Canadian Dental Care Plan: What Burlington Patients Need to Know | Dentistry at LaSalle

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government programme designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance. Administered by Health Canada and delivered through Sun Life, the plan covers a wide range of dental services at no direct cost to eligible patients.

If you live in Burlington, ON and are wondering whether the CDCP applies to you or your family, Dentistry at LaSalle is here to help. Our team is experienced with the programme and can walk you through how it works at your next appointment.

Who Qualifies for the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is available to Canadian residents who meet all of the following criteria:

• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• You filed your most recent tax return
• You do not have access to private dental insurance (through an employer, union, or other group plan)
• Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000 per year

Within that income threshold, you must also belong to at least one of these groups:

• Seniors aged 65 and older
• Children under 18 years of age
• Adults who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate

Co-payment amounts vary by income bracket:

• Under $35,000: No co-payment — services are fully covered
• $35,000 to $49,999: 40% co-payment
• $50,000 to $69,999: 60% co-payment
• $70,000 to $89,999: 60% co-payment

If you are unsure whether you qualify, the quickest way to check is through your CRA My Account online or by calling the Government of Canada’s dedicated CDCP phone line.

What Does the CDCP Cover?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a comprehensive range of oral health services. As a patient at Dentistry at LaSalle in Burlington, you can access the following categories of treatment under the programme:

Preventive Services

• Dental examinations and check-ups
• Professional cleanings (scaling and polishing)
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Oral hygiene instruction

Diagnostic Services

• X-rays (periapical, bitewing, and panoramic)
• Oral cancer screenings
• Diagnostic assessments and treatment planning

Restorative Services

• Fillings (amalgam and composite)
• Crowns
• Temporary restorations

Endodontic Services

• Root canal therapy
• Pulpotomy and pulpectomy

Prosthodontic Services

• Complete dentures (full upper and lower)
• Partial dentures
• Denture repairs and relines

Periodontal Services

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleanings)
• Periodontal assessments
• Gum disease treatment

Oral Surgery

• Simple and surgical tooth extractions
• Biopsy of oral tissue

Coverage is based on the Sun Life fee guide, and certain procedures may require pre-authorisation. Our front desk team at Dentistry at LaSalle can verify your coverage before any treatment begins.

What Is NOT Covered by the CDCP?

The CDCP does not cover procedures that are considered cosmetic or elective. These include:

• Teeth whitening and bleaching
• Porcelain veneers for aesthetic purposes
• Cosmetic bonding not related to structural repair
• Orthodontic treatment (braces, clear aligners) in most cases
• Dental implants (not currently covered under the programme)

If you need a procedure that falls outside the plan’s coverage, our team can discuss payment options and help you understand what alternatives may be available.

How to Apply for the CDCP

Applying for the Canadian Dental Care Plan is straightforward. There are two ways to apply:

Option 1: Online Through CRA My Account

1. Log in to your CRA My Account at canada.ca
2. Navigate to the Canadian Dental Care Plan section
3. Confirm your personal information, income, and insurance status
4. Submit your application

Option 2: By Phone

1. Call 1-833-537-4342 (the Government of Canada’s CDCP line)
2. A Service Canada representative will walk you through the application
3. Have your Social Insurance Number and tax information ready

Once approved, you will receive a Sun Life member card in the mail. This card is what you present at your dental appointment to access your benefits.

How the CDCP Works at Your Dentist Appointment

Using the CDCP at Dentistry at LaSalle in Burlington is simple:

1. Bring your Sun Life member card to your appointment
2. Our front desk team will verify your eligibility and confirm what services are covered
3. You receive your dental treatment as normal
4. Dentistry at LaSalle bills Sun Life directly — there is no paperwork for you to submit
5. If a co-payment applies based on your income bracket, we will let you know the amount before treatment begins

There are no claim forms to fill out and no reimbursement to wait for. The process is designed to be as seamless as visiting any dental office with private insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CDCP

Can I use the CDCP at Dentistry at LaSalle?

Yes. Dentistry at LaSalle in Burlington, ON is a participating provider under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We accept Sun Life CDCP coverage and can verify your benefits at your appointment.

Do I need to pay anything out of pocket?

It depends on your income. If your adjusted family net income is under $35,000, your covered services are fully paid by the programme. Higher income brackets (up to $89,999) require a co-payment of 40% or 60%.

Can my children use the CDCP?

Yes. Children under 18 are eligible for the CDCP, provided the family meets the income and insurance requirements. This is separate from the interim Canada Dental Benefit that was available for children under 12 in previous years.

What if I already have dental insurance through my employer?

You are not eligible for the CDCP if you have access to private dental insurance, even if your current plan does not cover all services. The programme is specifically designed for Canadians without any dental coverage.

How long does it take to get approved?

Processing times vary, but most applicants receive their Sun Life member card within 4 to 8 weeks of submitting their application. You cannot use the CDCP benefits until you have received your card.

Is the CDCP the same as provincial dental programmes like Ontario’s Healthy Smiles?

No. The CDCP is a federal programme and is separate from provincial dental programmes such as Ontario’s Healthy Smiles (for children) or the Ontario Disability Support Program dental benefits. You may be eligible for both, but they operate independently.

Does the CDCP cover emergency dental treatment?

The plan covers many services that may be needed in a dental emergency, including extractions, fillings, and root canals. However, you must be an approved member with your Sun Life card in hand to access benefits. If you have a dental emergency, contact Dentistry at LaSalle right away — we can advise on next steps.

Can I apply for the CDCP on behalf of a family member?

Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of eligible children under 18. For seniors or adults with disabilities, each individual must submit their own application or have an authorised representative do so through CRA My Account or by phone.

Book Your CDCP Appointment in Burlington

If you have been approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan and are looking for a participating dentist in Burlington, ON, Dentistry at LaSalle is ready to help. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or a comprehensive dental exam, our team will ensure you get the care you need under the programme.

Request an appointment online or call our Burlington office to get started. Bring your Sun Life member card and we will take care of the rest.