After you apply

On this page

• Check the status of your application
• Confirm you are enrolled
• View and update your CDCP information
• Before getting care
• Find an oral health provider
• Book your first appointment
• Reimbursement for services
• Renewing your coverage

Check the status of your application

You can check the status of your Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) application for yourself and your dependants in two ways:

• by using the online status checker
• by phone: contact us

Information you need to check your status

You need the following information for each person you are checking:

• application code or client number (member ID), which is:
  • the number you received after applying online or by phone, or
  • the number in the right-hand corner of the CDCP letter you received from Service Canada by mail or in MSCA
  • the number on the front of your CDCP membership card
• Social Insurance Number (SIN):
  • if a child doesn’t have a SIN, you must provide their full name and date of birth

Confirm you are enrolled

After you’ve successfully applied for the CDCP online or by phone, you’ll receive a letter by mail or an email (based on your preferred method of communication) from us that will confirm if you are enrolled.

If you are enrolled, this letter will include:

• your CDCP plan number
• your CDCP member ID
• your benefit coverage start date*
• your co-payment level

You can also view your letter through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).

* Your benefit coverage start date depends on:

• the date we receive your application, and
• the date we complete your enrolment

Welcome package from Sun Life

Once we’ve determined you are eligible, your information will be shared with Sun Life, who will mail you a welcome package that will contain:

• your physical member card
• information about the CDCP

You do not need to wait for your welcome package from Sun Life to get care, as long as you provide your CDCP member ID, a piece of identification, your benefit coverage start date, and co-payment level at your first appointment. However, you should not book an appointment before your start date. Only care received after your start date will be covered. Always confirm that your coverage is active before receiving care and at every appointment. Your provider can confirm that your coverage is active under the plan.

View and update your CDCP information

Make sure your information stays up-to-date.

• Through My Service Canada Account

  Once you register and sign in My Service Canada Account (MSCA), these options are available in the "Canadian Dental Care Plan" section on your MSCA dashboard:

  • apply for the CDCP
  • view your CDCP letters
  • about your personal information:
    • view your information
    • update your access to other dental benefits
    • update your contact information
    • update your communication preferences. If you select "Digital", you'll receive email notifications faster than waiting for the mail

• By phone

  You can contact us by phone to update your personal information.

• Through Sun Life

  You can review CDCP plan details, view your claims history and download a printable member card using the my Sunlife online account.

Before getting care

Before you seek and get care from an oral health care provider, make sure you understand your CDCP coverage.

• Always check that your CDCP coverage is active before each appointment.
• When booking an appointment or discussing services, always:
  • confirm your provider accepts CDCP clients and will bill Sun Life directly for services covered under the plan
  • ensure your coverage is active and know your co-payment level
  • ask your provider if there are other costs you must pay in addition to your co-payment (not covered by the plan). You may still have to pay a portion of the cost even if the plan pays 100% of the CDCP established fees (or you do not have a co-payment).
• Treatment costs will be paid at your co-payment level and according to plan rules and fees in effect at the time you receive the service. The amount covered may differ from what was shown on the estimate or preauthorization.

Learn more about what to do before booking your first appointment and receiving care (video).

Find an oral health provider

If you don't already have a provider, you can contact one in your community or consult Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search.

You can also call the Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 for help.

Depending on the type of oral health care you need, you may wish to seek treatment from an independent dental hygienist, a denturist, a dentist and/or a dental specialist, including those in dental school clinics.

Book your first appointment

• You can only book your appointment on or after your benefit coverage start date indicated in your letter from the Government of Canada and/or the welcome letter from Sun Life.
• Use the letter you received from the Government of Canada, which includes your member ID and benefit coverage start date to book your first appointment. This helps your provider create or update your patient profile.
• When you meet with your provider, discuss potential care, treatments, and costs associated with those services that may not be covered by the CDCP or for which your provider may charge more than the CDCP fees cover. You can decide what services you choose to accept.
• Prior to your appointment, your provider can submit an estimate to Sun Life to confirm your coverage is active, which services are covered and how much will be covered by the CDCP. Even if you have no co-pay, if your provider's fees are higher than what the CDCP covers, you may have to pay something.

Reimbursement for services

Only oral health providers get reimbursed for services covered under the CDCP. You are only responsible for paying any costs beyond what is covered. If you pay the full cost yourself, you will not get reimbursed by Sun Life. Sun Life can only reimburse oral health providers, not CDCP members. Please contact us if you have questions or require support.

Renewing your coverage

The CDCP provides coverage for a set benefit period. As a CDCP member, you must renew your coverage every year to confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements.

It's important to complete your renewal during the renewal period to avoid any gaps in coverage.