When can you visit an oral health provider

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 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 manages the CDCP on behalf of the Government of Canada. Sun Life 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 have your letter with your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and co-payment level with you at your first appointment. Your provider will need the information in your letter 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

If you are a current CDCP member, you will need to renew your coverage before June 1, 2025 to avoid a potential gap in coverage. If your renewal determines that you continue to be eligible, you will be able to use your current member card to access covered services. No new card will be mailed to you. You can find more details on renewing your coverage.

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 for services covered under the plan
• know your benefit effective coverage start date and co-payment, if you have one
• if you are currently covered under CDCP, make sure to renew your coverage before June 1, 2025 to avoid a gap in coverage
• 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.

Learn more about your co-payment.

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

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. Find out everything you need to know about renewing your coverage.