Canada Dental Care Plan Eligibility: A Guide for Newcomers and Temporary Residents

If you recently moved to Canada, you may wonder whether you can access government dental benefits before you become a citizen or permanent resident. Your eligibility depends on meeting specific federal criteria rather than holding a particular immigration status.

All eligible residents in Canada—including permanent residents, temporary workers, and international students who meet the criteria—can apply through Service Canada. To qualify, you must be a Canadian tax resident, have filed your previous year’s income tax return, have an adjusted family net income under $90,000, and have zero access to private dental insurance.

What Is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP helps lower the cost of oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have private insurance.

• How costs work: The plan does not always make dental care 100% free. Depending on your adjusted family net income, you may have a co-payment percentage.
• Who manages it: Service Canada handles applications and eligibility checks, while Sun Life manages member packets and provider claim processing.
• Open enrollment: Application is open to all eligible groups across Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?

You must meet all four core requirements:

1. No access to private dental insurance: You must not have private coverage (such as through an employer, a pension, or a family member’s plan). Note: Having access available—even if you choose not to use it—generally disqualifies you.
2. Filed a Canadian tax return: You must have filed an income tax return for the previous tax year, which also applies to your spouse or common-law partner.
3. Adjusted family net income under $90,000: The limit is based on family net income rather than individual salary.
4. Canadian resident for tax purposes: You must be considered a resident of Canada for income tax purposes during the tax year.

Are Newcomers and Temporary Residents Eligible?

• Permanent Residents & Immigrants: Immigration status alone does not grant CDCP access. New arrivals must establish Canadian tax residency and file a previous-year tax return before Service Canada can verify their income.
• International Students: Students can qualify only if they are considered Canadian tax residents and do not have access to private or school-administered student health/dental insurance plans.
• Temporary Workers: Foreign workers who qualify as Canadian tax residents and meet the income and insurance rules can participate.
• Short-Term Visitors: Individuals who remain non-residents for tax purposes are not eligible.

Does Tax Residency Affect CDCP Eligibility?

Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) decides tax residency based on your residential ties (such as maintaining a home in Canada, having a spouse or dependents in Canada, or economic ties) rather than the type of visa or permit you hold. If you are unsure of your tax residency status, you should consult the CRA or a certified Canadian tax accountant.

How to Apply for the CDCP

You can submit your application through two main channels:

1. Online: Sign in or create a My Service Canada Account via Canada.ca.
2. By Phone: Call Service Canada toll-free at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).
3. What you need: Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN), full name, date of birth, mailing address, and details of any other government dental benefits ready.

Coverage must be renewed annually, and care received before your official approval date is not covered retroactively.

What Dental Services Are Covered?

The CDCP helps pay for a range of routine and restorative services:

• Examinations, scaling (cleanings), and X-rays
• Fillings and root canal treatments
• Tooth extractions
• Non-surgical periodontal (gum) care
• Removable dentures (partial and complete)

Note: Major treatments like crowns or dentures often require preauthorization from Sun Life before the dentist can begin work. Cosmetic services and standard orthodontics (braces) are excluded.