Cost is the number one reason people put off the dentist. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was built to remove that barrier, and as of 2026 it is open to every eligible Canadian, no matter their age. If you live in Calgary and you are not sure whether you qualify or what the plan actually pays for, here is a plain-language breakdown, plus how to put your coverage to work at Poplar Dental.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal program that helps uninsured Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000 afford dental care. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada, and the government reports it saves members an average of about $900 per year on dental services.
When it launched it rolled out in phases, starting with seniors, then children and people with disabilities, and finally working-age adults. That phased rollout is now complete, so in 2026 any Canadian who meets the criteria can apply regardless of age.
Do You Qualify for CDCP?
This is the question most people actually want answered. Eligibility comes down to four requirements, and you need to meet all of them.
The four eligibility requirements
- No access to private dental insurance. This includes coverage through your employer, a pension, a family member's plan, or a health and wellness account.
- You filed your most recent tax return. For the 2026-2027 benefit year that means your 2024 return. If you have a spouse or partner, both of you need to have filed.
- Adjusted family net income under $90,000. Your income also sets how much the plan pays, which we cover below.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes. This is about tax residency, not citizenship status.
Is there an age limit?
No. As of 2026 there is no age restriction. The plan started with specific groups, but it now covers eligible Canadians of every age, from young children to seniors.
Not sure if you qualify? Our team can help you understand the plan before you commit to anything. Call Poplar Dental at (587) 328-6797 (Chinook) or (587) 330-3960 (Greenwich), or book online.
How Much Does CDCP Cover?
CDCP coverage is tiered by your adjusted family net income. There are no premiums to join, and your out-of-pocket cost depends entirely on your income tier.
The three income tiers
- Under $70,000: the plan covers 100% of eligible services. No co-payment.
- $70,000 to $79,999: the plan covers 60%, and you pay the remaining 40%.
- $80,000 to $89,999: the plan covers 40%, and you pay the remaining 60%.
Why you might still see a small bill
This is the part that surprises people, so it is worth understanding upfront. CDCP pays providers using its own federal fee guide. If a dentist's fee is higher than the CDCP guide amount, you may owe the difference, even in the no-co-payment tier. Some services also need pre-authorization before the plan will cover them.
The fix is simple: ask for a written cost estimate before treatment so there are no surprises. At Poplar Dental, we verify your coverage and walk through any expected costs with you before we begin.
What Dental Services Does CDCP Cover?
The plan focuses on the care that keeps your mouth healthy and functional rather than cosmetic upgrades. Covered categories generally include:
- Preventive and diagnostic care: exams, cleanings and scaling, X-rays, and fluoride
- Restorative care: fillings and similar repairs
- Endodontics: root canals
- Oral surgery: extractions
- Removable dentures and emergency dental care
A few things to keep in mind. Cosmetic work is not covered. Dental implants are usually excluded and are only considered in specific medically necessary cases that require pre-authorization, with removable dentures being the standard covered option for missing teeth. Orthodontics is technically part of the plan but has not been implemented yet. When in doubt, confirm the specific service with the office or with Sun Life before you book.
How to Apply for CDCP
If you meet the four requirements, applying is straightforward:
- File your taxes. You (and your spouse or partner) must have filed your most recent return.
- Apply through the government. Use your My Service Canada Account online, or call the CDCP line at 1-833-537-4342.
- Wait for your start date. Sun Life confirms your coverage and your effective date. Treatment before that date is not covered, so do not book until you have it.
- Renew every year. Coverage runs in benefit years and does not renew automatically. Each year your eligibility is reassessed from your latest tax return.
Using Your CDCP Coverage at Poplar Dental
Provider participation in CDCP is voluntary, so it pays to confirm a clinic accepts it before booking. Both Poplar Dental locations in Calgary accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and welcome new patients. You can read more on our CDCP page or our detailed Poplar Dental accepts CDCP guide.
We work directly with Sun Life to process claims, verify what is covered, and review any out-of-pocket costs with you first. Both clinics also include patient perks like free whitening for life with your regular checkups and a complimentary electric toothbrush on your first visit.
Chinook (Southwest Calgary)5504 Macleod Trail SW, Suite 140, Calgary, AB T2H 0J5Phone: (587) 328-6797
Greenwich (Northwest Calgary)45 Greenbriar Lane NW, Suite 209, Calgary, AB T3B 6M3Phone: (587) 330-3960
Ready to use your CDCP benefits? Book at either Calgary location and we will verify your coverage before your visit. Call (587) 328-6797 or (587) 330-3960, or book online here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for CDCP in 2026?You qualify if you have no access to private dental insurance, have filed your most recent tax return, have an adjusted family net income under $90,000, and are a Canadian resident for tax purposes. As of 2026 there is no age limit.
What does CDCP cover at a Calgary dentist?CDCP covers preventive and diagnostic care like exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride, plus fillings, root canals, extractions, and removable dentures. Cosmetic work and most implants are not covered.
Will I have to pay anything with CDCP?It depends on your income tier and your provider's fees. Households under $70,000 have no co-payment, but because CDCP pays on a set fee guide, you may still owe the difference if a fee is higher than the guide amount. Ask for a cost estimate first.
Does Poplar Dental accept CDCP?Yes. Both Poplar Dental locations in Calgary, Chinook and Greenwich, accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and are accepting new patients.
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?Apply through your My Service Canada Account online or by calling 1-833-537-4342. You must have filed your most recent tax return, and you renew your coverage each benefit year.
Get the Care You're Entitled To
The Canadian Dental Care Plan makes quality dental care affordable for thousands of Calgarians who were going without. If you qualify, the next step is simple: confirm your coverage and book a visit. Poplar Dental accepts CDCP at both our Chinook and Greenwich locations and will handle the billing details for you. Call (587) 328-6797 or (587) 330-3960 to get started.
