CDCP for Children: What Parents Need to Know

CDCP for children helps eligible families with dental costs when a child is under 18, lacks access to private dental insurance, the family’s adjusted net income is below $90,000, and parents have filed tax returns. Learn what the Canadian Dental Care Plan, administered through Sun Life, covers and how co-payments work.

Is My Child Eligible?

Children under 18 may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if their family meets these conditions:

• Age: Your child is under 18.
• Private insurance: Your child has no access to private dental coverage through a parent’s employer, pension, professional association, or other private plan.
• Income: Your adjusted family net income is below $90,000.
• Tax returns: You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, filed the previous year’s Canadian tax returns.

You must also meet Canada’s tax-residency requirement. Enrollment in Healthy Smiles Ontario does not automatically disqualify your child.

For details, review the official CDCP eligibility requirements or our CDCP qualification guide.

Do Kids Have to Pay Anything? Co-Payments by Income

CDCP does not always mean free dental care. Your family’s adjusted net income determines the co-payment, which is the portion of eligible CDCP fees you pay directly to the dental provider.

According to Health Canada’s CDCP coverage rules, the following income bands apply:

The important distinction is that Sun Life reimburses providers using established CDCP fees, which may be lower than the dental clinic’s regular charges. Your family could still owe a difference even with a 0% co-payment.

Before treatment, ask the clinic for the full estimated cost, the CDCP reimbursement, and any remaining balance.

What CDCP Covers for Children

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a range of preventive, restorative, periodontal, and prosthodontic services for eligible children. Preventive care includes routine dental exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and cleanings. Basic services may include fillings, root canal treatment, tooth extractions, and certain oral surgeries.

More complex procedures, including some periodontal and denture-related services, may require pre-authorization before treatment. Coverage also depends on clinical necessity, age-related rules, and the program’s frequency limits.

The table below summarizes the main categories of dental care available under the official CDCP coverage guidelines.

Pre-authorization required: Partial dentures, bonding for mobile teeth, post-surgical evaluations, and complete immediate or overdentures require prior approval under CDCP rules. Other services may also require approval depending on treatment details or coverage limits.

Your dentist should confirm eligibility and approval requirements before starting treatment.

What CDCP Does Not Cover

CDCP does not cover every dental procedure. Dental implants and implant-supported restorations are excluded, along with cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and cosmetic veneers. Charges exceeding the established CDCP fee schedule are not reimbursed by the plan, so families may face additional costs.

Does CDCP cover braces for children? As of October 2026, orthodontic services, including braces, are not available under CDCP. Although orthodontic coverage was previously planned, Health Canada has not introduced it.

Parents should check the current CDCP’s covered services list before assuming that a recommended treatment will be covered.

CDCP vs Healthy Smiles Ontario: Can My Child Use Both?

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a provincial dental program for eligible children aged 17 and under, while CDCP is a federal program available to qualifying people of all ages. HSO is administered through Ontario’s Ministry of Health, while Sun Life processes CDCP claims.

Children may qualify for both programs. Under the official coordination rules, CDCP pays first, and HSO may help with eligible remaining amounts within provincial limits.

Coverage is coordinated rather than duplicated. Parents should tell the dental clinic about both programs so the provider can determine how to submit claims correctly. See Ontario’s dental care information for HSO eligibility details.

Is Dental Care Free for Kids in Ontario?

Sometimes, but not automatically. Families have several options depending on their income, eligibility, and the dental services their children need.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan can cover eligible services, although co-payments and additional fees may apply. Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free qualifying dental services for children 17 and under from eligible lower-income households.

Toronto Public Health dental clinics also provide free care to eligible children and youth. Families who do not qualify for full public coverage can explore reduced-fee options at dental school clinics, including the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry.

Always check eligibility, available appointments, and potential charges before booking.

How to Apply?

Parents can apply for CDCP through Service Canada online or by phone. Before starting, prepare your child’s full name, date of birth, home address, and Social Insurance Number (SIN), if available. Both parents, or the parent and their spouse or common-law partner where applicable, must have filed the previous year’s Canadian tax returns.

Follow these four steps to apply:

1. Visit the official Government of Canada CDCP application portal.
2. Fill in details about your child and family income.
3. Provide proof of income when requested.
4. Once approved, you’ll receive information from Sun Life, the program administrator.

After approval, Service Canada confirms your child’s coverage start date and co-payment level. Sun Life then sends a welcome package containing the member card and plan information. Check that coverage is active before arranging treatment. You can start through the official CDCP application page.

How to Renew Your Child’s Coverage

CDCP coverage must be renewed every year; renewal is not automatic. Parents must file the previous year’s Canadian tax returns and complete renewal during the announced application window.

The 2026 renewal deadline was June 1, 2026. Renewals for the 2027–2028 benefit period are expected to open in spring 2027.

Missing the renewal deadline can cause a gap in coverage, and treatment received during that gap will not be reimbursed. Read our CDCP 2026 renewal deadline guide for more details.

Making the Most of Your Child’s CDCP Coverage

The Canadian Dental Care Plan can make essential dental care more affordable for eligible children, but understanding the coverage is just as important as qualifying. Knowing your family’s co-payment, which treatments are covered, and how CDCP works alongside Healthy Smiles Ontario can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Before booking your child’s next appointment, confirm that their coverage is active, ask about any additional fees, and keep track of annual renewal requirements. With the right information, you can make informed decisions about your child’s dental health and get the most from the benefits available to your family.

FAQ

We’d love to hear from you! Do you have questions about CDCP or your child’s dental care in Scarborough? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; we’re here to help.