How to Apply for CDCP in a Few Simple Steps

The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadians. It covers services like cleanings, fillings, X-rays, etc., for residents with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 who don’t have private dental insurance. In 2025, the CDCP program is expanding to include all eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64, making it a great opportunity for many to access essential dental care. However, if you don’t follow the application steps correctly, your application could be delayed, interrupted, or even rejected. To apply for CDCP successfully, follow these four steps:

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Submit the required documents.
3. Track the status of your application.
4. Wait for the approval notification.

Below, we’ll explain each step in detail to guide you through the process.

4 Easy Steps of Applying for CDCP

Applying for CDCP is a simple process; that said, you need to do it carefully and make sure you have all the required documents. If you meet all four eligibility requirements, start with the first step and make sure the rest of the steps are followed precisely. Asking what these four requirements are? It includes: 

• No access to dental insurance, 
• Family income less than $90,000,
• Filed taxes in Canada for you and your spouse/common-law partner to assess last year’s family income,
• Canadian resident for tax purposes,

Step 1: Fill out the Application Form

The first step is to complete the CDCP application form. Starting in May 2025, all eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 can apply online through the online CDCP portal at canada.ca/dental. If you’re applying for CDCP for children under 18, seniors (65+), or adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, applications are already open.

How to do it

Visit the CDCP website and log in or create a My Service Canada Account (MSCA). Fill in your personal details, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN), date of birth, and contact information. If you’re applying for your household, include details for your spouse or common-law partner and any children under 18.

Additional Tips

• Double-check your information for accuracy. 
• If you can’t apply online, call the CDCP contact centre at (833) 537-4342 to apply by phone. 
• Phone applications are available 24/7 using an automated system
• If you’re applying for multiple children of yours, you need only one application that includes all of your children.

Step 2: Submit the Required Documents.

To prove your eligibility, you need to submit specific documents. These verify your identity, residency, income, and lack of private dental insurance. You need the following documents: 

• Your 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to confirm your adjusted family net income is under $90,000.
• Proof of Canadian residency (e.g., a driver’s license or utility bill).
• Date of birth
• Full name
• Home and mailing address
• List of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)
• Your SIN or, for children without a SIN, their full name and date of birth.
• If applying as an adult with a Disability Tax Credit certificate, include the valid certificate number.

How to submit

Upload digital copies of your documents through the online Government of Canada’s CDCP portal at canada.ca/dental during the application process. If applying by phone, you may need to mail original or certified copies to the CDCP address provided or drop them off at a Service Canada Centre. Include a cover letter with your return address if mailing.

Important note: If someone is helping you (like a trusted person or delegate), they must have your clear consent to submit on your behalf.

Step 3: Track the Status of Your Application.

After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress to stay informed about any updates or additional requirements. Use the CDCP status checker tool on the canada.ca/dental website. You’ll need your SIN, full name, and date of birth for each person included in the application. Alternatively, check your MSCA dashboard or call the automated phone service at (833) 537-4342.

The processing time is usually 4 to 6 weeks, but it may vary depending on the number of applications. If additional information is needed, you’ll be contacted via email, mail, or your MSCA account.

Important note: If your child does not have a SIN, you cannot use the automated phone system to check their application status. Instead, contact a representative or use the online tool to verify their status.

Step 4: Wait for the Approval Notification

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a decision from Sun Life, the CDCP’s administrator. If approved, you’ll get a welcome package in the mail within three months of applying. The package includes: 

• A member card with your coverage details.
• Your coverage start date (as early as June 1, 2025, for new applicants aged 18 to 64).
• Information about co-payments, if applicable (e.g., no co-payment for incomes under $70,000; 40% co-payment for incomes between $80,000 and $89,999).

What’s the Next Step?

Book an appointment with Leslie North Dental Clinic, one of the best dental providers participating in this scheme, and ask about any out-of-pocket costs.

Additional Tips

Don’t receive dental services before your coverage start date, as they won’t be reimbursed. If you’re already enrolled, remember to renew your coverage by June 1, 2025, to avoid a gap.

What Should You Do If Your CDCP Application Is Denied?

If your application is denied, don’t panic! You’ll receive a letter explaining the reason, such as missing documents, ineligibility, or errors in your application. You only need to take the following steps carefully to give your application a second chance. 

• Review the denial letter to understand the issue.
• Gather any missing or corrected documents (e.g., a valid 2024 Notice of Assessment or proof of residency).
• Reapply online or by phone, or contact the CDCP contact centre for guidance.
• If you believe the denial was a mistake, you can request a review by calling the contact centre or visiting a Service Canada Centre.

Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including no access to private dental insurance and an adjusted family net income under $90,000. It’s worth mentioning that if you recently canceled private insurance, you may not qualify.

How Leslie North Dental Helps Patients with CDCP Services?

Leslie North Dental, our trusted dental clinic in Newmarket, is a proud provider within the Canadian Dental Care Plan. At our clinic, we support patients by offering a range of CDCP-covered services, including:

• Preventive care,
• Diagnostic services (X-rays, oral exams), 
• Restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, root canals), 
• Oral surgery (extractions), 
• Endodontics,
• Periodontics,
• And more! 

Our team, equipped with advanced technology, provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Applying correctly and on time is crucial to avoid delays or rejection. All you need to do is fill out the application form, prepare the required documents, and submit them. Then, wait for the results. Don’t miss this chance to improve your oral health.

To receive top-quality dental services from our expert team at Leslie North Dental, contact us today and let us know how we can help. You can book appointments online or call us at the given number.

FAQs about Applying for CDCP

Have you applied for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) yet? Did your application succeed, or were there challenges along the way? We’d love to hear your story! Feel free to share your experience or ask any questions about the process.