For a lot of families across South Burnaby, the cost of dental care has been the reason a checkup keeps getting pushed to “next month.” The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is changing that — and as of 2026 it’s now open to eligible Canadians of every age. If you’ve been putting off a cleaning, a filling, or that nagging toothache, this might be the year you finally don’t have to.

At Burnaby South Dental, our Highgate clinic at 6975 Kingsway, we proudly welcome CDCP patients and help you make sense of the paperwork. This guide explains, in plain language, what the CDCP is, who qualifies, what it covers, how to apply, and exactly how to use it when you visit us — whether you’re in Highgate, Middlegate, Edmonds, or anywhere across South Burnaby.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federal program, run by Health Canada and administered through Sun Life, that helps cover the cost of dental care for Canadian residents who don’t have access to private dental insurance. It was rolled out in phases starting in 2024, beginning with seniors, then children and people with a Disability Tax Credit certificate. As of 2026 that rollout is complete — eligible adults of all ages can now apply.

The goal is simple: make routine, preventive dental care affordable so problems get caught early, before they turn into expensive emergencies. For many of our patients, it’s the difference between coming in twice a year and not coming in at all.

Who qualifies for the CDCP?

To be eligible, you need to meet all four of these requirements:

• No access to private dental insurance — including through a job, a spouse or parent’s plan, a pension, or a student plan.
• Adjusted family net income under $90,000 per year.
• You filed your tax return for the previous year (and your spouse or common-law partner filed theirs, if applicable).
• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

That’s it. There’s no age cut-off anymore — seniors, working-age adults, and children are all covered as long as the household meets the criteria.

How much you’ll pay: the income tiers

What the plan pays depends on your adjusted family net income:

• Under $70,000: the CDCP covers its full eligible amount — no co-payment from you for covered services.
• $70,000 to $79,999: you pay a 40% co-payment of the CDCP’s eligible cost.
• $80,000 to $89,999: you pay a 60% co-payment.

One important note: the CDCP reimburses at established CDCP fee amounts, which can be a little lower than a provincial fee guide. Occasionally that leaves a small balance between what the plan pays and the full cost of a service. We’re upfront about any of these amounts before we begin treatment — no surprises, ever.

What does the CDCP cover?

The plan covers a broad range of the everyday dental care most families actually need, including:

• Exams, X-rays, and diagnostic services — the routine checkups that catch problems early
• Cleanings, scaling, and preventive care — including preventative dentistry like fluoride and sealants
• Fillings and other restorative work through our restorative dentistry services
• Tooth extractions
• Root canal treatment (endodontic services)
• Dentures — full and partial
• Crowns and some other major services (certain treatments require pre-authorization)

Coverage details and frequency limits depend on your specific situation, and some major or specialized services need pre-authorization before they’re done. When you come in, we’ll check exactly what applies to you and walk you through it.

How to apply for the CDCP

Applying is more straightforward than most people expect. You have two options:

1. Online through your My Service Canada Account, or
2. By phone at 1-833-537-4342 (toll-free).

You’ll need your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, home address, and details from your most recent tax return. Once you’re approved, Sun Life mails you a welcome package and a member card, and your coverage start date is listed in your confirmation letter. You can’t use the plan before that start date, so it’s worth applying a few weeks ahead of when you’d like to come in.

For the 2026–2027 benefit year, applications and renewals opened June 2, 2026. If you were already enrolled, remember that coverage isn’t automatically permanent — you need to renew each year and keep your tax filing up to date to stay eligible.

How to use your CDCP coverage at Burnaby South Dental

Here’s the easy part. Once you’re approved:

1. Book your visit with us online or by phone — let us know you’re a CDCP patient when you call.
2. Bring your CDCP member card and confirmation letter to your first appointment.
3. We verify your coverage and explain what’s included for your specific treatment.
4. We bill Sun Life directly wherever possible, so you’re only responsible for any co-payment or balance, which we tell you about in advance.

That’s genuinely all there is to it. Our front-desk team handles CDCP every day and is happy to answer questions before you ever sit in the chair.

Why South Burnaby families choose our Highgate clinic

Burnaby South Dental sits right on Kingsway, a short walk from Highgate Village and just minutes from Middlegate, Edmonds Station, Royal Oak, and Metrotown. We care for families across South Burnaby with:

• CDCP patients warmly welcomed — and real help understanding your coverage
• Direct billing to CDCP and most major insurers
• Evening and Saturday appointments to fit around work and school
• A calm, judgment-free environment, even if it’s been years since your last visit
• Modern, gentle techniques, including low-radiation digital X-rays
• A friendly team offering everything from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry and emergency dental care

You can meet the Burnaby South Dental team on our about page, or book directly online any time.

Frequently asked questions about the CDCP

Does Burnaby South Dental accept the CDCP?
Yes. We proudly welcome CDCP patients at our Highgate clinic and help you apply, understand your coverage, and bill Sun Life directly wherever possible. Just bring your confirmation letter to your first visit.

How do I know if I qualify for the CDCP?
You qualify if you have no access to private dental insurance, your adjusted family net income is under $90,000, you filed last year’s tax return, and you’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes. There’s no longer an age restriction.

Do I have to pay anything if I’m on the CDCP?
If your family net income is under $70,000, there’s no co-payment for covered services. Between $70,000 and $79,999 you pay 40%, and between $80,000 and $89,999 you pay 60%. In some cases a small balance may remain between the CDCP amount and the full fee — we always explain any costs before treatment begins.

What does the CDCP cover at the dentist?
Exams, X-rays, cleanings and preventive care, fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, and some crowns and major services. Certain treatments need pre-authorization first.

How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Apply online through your My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342. Once approved, Sun Life mails your member card and confirmation letter with your coverage start date.

Do I need to renew my CDCP coverage?
Yes. CDCP coverage is renewed yearly, and you need to keep your tax return filed and continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Renewals for the 2026–2027 benefit year opened June 2, 2026.

Ready to use your CDCP coverage? Let’s get you booked.

Affordable dental care shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re newly approved for the CDCP, not sure if you qualify, or simply overdue for a checkup, our team at Burnaby South Dental is here to make it easy — and to give you care that’s gentle, modern, and genuinely friendly.

📞 Call (604) 540-6000 📍 6975 Kingsway #2, Burnaby, BC V5E 1E5 🦷 Book online — new and CDCP patients always welcome.

This blog is for general information only and is not official guidance on the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Eligibility, coverage, and co-payment details are set by the Government of Canada and Sun Life and may change — confirm your specific coverage through your My Service Canada Account or by calling 1-833-537-4342. This article is not a substitute for an exam by a licensed dentist.