What Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Cover? (2026 Guide)

The covers a wide range of oral health care services, including dental exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, dentures, and periodontal treatment for eligible Canadians with a household income under $90,000 and no private dental insurance. In 2026, the CDCP covers between 40% and 100% of eligible service costs depending on income. Coverage limits are applied per service and per frequency rather than through a single annual dollar cap. Some services require preauthorization before treatment begins.

The CDCP covers dental services across five main categories. Most of these services are covered without preauthorization, while some require prior approval from before treatment can begin.

1. Diagnostic and Preventive Services

• Dental exams: complete, routine, specific, and emergency exams
• X-rays: bitewing, periapical, and panoramic radiographs
• Teeth cleaning (scaling): professional removal of plaque and tartar
• Fluoride treatments: fluoride applications to strengthen enamel and prevent decay
• Dental sealants: protective coatings applied to back teeth to prevent cavities

Frequency limits apply. For example, a routine recall exam is covered once every 12 months on a rolling basis. Scaling (cleaning) units are subject to annual limits based on your oral health needs.

2. Basic Services

Basic services are the most commonly needed dental procedures for CDCP patients and include treatment for cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease.

• Restorative services (fillings): The CDCP covers fillings and other treatments for cavities and broken teeth, including permanent fillings (composite and amalgam), temporary fillings, and pain control for diseased teeth. The CDCP covers one filling per tooth surface within any 24-month period. If you need the same surface refilled within that window, preauthorization will be required.
• Endodontic services (root canals): The CDCP covers root canal treatments for front and back teeth, pulpectomies, and procedures to reduce infection and pain. Re-treatments of previously completed root canals require preauthorization.
• Periodontal services (gum treatment): These services include treatment of gums, bone, and tissues surrounding the teeth. The CDCP covers deep cleaning below the gum line (scaling and root planing), non-surgical gum disease management, and treatment of abscesses. Bonding for mobile teeth and post-surgical evaluations require preauthorization.

3. Major Services

Major services restore teeth and replace missing teeth when basic treatments are no longer sufficient. Some of the services that fall under this category are:

• Major restorative services (crowns): The CDCP covers medically necessary crowns, including the crown itself, the core buildup, and posts where required. Preauthorization is required. Cosmetic crowns and implant-supported crowns are not covered. The CDCP allows one crown per eligible tooth within any 8-year period.
• Removable prosthodontic services (dentures): The CDCP covers complete (full) dentures (standard and temporary), denture repairs, relines, rebases, and tissue conditioning liners. Complete immediate dentures, overdentures, and partial dentures require preauthorization. Implant-supported dentures are not covered.
• Oral surgery: The CDCP covers tooth and root extractions, surgical removal of tumours and cysts, surgical incisions and drainage, and treatment for broken jaw bones.

4. Anesthesia and Sedation Services

For eligible procedures, the CDCP covers sedation and pain management, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and conscious sedation (requires preauthorization). Deep sedation and general anesthesia require preauthorization.

5. Orthodontic Services

Limited orthodontic coverage is available under the CDCP for medically necessary cases only. Children under 18 with a severe malocclusion that affects the function of their mouth, and adults with craniofacial anomalies such as cleft palate, may qualify. Optional or cosmetic orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign for general alignment purposes, is not covered. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis by Sun Life.