When can you visit an oral health provider
Disruption of Canada Post services
Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, mail correspondence from some programs and services may be impacted. Consult the measures in place during the disruption of Canada Post services.
Enrolment confirmation and your start date
Once you've applied and we've confirmed that you qualify to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you will receive a letter from the Government of Canada with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date and co-payment level (if applicable). You can also get a copy of your letter through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). You can use your letter with your member ID to book your first appointment with an oral health provider on or after your coverage start date.
Your information will also be shared with Sun Life who will enrol you in the CDCP and send you a welcome package. It will include:
- information on the CDCP
- your physical member card
- your benefit start date (listed on your welcome letter and not on your member card)
Note: 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, coverage start date, and co-payment level at your first appointment. Your provider will need your information to confirm your coverage under the plan.
For your services to be covered under the CDCP, you can only book your appointment on or after your benefit effective date (start date).
Your benefit effective date will depend on:
- when we receive your application and
- when we complete your enrolment
You should always confirm your CDCP coverage is active before seeking treatment from your oral health provider, and understand your co-payment level and any additional costs that won’t be covered by the plan.
Reimbursement for services
You should only pay for services not covered under the CDCP. If you pay the full cost yourself, you will not get reimbursed by Sun Life.
Note: Oral health care services received during a gap in coverage will not be covered nor reimbursed retroactively.
Find an oral health provider
If you don’t already have an oral health care provider, you can talk to a provider 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.
Find a CDCP oral health provider near you
If you’re a CDCP client, there are things you should do before accepting care from an oral health care provider. When booking an appointment or discussing care options, always:
- confirm that the provider will accept a CDCP client and will bill Sun Life directly for services covered under the plan
- know your benefit effective coverage start date and your co-payment level, if you have one
- ask your provider if there are any costs you will have to pay in addition to your co-payment
Never pay for the full amount for services in advance. It’s not possible for Sun Life to pay you back.
After receiving care, you will have to pay any outstanding amounts not covered by the plan directly to your provider.
Annual renewal
To continue to be covered under the CDCP, you will need to renew your coverage every year, to confirm that you still meet the eligibility requirements. The renewal process for the 2025 to 2026 benefit coverage period has ended. If you haven't renewed and your CDCP coverage ended on June 30, 2025, you can submit a new application. Please note that your co-payment level could change when you submit a new application. Any preauthorized treatments will be paid at the co-payment level at the time of treatment.