Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Canada Dental Care Plan Accepted at Smile Lounge
Smile Lounge Dentistry is a participating CDCP dental clinic in Milton. If you qualify for the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you can use your benefits with us — we verify your coverage, explain any costs upfront, and submit your claim for you.
The CDCP is a Government of Canada program run by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life — not by our clinic. The details below come from the official CDCP website. Rules can change, so always confirm on Canada.ca. Last updated: September 9, 2026
What is the Canada Dental Care Plan?
CDCP stands for the Canadian Dental Care Plan — a federal program that helps eligible residents without private dental insurance pay for many dental services. It's a cost-sharing benefit, not free care for everyone, and it isn't meant to replace coverage you already have.
As a trusted dental clinic in Milton, we'll always confirm what's covered before treatment.
Am I Eligible? (Age & Income)
The CDCP is open to all ages — seniors 65+, adults 18–64, and children under 18 — as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and are a Canadian resident. Eligibility is based on income and insurance status, not age. You must meet all four requirements:
- No access to private dental insurance (through an employer, pension, family, school, or private plan)
- Filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year
- Adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Canadian resident for tax purposes
Coverage through a government social program doesn't automatically disqualify you. Check the full criteria on the Government of Canada eligibility page — or call us and we'll help.
Seniors: 65+ were the first group covered and remain eligible if they meet the four rules. The plan's coverage of dentures, extractions, and preventive care is especially useful for seniors.
Coverage & Limits
Covered (when recommended by a provider): exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, extractions and oral surgery, complete and partial dentures, crowns, and sedation. Some services (e.g., crowns, partial dentures, above-limit cleanings) need preauthorization first.
Not covered: orthodontics (currently unavailable), dental implants, bridges, and cosmetic work like whitening and veneers.
See the official coverage list for full details.
How Much Does the CDCP Cover?
Your covered share depends on your adjusted family net income, paid at CDCP-established fees:
Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Covers | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
$70,000 – $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
$80,000 – $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
$90,000+ | Not eligible | — |
Per year: there's no annual dollar maximum — instead the plan uses per-service frequency limits (for example, a recall exam about once every 12 months). Additional charges can apply if a service costs more than the CDCP fee or isn't covered. We'll always give you an estimate first.
How to Apply
Applying is free — the government never charges to apply or renew. You'll need each person's SIN, date of birth, address, and a filed tax return. Apply by:
- My Service Canada Account (MSCA) — recommended
- Canada.ca online application
- Phone: Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 (TTY 1-833-677-6262)
Remember to renew each benefit year to avoid a gap in coverage.
Check your status: use the CDCP application status tool or the CDCP section of your MSCA dashboard.
How to Use It & Direct Billing
Once you're approved, Sun Life sends a welcome package with your card and start date. To use your coverage at Smile Lounge: book, tell us you're a CDCP member, get your estimate, and we handle the rest.
Do we do direct billing? Yes. As a participating provider, we bill Sun Life directly for the covered portion, so you don't pay it upfront — you only cover your income-based co-payment plus any additional charges we've explained in advance.
Why Smile Lounge
Participating CDCP provider · transparent pricing with no surprises · experienced, gentle team · direct claim submission · downtown Milton location · emergency appointments · new patients welcome.
CDCP-Approved Clinic
We are an official CDCP provider. You can use your benefits at our clinic right away.
Experienced Dentists
Our skilled team delivers gentle, high-quality care for patients of every age.
Transparent Pricing
We explain exactly what is covered and any co-payment before treatment begins — no surprises.
Modern Office
A clean, comfortable, and fully equipped clinic with the latest dental technology.
Emergency Appointments
Urgent dental care is available when you need it most.
Guidance and Support
Not sure if you qualify? Call us and we will guide you through the entire process.
Book Your Visit
- Phone: +1-905-636-6444
- Address: 264 Main Street East, Milton, ON L9T 1P2
- Email: info@smilelounge.ca
FAQ
The Canadian Dental Care Plan — federal help for eligible residents without private dental insurance.
Only participating providers can bill it. Smile Lounge in Milton is a participating provider and welcomes CDCP members.
Yes, for 65+ who meet the four requirements (income and insurance rules still apply).
No annual dollar cap — coverage runs on per-service frequency limits, with your share set at 100% / 60% / 40% by income.
Online via MSCA or Canada.ca, or by phone at 1-833-537-4342.
Use the status tool or your MSCA dashboard.
Yes. Coverage runs for one benefit year (July 1–June 30) and must be renewed annually — you confirm each year that you still meet the requirements, including having no access to private dental insurance. Renew on time to avoid a gap, and consider choosing digital notifications in MSCA so you don't miss the deadline.
Not right away — you can't apply and visit the dentist the same week. A decision usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks (faster if your taxes are already filed and processed). Once approved, you'll get an enrolment letter with your member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level, and Sun Life mails your welcome package and member card separately (this can take a few weeks up to about three months). Two key points: your care is only covered on or after your coverage start date — it's never backdated — and you don't have to wait for the physical card to book, as long as you have your member ID, start date, and co-payment level and the start date has passed. Apply early so you're covered when you need care.
Yes — we bill Sun Life directly for the covered amount.