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CDCP

Does the CDCP Cover Dentures in Canada? (2026 Guide)

Written by:
Nithya Konduru
Published on:
May 29, 2026
Yes, the does cover dentures for eligible Canadians. According to Health Canada's official page, both complete and partial dentures are included in the plan. That said, coverage isn't automatic for all types of dentures. Initial placement of partial dentures requires preauthorization, and what you actually pay out of pocket depends on your household income.

What Type of Dentures Does the CDCP Cover?

The CDCP covers a range of denture services under its prosthodontic (tooth replacement) category. Here's what's included:
Denture type Covered by CDCP? Preauthorization required?
Complete standard dentures Yes No (for initial placement)
Temporary dentures Yes No
Immediate dentures Yes Yes
Complete dentures with soft liner Yes Yes
Removable partial acrylic dentures Yes Yes
Removable partial cast dentures (metal framework) Yes Yes
Overdentures Yes Yes
One-tooth flippers Yes May not require preauthorization in some cases
Denture repairs and additions Yes No (within frequency limits)
Denture relines and rebases Yes No (within frequency limits)
Tissue conditioning Yes No
Implant-supported dentures No Not applicable
The fee the CDCP pays for complete and partial dentures includes a 3-month post-insertion care period, according to the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide. Adjustments made on the same day as delivery are included in the billed fee and are not charged separately.

One important exclusion: implant-supported dentures and all implant-related procedures are not covered under the CDCP. Removable conventional dentures are the supported option for missing teeth.

Are Partial Dentures Covered by the CDCP?

Yes, partial dentures are covered by the CDCP, but they require preauthorization before treatment starts. According to the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide published by Health Canada, the initial placement of a partial denture requires prior approval from Sun Life before your denturist or dentist can begin fabrication.

There are two main types of partial dentures and their frequency limits differ:
  • Removable partial cast dentures (metal framework): covered once per arch every 96 months (8 years)
  • Removable partial acrylic dentures: covered once per arch every 60 months (5 years)
Your provider will need to submit a treatment plan, clinical photographs, and relevant documentation to Sun Life for review. Preauthorization decisions can take 4 to 8 weeks, so factor that into your timeline before starting treatment.

How Much Will You Pay for Dentures Under the CDCP?

The CDCP is not free dental care for everyone. What you pay depends on two things: your household income, and whether your provider charges above the CDCP fee guide.
Co-payment based on income:
Adjusted family net income (AFNI) Government pays
Under $70,000 100% of CDCP fees
$70,000 to $79,999 60% of CDCP fees
$80,000 to $89,999 40% of CDCP fees
$90,000 and over Not eligible
Balance billing:
The CDCP has its own fee guide, which is often lower than what dentists actually charge. If your provider's fee is higher than the CDCP rate, you pay the difference on top of any co-payment. For example, if the CDCP fee guide allows $800 for a service your dentist charges $1,000 for, you owe $200 plus any applicable co-payment percentage.

Before treatment begins, ask your provider for a predetermination. This tells you exactly what the CDCP will cover, what their fee is, and what you'll owe. Do not skip this step.

Frequency Limits for Denture Replacement

The CDCP sets limits on how often dentures can be replaced. Based on Health Canada's Dental Benefits Guide:
  • Complete standard dentures: once every 8 years per arch
  • Partial acrylic dentures: once every 5 years per arch
  • Partial cast dentures: once every 8 years per arch
  • Denture relines and rebases: generally once per prosthesis every 24 months
  • Denture repairs and additions: once per prosthesis in any 12 months
More frequent replacement can be considered through preauthorization in specific circumstances. Your provider needs to submit supporting clinical documentation to request an exception.

One thing worth knowing: because CDCP does not always have prior claims history, providers may assess eligibility for new dentures even if existing ones are present. However, approval depends on clinical need and program rules. Health Canada notes that providers are encouraged to consider repairs, relines, and rebases as alternatives before recommending new dentures.

Who is Eligible for CDCP Denture Coverage?

To access CDCP coverage for dentures (or any dental service), you need to meet all of the following criteria:
  • You are a Canadian resident
  • You have filed your most recent tax return
  • Your adjusted family net income (AFNI) is below $90,000
  • You do not have access to any private dental insurance, including through an employer, pension plan, or any other source
That last point is strict. If private insurance is available to you, even if you've never used it, you are not . You cannot combine the two.

The CDCP benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30. Coverage must be renewed annually. To qualify for the 2026-2027 benefit year, your 2025 tax return needs to be filed and assessed.

How to get Dentures Through the CDCP

  • Confirm your eligibility: Check your status at canada.ca/dental or call 1-833-537-4342. Make sure your taxes are filed before you apply.
  • Find a CDCP-participating provider: Not every dentist or denturist accepts the CDCP. Confirm before booking. Participating providers can direct-bill Sun Life, which means you only pay your share rather than paying upfront and seeking reimbursement. If you're not sure where to start, matches you with CDCP-participating providers in your area based on your preferences.
  • Book a consultation: Your provider will assess your needs, determine which denture type is appropriate, and let you know whether preauthorization is required.
  • Request a predetermination: Before agreeing to any treatment, ask your provider to submit a predetermination to Sun Life. This gives you a clear picture of what the CDCP will cover versus what you'll pay out of pocket.
  • Wait for preauthorization if required: If your treatment needs prior approval (partial dentures, immediate dentures, overdentures), don't start treatment until written approval comes back from Sun Life. Starting before approval means the claim won't be covered.
  • Have your dentures made and fitted: Once approved, your provider will take impressions, fabricate the dentures, and fit them. The CDCP fee includes a 3-month post-insertion period for adjustments.

What the CDCP Does Not Cover for Dentures

  • Implant-supported dentures and all implant-related procedures (explicitly excluded)
  • Dentures obtained before you had CDCP eligibility (the plan won't retroactively cover existing dentures)
  • Cosmetic enhancements beyond standard clinical function
  • Any balance above the CDCP fee guide rate (this is your responsibility regardless of income)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can seniors use the CDCP for dentures?
Seniors are among the primary groups the CDCP was designed to help, and denture coverage is available to eligible seniors who meet the income and insurance criteria. Household income must be below $90,000 annually, and no private dental insurance can be in place, including through a pension or retirement plan. Those earning under $70,000 have 100% of CDCP fees covered, with co-payments applying for higher income brackets.
Does the CDCP cover denture repairs?
CDCP covers denture repairs, additions, relines, rebases, and tissue conditioning, and most of these do not require preauthorization. Repairs and additions are covered once per prosthesis in any 12-month period. Relines and rebases are typically covered once per prosthesis in any 24 months.
What if my denturist charges more than the CDCP fee?
If your denturist's fee is higher than what the CDCP fee guide allows, you pay the difference directly to the provider on top of any applicable co-payment. This is called balance billing and it is fairly common since the CDCP fee guide rates are often lower than provider fees. Asking your provider for a predetermination before treatment starts will show you exactly what you'll owe before any work begins.
How do I find a CDCP-approved denturist near me?
Finding a CDCP-participating denturist can be tricky since not every clinic accepts the plan. Denzy takes that search off your plate. Tell Denzy what your requirements are and it matches you with CDCP-participating dental providers in your area. You can
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