Good oral health is an important part of overall well-being, but for many Canadians, regular dental care has always been expensive and sometimes out of reach. To make dental care more affordable, the Government of Canada introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — a new national program designed to help millions of Canadians access the dental services they need.
If you live in Burlington, Ontario and are wondering how to find a CDCP dentist in Burlington, this guide will help you understand everything about the plan — who qualifies, what services are covered, and how to use your benefits.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a government-funded dental program launched by the federal government to make oral care more accessible for Canadians who do not have private dental insurance and meet certain income requirements.
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental treatments, including preventive care, fillings, extractions, and dentures. It is administered by Health Canada in partnership with Sun Life, which manages the claims and payments to registered dentists across the country.
This plan is part of the government’s effort to improve public health by ensuring that more Canadians can maintain healthy teeth and gums without financial barriers.
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
Eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan depends on income level, insurance status, and residency. To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year.
- Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year.
- Not have access to private dental insurance (for example, through an employer, school, or pension plan).
The benefit amount also depends on your income:
Families earning under $70,000 get full coverage (no co-pay).
Those earning between $70,000 and $79,999 pay 40% of the cost.
Those earning between $80,000 and $89,999 pay 60% of the cost.
This sliding scale ensures that those with the lowest incomes receive the most help.
What Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services that help maintain and improve oral health. The coverage includes both preventive and restorative care, such as:
Preventive Services
Dental exams and checkups
X-rays
Teeth cleaning and scaling
Fluoride treatments
Oral hygiene instruction
Basic Restorative Care
Fillings (for cavities)
Root canals (on select teeth)
Tooth extractions
Major Dental Services
Partial and full dentures
Some crown and bridge work (if medically necessary)
Some emergency dental services
Not all services are covered 100%, and there are limits on how often you can receive certain treatments. Your CDCP dentist in Burlington can explain what’s covered before treatment so you won’t be surprised by out-of-pocket costs.
How to Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Applying for the CDCP is simple, but the rollout is happening in stages. The government started with seniors and will expand to include all eligible Canadians by 2025.
Step 1: Wait for Your Invitation
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an invitation letter from the Government of Canada with details about how to apply through Sun Life.
Step 2: Apply Through Sun Life
Once invited, you’ll fill out an online or paper application form to enroll. You’ll need:
Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Your date of birth
Information about your household income and dependents
Step 3: Receive Your Coverage Card
After your application is approved, you’ll receive a CDCP coverage card or policy number from Sun Life. You can then start booking appointments with a participating CDCP dentist in Burlington or any other city in Canada.
How to Find a CDCP Dentist in Burlington
If you’re approved for the Canadian Dental Care Plan and live in the Burlington area, you’ll need to find a CDCP dentist in Burlington who accepts patients under this plan.
Here’s how you can find one:
- Ask Your Current Dentist — Some Burlington dentists are now registered as CDCP providers. Check if your dentist participates in the program.
- Use the Sun Life Provider List — Sun Life will have an online directory of dentists accepting CDCP coverage.
- Search Online for Local Clinics — You can also search for “CDCP dentist in Burlington” to find nearby offices that clearly advertise CDCP participation.
- Call Dental Clinics Directly — Many dental offices in Burlington are happy to confirm over the phone whether they accept CDCP patients.
When booking, always mention that you are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan so the office can verify eligibility and explain any co-payments.
Why Choose a CDCP Dentist in Burlington
Choosing a CDCP dentist in Burlington offers many benefits for eligible patients:
1. Convenient Location
Burlington has many accessible dental clinics located throughout the city — from downtown to Appleby Line — making it easy for residents to get care close to home.
2. Affordable Care
With CDCP coverage, the cost of dental care is significantly reduced or even free, depending on your household income. This means you can receive regular cleanings and checkups without financial stress.
3. Professional and Compassionate Service
Many Burlington dentists who participate in the CDCP are experienced professionals who provide gentle, high-quality care for patients of all ages.
4. Family-Friendly Care
CDCP dentists treat children, adults, and seniors under one roof, making it easy for families to schedule multiple appointments in one visit.
5. Preventive Focus
With your coverage, you can stay on top of oral hygiene, helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues before they become serious.
The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
Even though the CDCP covers many treatments, the most valuable benefit is preventive care. Regular checkups and cleanings help you avoid major dental problems that can be painful and expensive later.
Preventive visits allow your dentist to:
Detect early signs of cavities or gum disease
Remove plaque and tartar
Provide fluoride protection
Offer personalized brushing and flossing tips
A CDCP dentist in Burlington can help you maintain a healthy smile while saving you money through early detection and care.
What to Expect at Your First CDCP Dental Appointment
If this is your first visit under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, here’s what you can expect:
- Verification of Coverage – The clinic will confirm your CDCP eligibility through Sun Life.
- Comprehensive Exam – Your dentist will assess your overall oral health, including teeth, gums, and jaw.
- X-Rays and Cleaning – Depending on your needs, your dentist may take X-rays and perform a professional cleaning.
- Treatment Planning – If additional work is needed, your dentist will explain what is covered by CDCP and any possible out-of-pocket costs.
Your CDCP dentist in Burlington will make sure you understand every step of the process, so you can feel comfortable with your care plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CDCP
1. Can I choose any dentist?
You can visit any licensed dentist, but only those registered with Sun Life under the CDCP can bill the plan directly. It’s best to confirm before booking.
2. What if my dentist doesn’t accept CDCP?
You can still visit them, but you might have to pay upfront and submit a claim to Sun Life yourself. It’s usually easier to see a CDCP-participating dentist.
3. Do I need to pay anything?
It depends on your income. Some patients have no cost, while others may pay 40–60% of the fee.
4. Are cosmetic procedures covered?
Cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign are not covered under the CDCP. The plan focuses on essential and preventive care.
5. Can children be covered?
Yes. The CDCP will eventually cover children under 18, seniors, and adults — depending on the rollout stage.
Tips for Making the Most of Your CDCP Coverage
Book regular cleanings every six months to prevent major dental issues.
Keep your Sun Life card handy for appointments.
Ask for pre-approval before major treatments to avoid unexpected costs.
Track your annual limits for certain services.
Stay informed about updates — the CDCP is still expanding and improving.
Your CDCP dentist in Burlington can help you maximize your benefits and keep your smile healthy year-round.
Final Thoughts
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a significant step toward making oral health care affordable for everyone in Canada. For residents of Burlington, finding a CDCP dentist in Burlington means you can finally access quality dental services without worrying about high costs.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or new dentures, CDCP dentists are ready to help you maintain a bright, healthy smile.
If you believe you’re eligible, watch for your invitation letter, apply through Sun Life, and start booking appointments with a participating dentist in your area.
A confident, healthy smile starts with proper dental care — and thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, it’s now easier than ever for Burlington residents to take care of their teeth.
