Government Dental Plan for Seniors in Canada: What You’re Entitled to in 2026

Over 9 million Canadians are eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), yet millions have never used it. If you’re 65 or older and your household income is under $90,000, you likely qualify for significant coverage on dental treatments you may have been putting off for years. Smile Avenue Dentistry is a registered CDCP provider that serves seniors across North York and the Greater Toronto Area. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly how the plan works and how to book your covered visit with us.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new dental plan for seniors from the federal government that helps people, especially seniors, get the dental care they need. It’s made for Canadians who don’t have private dental insurance and may struggle to afford dental visits. The goal is to make sure everyone, especially seniors, can keep their teeth and gums healthy without worrying about high costs.
Book a CDCP appointment at our North York clinic.

Eligibility Criteria for Seniors (Updated as of July 2026)

To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), seniors must meet all four of the following requirements. There is no longer an age restriction — the plan is open to all eligible Canadians, including those aged 65 and older. If you meet these criteria, you may receive help covering the cost of important dental care:

Eligibility Criteria	Details
Age	No age restriction (previously limited to 65+, but now open to all ages)*
Residency	Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Income	Adjusted family net income under $90,000
Insurance	No access to private dental insurance or coverage (including through work, pension, professional organization, or purchased plans). Exception may apply for certain retirees who opted out of pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023, and cannot opt back in.
Tax Filing	You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) must have filed a tax return in Canada for the previous year

*Note: The CDCP was initially launched for seniors aged 65+, which is why some people still believe it has an age requirement. In reality, the program is now open to eligible adults of all ages who meet the current eligibility criteria.

How Much Will You Pay? (Cost-Sharing Based on Income)

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your household income. Here is what you can expect:

Household Income	Government Covers	Your Co-Pay
Under $70,000	100%	$0
$70,000 to $79,999	60%	40%
$80,000 to $89,999	40%	60%

What Dental Services Are Covered for Seniors?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers many important dental services for seniors. This includes regular checkups, dental cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, and dentures. Some bigger treatments, like root canal treatments and crowns, may also be covered. However, cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening are not included. The plan helps make sure seniors can get the dental care they need to keep their teeth healthy and strong without paying too much.

Here is your content formatted into a clean, structured table:

Category	Service	Preauthorization Required
Diagnostic & Preventive	Dental exams (complete, routine, specific, emergency)	No
Diagnostic & Preventive	X-rays	No
Diagnostic & Preventive	Cleaning (scaling)	No
Diagnostic & Preventive	Fluoride applications	No
Diagnostic & Preventive	Sealants	No
Restorative (Basic)	Permanent fillings	No
Restorative (Basic)	Temporary fillings	No
Restorative (Basic)	Pain control for diseased teeth	No
Restorative (Basic)	Other cavity treatments	No
Endodontic	Root canal treatments	No
Endodontic	Pulpectomies	No
Endodontic	Infection/pain relief procedures	No
Endodontic	Re-treatment of previous root canals	Yes
Periodontal	Cleaning under the gumline	No
Periodontal	Treating abscesses	No
Periodontal	Bonding for mobile teeth	Yes
Periodontal	Post-surgical evaluations	Yes
Periodontal	Non-surgical gum disease management	No
Restorative (Major)	Posts and post removal	No
Restorative (Major)	Crown repairs and re-bonding	No
Restorative (Major)	Crowns	Yes
Restorative (Major)	Cores to support crowns	Yes
Restorative (Major)	Posts for crown	Yes
Removable Prosthodontics	Complete dentures (standard and temporary)	No
Removable Prosthodontics	Denture repairs, relines and rebases	No
Removable Prosthodontics	Denture lining for comfort and healing	No
Removable Prosthodontics	Complete immediate and overdentures	Yes
Removable Prosthodontics	Partial dentures	Yes
Oral Surgery	Removal of teeth and roots	No
Oral Surgery	Surgical removal of tumours and cysts	No
Oral Surgery	Surgical incisions and draining	No
Oral Surgery	Treatments for broken jaw bones	No
Anesthesia & Sedation	Minimal sedation (conscious)	No
Anesthesia & Sedation	Moderate sedation	Yes
Anesthesia & Sedation	Deep sedation	Yes
Anesthesia & Sedation	General anaesthesia	Yes
Orthodontics	Medical necessity cases only (2025, spending limit applies)	Treatments for broken jawbones

Note: Orthodontic services are not currently covered under the CDCP. In the future, coverage may become available for medically necessary orthodontic treatments with prior approval. A specific start date has not yet been announced.

How to Apply for the Canadian Seniors Dental Plan?

Applying for the Canadian Seniors Dental Plan (CDCP) is a straightforward process if you know which option works best for you. Eligible applicants can apply online, by phone, or in person through Service Canada. Follow the steps below to learn how to submit your application, and what happens after you apply.

Step-by-step: Apply online (fastest and preferred)

Online application is the fastest and preferred method for applying to the CDCP. Most applicants can complete the process through My Service Canada Account (MSCA), while other online options are available for those who cannot use MSCA.

Option A: My Service Canada Account (MSCA) (recommended):

1. Go to the official My Service Canada Account page and sign in (or create an account if you don’t have one).
2. On your MSCA dashboard, find the “Canadian Dental Care Plan” section.
3. Click “Apply for Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage” and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Choose “digital” as your communications preference so you receive email updates.
5. Submit. You will receive an application code/confirmation.

Option B: If you cannot use MSCA

1. Go to the official Canada.ca CDCP application page.
2. Complete the digital form with the same information listed above.
3. Select digital communications preference and submit.

Processing usually takes several weeks. You can later check status online using your application code or member ID.

Apply by phone

If you cannot complete the application online, you can apply by phone through Service Canada. Make sure you have your personal information and required documents ready before calling:

• Call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).
• Have your SIN, personal details, and tax information ready.
• A trusted person (friend, relative, caregiver, translator) can help you on the call, but you must give clear verbal consent during the call.
• For a legal delegate (power of attorney, mandate, trusteeship), the delegate must first submit proof of authority (see below) before applying on your behalf.

Apply in person

Visit any Service Canada Centre. Bring your SIN and identification. Staff can help you complete the application. Find a location near you on the Service Canada website.

Mail-in / paper applications

There is no paper application form for the CDCP. Applications must be submitted online, by phone, or in person.

Mail is used only for submitting proof of legal authority if a delegate is applying for you:

• Include a cover letter with your full name, SIN, a statement that the documents are for the CDCP, the delegate’s phone number, and a return address.
• Send original documents or certified copies to the regional Service Canada address (Ontario example): Service Canada Canadian Dental Care Plan PO Box 5100 Station D Scarborough, ON M1R 5C8

Once processed, Service Canada contacts the delegate so they can complete the application.

After you apply

After submitting your application, there are a few important steps to complete before using your CDCP coverage:

• You will receive a confirmation letter (by mail or email) with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level (if any).
• Sun Life will later mail a welcome package that includes your member card.
• Do not book dental appointments before your coverage start date.
• Check application status online or through MSCA using your application code or member ID.

Once you receive your CDCP member card (or have your member ID and start date), you can use it at participating clinics, including ours in North York. We can help verify coverage and coordinate benefits.

For the most up-to-date details, always check the official Government of Canada pages:

• Apply – Canadian Dental Care Plan
• Do you qualify

What Is the Best Dental Insurance for People Over 65?

The best dental insurance for people over 65 in Canada is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). It helps seniors who don’t have private insurance by covering many basic dental services like checkups, cleanings, fillings, and dentures. If you’re 65 or older and meet the income and residency requirements, the CDCP can make dental care more affordable and easier to access.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know About ODSP Dental Coverage in 2026

What Are the Available Dental Discount Plans?

Dental discount plans are not insurance, but they can help seniors save money on dental care. In Canada, these plans work like a membership; you pay a yearly fee and get access to lower prices at participating dentists. While the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps many seniors, dental discount plans are another option if you don’t qualify or need extra savings. Some private companies offer discount programs that reduce the cost of cleanings, fillings, dentures, and more. Always check what’s included and which dentists accept the plan before signing up.

Why North York Seniors Choose Smile Avenue for Their CDCP Appointments

At Smile Avenue Dentistry, Dr. Firouzeh Zolfagharirad and Dr. Ehsan Bayegan have years of experience helping older adults maintain and restore their oral health with preventive and restorative dental care. We offer in-house CDCP direct billing whenever available, which helps reduce paperwork and simplify the process for eligible patients. Our clinic at 325 Sheppard Ave East offers on-site parking and is just steps from Bayview Subway Station, and our team speaks both English and Farsi to make every visit comfortable for North York’s diverse senior community.

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