is fundamental to overall well-being, and programs like HSO and the CDCP play a critical role in making dental care accessible to qualifying children and youth,” states Anna Rusak, health promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit, in a media release.
“With an increasing number of dental providers asking patients to enroll in CDCP, we want to make sure families are aware and prepared. We are here to help them through the application process.”
The CDCP is a federal government initiative aimed at making dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians. The CDCP originally rolled out in December 2023 to seniors 70 and older. In May 2024, applications opened for seniors over 65. The following month, applications were also opened to adults with a disability tax credit certificate and children under 18. In May 2025, applications opened for those aged 18 to 64 years.
According to the latest data from May, more than four million Canadians have applied for the plan, including over 1.5 million in Ontario, with just over two million applicants having received dental care, including 792,689 in Ontario.
As of May, 25,668 oral health providers across Canada — dentists and dental specialists, denturists, and independent dental hygienists — are participating in CDCP, including 10,956 in Ontario.
To be eligible for CDCP, applicants must be Canadian residents for tax purposes, have no existing private dental insurance or coverage, must have filed their tax returns in Canada so that family income can be assessed for the previous year, and must have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. People who receive dental coverage through other social programs such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and Ontario Disability Support Program may qualify, but coverage will be coordinated between the plans to make sure there is no duplication or gaps in coverage.
CDCP will pay between 40 and 100 per cent of the costs for oral health care services, depending on family income and if the services received are covered by CDCP. Services covered include dental exams, cleaning, x-rays, fillings, root canals, periodontal services, posts and crowns, dentures, oral surgery, and more. Some procedures will require preauthorization to be covered by CDCP. The federal government also plans to add orthodontic services to CDCP in 2025, but only in cases of medical need based on strict criteria.
Families who qualify for CDCP will receive a package from Sun Life, the company managing the program. This package will include a member card, program details, and the start date for benefits.
It is important to wait until the benefit start date before booking any dental appointments, according to the health unit, adding that families should then find a dentist who accepts CDCP clients.
“Start by asking your current dental office if they accept CDCP,” the health unit advises. “If you don’t already have a dentist, you can look up CDCP-approved providers using Sun Life’s online search tool or by calling Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110 for help.”
Finally, when making an appointment and before starting any treatment, the health unit recommends residents confirm the oral health provider accepts CDCP clients, check their benefit start date and any costs they may need to pay, ask if there are any extra fees beyond what CDCP covers and. if so, request an estimate or the specific amount that will be owed.
Families should never pay the full cost upfront, as Sun Life will not reimburse them directly, the health unit noted.
For more information about CDCP eligibility and to apply online, visit www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/.
The health unit states it is available to answer any questions and provide help with applications at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1247.
