The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can help eligible Canadians lower the cost of dental care. Applications are open for the 2026-2027 benefit year.
If you are a senior applying for the CDCP, the process starts with checking your eligibility and making sure your tax return has been filed. You can then apply online through My Service Canada Account or Canada.ca. If applying online is not an option, you can complete your application by calling Service Canada.
This guide explains how to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors step by step. It also covers eligibility, what information you need, what happens after you apply, possible dental costs, and how to use your coverage in Fort McMurray.
Morrison Dental accepts CDCP patients in Fort McMurray. Once your coverage is active, our team can help you understand your coverage and expected treatment costs.
Applications are currently open for the 2026-2027 benefit year.
CDCP Eligibility 2026
Quick answer: Who can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan in 2026?
You must meet all four Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) eligibility
requirements to apply.
No private dental coverage
You do not have private dental insurance or access to other dental
coverage.
Required tax returns filed
You and your spouse or common-law partner, where applicable, have
filed the required Canadian income tax returns.
Family net income under $90,000
Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
Canadian tax resident
For income tax purposes, you must be a resident of Canada.
No separate age-65 requirement
There is no separate age-65 requirement. Eligible Canadians of all
ages can apply, including seniors.
Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors: 2026 eligibility
The rules for CDCP eligibility for seniors are straightforward, but every requirement matters.
You Cannot Have Access to Private Dental Coverage
You generally cannot qualify if dental insurance is available through:
- your job
- your pension
- your spouse or common-law partner
- another family member
- a professional or student group
- a private dental plan you bought
- a health spending account that covers dental costs
The rule is based on access to coverage. Choosing not to use an available dental plan does not usually make you eligible for CDCP.
A limited exception applies to some retirees who gave up their pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023, and are not allowed to re-enrol in the plan.
Get the Expert Dental Care You Deserve
Whether you require a regular check-up or specialised treatment, our experienced team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
You Must File Your Canadian Tax Return
You and your spouse, if applicable, must submit the required Canadian income tax return so your family income can be determined.
For a 2026 application, this means the previous year’s tax return. You should also have your Notice of Assessment before applying.
Your Adjusted Family Net Income Must Be Below $90,000
CDCP eligibility uses adjusted family net income. It is not based only on your personal income.
The Government of Canada calculates this amount using tax information for you and your spouse or common-law partner when applicable.
You Must Be a Canadian Resident for Tax Purposes
You must meet the federal residency requirement for tax purposes.
Having dental help through a provincial, territorial or federal government social program does not automatically make you ineligible. Government plans may coordinate eligible benefits with CDCP.
Is CDCP Only for People Aged 65 and Older?
No.
Seniors were among the first groups able to apply when the program opened in stages. The plan later expanded.
Canadians of any age who meet the eligibility requirements can now apply for the CDCP.
This page focuses on seniors because pension dental benefits, dentures, gum care, fixed retirement income and yearly renewal can raise specific questions for older adults and their families.
Get the Expert Dental Care You Deserve
Whether you require a regular check-up or specialised treatment, our experienced team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
What Dental Services Can CDCP Cover for Seniors?
The plan may help pay for many dental services when they meet current coverage rules.
Examples include:
- dental checkups and cleaning
- X-rays
- scaling and dental cleaning
- fluoride treatments
- fillings
- root canal treatment
- treatment for gum disease
- tooth removal
- complete and partial dentures
- some crowns
- some oral surgery
- some sedation and anesthesia services
Some services need preauthorization before treatment.
For example, crowns and partial dentures require preauthorization. Certain complete denture services also require it. Re-treatment of a previous root canal requires approval as well.
Other treatments can need approval when frequency or plan limits are reached.
Orthodontic services are not currently available under CDCP. The federal government says a limited range may be added later, but a start date has not been set.
You can read the Government of Canada’s current list of CDCP-covered dental services.
For a local explanation, see our guide to what the Canada Dental Care Plan covers.
How Much Does CDCP Pay in 2026?
Your share depends partly on your adjusted family net income.
CDCP Coverage
How Much Does the CDCP Cover?
Your CDCP coverage and co-payment depend on your adjusted family net
income.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP share of established fees | Your co-payment |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
additional costs if your dental provider charges more than the
established CDCP fee or if the service is not covered by the plan.
A 0% co-payment does not always mean a $0 dental bill.
CDCP pays according to its established fees. If a clinic charges above the CDCP amount, you may have to pay the difference.
You may also have to pay when:
- a service is not covered
- part of a treatment is not covered
- a service has passed a plan frequency limit
- required preauthorization was not approved
Ask for a cost estimate before treatment when possible. Knowing the expected CDCP amount and your possible balance makes it easier to plan your dental care.
The Government of Canada explains CDCP co-payments and possible additional charges.
What Seniors Should Check Before Booking Dental Care?
Do not book treatment before the benefit coverage start date shown in your enrollment information.
Before each appointment, confirm that your coverage is still active. You should also check that the dental clinic accepts CDCP patients and bills Sun Life directly for covered services.
Have these details ready:
- your CDCP member ID
- your benefit coverage start date
- government-issued identification
- your co-payment information
- any CDCP letter or plan information that may help confirm coverage
Your dental provider can check your active coverage. The provider may also submit an estimate before treatment to check which services are covered and what you may need to pay.
At Morrison Dental, we accept CDCP patients in Fort McMurray and offer direct billing to Sun Life for covered services. We can also review the expected cost with you before treatment starts.
For routine preventive care, visit our dental checkups and cleaning page.
If you’re dealing with tooth pain, swelling, a damaged tooth, or another urgent dental issue, our emergency dental care services in Fort McMurray are here to help. page explains how to contact the clinic.
The Government of Canada also explains what to check before receiving CDCP dental care.
How Seniors Can Apply for CDCP in 2026
You can apply online using your My Service Canada Account.
If you cannot use MSCA, the Government of Canada also provides an online Canada.ca application option. You can also apply by phone through Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
Before you start, have the requested information ready for each applicant. This may include:
- Social Insurance Number
- date of birth
- full legal name
- home and mailing address
- information about dental coverage through government social programs
- the tax information needed to confirm eligibility
- spouse or common-law partner information when applicable
Use only an official Government of Canada application channel. There is no fee to apply for or renew CDCP coverage.
You can use the official CDCP application page or read our step-by-step CDCP application guide for 2026.
After applying, wait for confirmation that you are enrolled. Your information should show your member ID, coverage start date and co-payment level.
What if You Missed the June 1, 2026 Renewal Deadline?
Submit a new application for the 2026-2027 benefit year if you still qualify.
The 2026 renewal period is closed. A new application can restore coverage, but your new coverage start date may leave a gap.
Dental services received during a gap are not covered retroactively.
If you are unsure about your current status, check your information in My Service Canada Account or contact Service Canada before arranging treatment.
Get the Expert Dental Care You Deserve
Whether you require a regular check-up or specialised treatment, our experienced team is ready to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Can CDCP Work with Alberta Government Dental Benefits?
Yes, in some cases.
Having coverage through a federal, provincial or territorial government social dental program does not automatically make you ineligible for CDCP.
If you meet the federal CDCP requirements, government programs may coordinate eligible benefits. How the plans work together can depend on the government program and the dental service.
Private dental insurance is different.
Access to private dental coverage through work, a pension, spouse, family member, student plan or a plan you purchased can make you ineligible for CDCP.
Dental Care for CDCP Seniors in Fort McMurray
Once your coverage is active, choose a dental clinic that accepts CDCP patients.
Morrison Dental is located at 9914 Morrison St #201 in Fort McMurray. We accept CDCP patients and can bill Sun Life directly for covered services.
Before treatment, our team can review your plan information and discuss the costs shown in your estimate.
If you need help with missing teeth, you can also read about dentures at Morrison Dental.
Ready to arrange a visit? Book a dental appointment at Morrison Dental or call 780-743-3570.
Frequently asked questions
Who is qualified for the Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors in 2026?
Seniors must meet the same four rules as other applicants: no access to private dental coverage, the required Canadian tax return must be filed, set family net income must be below $90,000, and the applicant must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes. Age 65 or older is not a separate eligibility rule in 2026.
What is the CDCP income limit for seniors in 2026?
Your family’s net income must be below $90,000. If it is below $70,000, CDCP can pay 100% of its established fees for eligible services. Higher income bands below $90,000 have a 40% or 60% co-payment.
What happens if I missed the June 1, 2026 CDCP renewal deadline?
You can submit a new application for the 2026-2027 benefit year if you still qualify. There may be a gap before coverage starts again. Dental services received during that gap are not covered or reimbursed later.
Does 100% CDCP coverage mean my dental visit is free?
Not always. A 0% co-payment means CDCP can cover 100% of its established fee for an eligible service. You may still pay a difference if the clinic fee is higher or if part of your treatment is not covered.
Can I get CDCP if my pension offers dental insurance?
Usually no. If you have access to dental coverage through a pension, you are generally not eligible even if you do not use the plan. A limited exception applies to some retirees who opted out before December 11, 2023 and cannot opt back in.
Can CDCP work with an Alberta government dental program?
It can in some cases. Federal, provincial and territorial government social dental programs may coordinate benefits with CDCP when a person meets CDCP eligibility rules.
Do crowns and dentures need CDCP preauthorization?
Crowns require preauthorization. Partial dentures and some complete denture services also require it. Rules differ by treatment, so your provider should check current CDCP benefit rules before care begins.
Does Morrison Dental accept CDCP patients in Fort McMurray?
Yes. Morrison Dental accepts CDCP patients and offers direct billing to Sun Life for covered services. Confirm that your coverage is active and ask about any expected out-of-pocket cost before treatment.
Book a CDCP Dental Appointment in Fort McMurray.
Active CDCP coverage can lower the cost of eligible dental care. The amount paid depends on your plan rules, income-based co-payment and the service you need.
If you have your member ID and coverage start date, Morrison Dental can help you check the next steps for dental care in Fort McMurray.
Book an appointment with Morrison Dental or call 780-743-3570.
