If you live in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, Brantford, New Hamburg, or Woodstock, you have probably heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan by now. Millions of Canadians have already enrolled, and applications for the 2026 to 2027 benefit year are open. But most people still have basic questions. What does CDCP actually pay for. Am I eligible. And can I use it for a mobile dental hygiene visit at home instead of a clinic.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about CDCP in 2026 and explains how OnSite Smile Care fits into the picture for residents across the region we serve.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that helps cover the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada. It is not a free service. Instead, it pays a portion of your dental costs based on your household income, and in many cases it covers a large share, sometimes the full amount, of routine preventive care.
The plan launched in phases starting in late 2023 and reached full eligibility for all uninsured adults in 2024. As of the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, coverage is open to Canadians of all ages who meet the eligibility requirements, with no more waiting periods tied to age group.
Who Administers CDCP
- The federal program itself is run by Health Canada.
- Claims and payments are processed by Sun Life on the government’s behalf.
- Your dental provider submits claims directly to Sun Life, so you are not filling out reimbursement forms after every visit.
Who Qualifies for CDCP in 2026
To be eligible, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- You do not have access to private dental insurance through an employer, a pension plan, a spouse’s plan, or a personal policy.
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000 per year.
- You have filed your most recent tax return with the CRA.
How Much You Pay Based on Income
Your out of pocket cost depends on your income bracket.
- Under roughly $70,000 adjusted family net income. Typically zero co-payment, since CDCP covers the full federal fee schedule amount.
- Between $70,000 and $79,999. Usually a 40 percent co-payment.
- Between $80,000 and $89,999. Usually a 60 percent co-payment.
- $90,000 or above. Not eligible for CDCP.
Key Dates for the 2026 to 2027 Benefit Year
- Applications opened June 2, 2026, with no official deadline to apply.
- Renewals for existing members ran from April 15 to June 1, 2026.
- Coverage for the current benefit year runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
- Missing the renewal window does not remove you from the program permanently, but it may create a gap in your coverage until a new application is processed.
What Services Does CDCP Cover
CDCP covers a wide range of oral health services when recommended by your dental provider. The main categories include the following.
Diagnostic and Preventive Services
- Dental exams, including complete, routine, and emergency exams
- X-rays
- Cleaning and scaling, closely related to the scaling and root planing service we provide
- Fluoride applications, covered under our fluoride treatment service page
- Sealants, covered under our dental sealants service page
Basic Restorative Services
- Permanent fillings
- Temporary fillings
- Pain control for diseased teeth
Endodontic Services
- Root canal treatment
Periodontal Services
- Deep scaling and cleaning below the gum line, related to our periodontal maintenance program
- Non-surgical gum disease management
Prosthodontic Services
- Complete and partial removable dentures, which connects directly to our denture care service
Oral Surgery Services
- Tooth extractions
For most patients, cleanings and exams are the services used most often. A few frequency notes worth knowing:
- Scaling is billed in units rather than as a flat visit fee.
- Adults at average risk are typically covered for a recall exam and cleaning every 9 to 12 months.
- Children are typically covered roughly every 6 months.
- Fluoride treatment is usually covered once a year for adults and up to twice a year for children and teens.
- An oral cancer screening is often bundled into a routine exam, which helps catch concerns early without needing a separate appointment.
What CDCP Does Not Cover
It is just as important to know the gaps.
- Cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening are not covered.
- Dental implants are not covered in most cases.
- Orthodontic treatment like braces or Invisalign is not covered, apart from very limited exceptions for specific medical conditions.
- If a dentist or hygienist charges above the CDCP fee schedule, which some do, you are responsible for the difference.
It is always worth asking your provider upfront what your out of pocket cost will look like before treatment begins.
How CDCP Works With a Mobile Dental Hygiene Visit
A common question we get at OnSite Smile Care is whether CDCP can be used for an in-home dental hygiene appointment instead of a trip to a clinic.
The preventive services CDCP covers, including exams, scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment, are the same core services we provide during a mobile visit. In practice this means:
- If you are CDCP eligible, your eligible cleaning and preventive care can be billed the same way whether you are in a dental chair downtown or in your own living room.
- OnSite Smile Care works with clients across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Hamilton, Brantford, Guelph, New Hamburg, and Woodstock to make sure your visit fits within your CDCP benefit.
- We confirm your coverage details before we start, so there are no surprises at the end of your appointment.
What to Have Ready Before Your Appointment
- Confirm your CDCP eligibility and benefit details through canada.ca.
- Have your welcome letter or coverage summary on hand.
- Let us know if you also have provincial dental coverage, so we can coordinate correctly.
Why This Matters for Families Across Our Service Area
Many competitors covering CDCP online publish general national guides that do not account for how the plan actually plays out when you are booking a real appointment. What most people actually want to know is simple. Will my cleaning be covered, how much will I pay, and can I get this done without taking a day off work to sit in a waiting room.
That is exactly where a mobile service like OnSite Smile Care helps. You get the same CDCP eligible preventive care, delivered at your home, workplace, or a location that suits your schedule, across the dental cleaning Guelph and teeth cleaning Kitchener areas we serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to apply for CDCP again if I was covered last year
Yes. CDCP requires annual renewal to confirm you still meet the income and insurance eligibility requirements. If you missed the renewal window, you can still apply for the new benefit year, though you may experience a gap in coverage.
Q. Can seniors and children both use CDCP
Yes. As of the 2026 to 2027 benefit year, coverage is open to all eligible ages, including children, working age adults, and seniors, as long as the income and insurance conditions are met.
Q. Will CDCP cover my entire visit with OnSite Smile Care
It depends on your income bracket and the specific services provided. Many lower income households pay nothing for eligible preventive care, while others pay a percentage co-payment. We recommend confirming your bracket before your appointment.
Q. What if I have provincial dental coverage too
CDCP generally acts as your primary coverage, and provincial programs can coordinate alongside it. If you have both, it is worth checking with both providers to make sure claims are submitted correctly.
Book Your CDCP Eligible Visit
CDCP has made preventive dental care more accessible for families across Ontario, and OnSite Smile Care makes it even easier by bringing that same eligible care to your door. If you have questions about how your CDCP benefits apply to a mobile visit, our team is happy to walk you through it before you book.
