This is a blog site providing general information on the Canadian government dental program. For official information, please visit Canada.ca/dental

After you apply

When Can You Visit an Oral Health Provider?

Learn about your eligibility, start date, provider search, reimbursement, and annual renewal under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Enrolment Confirmation & Start Date

Sun Life administers the CDCP on behalf of the Government of Canada. After you apply and qualify, your details are shared with Sun Life for enrolment.

What to Expect:

You will receive a welcome package from Sun Life.
The package includes your member card, CDCP information, and your benefit start date.
Your **benefit effective date** is found on your **welcome letter**, not your member card.

You can only book an appointment on or after your benefit effective date.

Find an Oral Health Provider

If you don’t have a dentist, you can search for a CDCP provider using:

Sun Life’s CDCP Provider Search
The Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre: 1-888-888-8110

Before Your Appointment:

Confirm the provider accepts CDCP clients and will bill Sun Life directly.
Check your **coverage start date** and **co-payment details**.
Ask if there are additional costs you need to cover.

Reminder: Never pay the full amount upfront, as **Sun Life does not offer reimbursements for out-of-pocket payments**.

Reimbursement for Services

You should only pay for services **not covered** under the CDCP. If you pay in full, you will **not** be reimbursed by Sun Life.

After receiving care, you must pay any remaining costs not covered by the plan directly to your provider.

Learn more about co-payment details.

Annual Renewal

To maintain your CDCP coverage, you must **renew your enrolment every year**.

Important Renewal Date:

If you are a current CDCP member, **renew before June 1, 2025** to avoid a gap in coverage.

If you remain eligible after renewal:

Your **current member card remains valid** (no new card will be mailed).
You can continue accessing covered services without disruption.

After you apply

If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.

If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.

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