If you live in Calgary and don’t have dental insurance through work or a benefits plan, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may cover a significant portion of your dental care — with no monthly premiums.
This guide walks you through exactly how to apply, what you need, how long it takes, and what to do once you’re approved so you can book your first covered appointment at a Calgary dental clinic.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal government program administered by Sun Life that provides dental coverage to eligible Canadians who have no private dental insurance. It covers preventive, diagnostic, and basic restorative dental services, with coverage rates ranging from 40% to 100% depending on your household income.
Coverage rates by adjusted family net income:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Government Pays |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% |
| $90,000 and over | Not eligible |
There are no premiums and no deductibles — you only pay the portion not covered by the plan.
Am I Eligible for CDCP?
To qualify, you must meet all four of the following criteria:
- Canadian resident — you live in Canada and are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- No access to private dental insurance — this includes employer benefits, union plans, student plans, and spousal coverage
- Adjusted family net income under $90,000 — based on your most recently filed tax return
- Filed your taxes — the CRA uses your tax data to verify eligibility, so you must have filed for the previous year
Important for Calgary families: If any member of your household has access to dental insurance — even if they haven’t enrolled — you are considered to have access to dental coverage and are not eligible for CDCP.
What Do I Need Before I Apply?
Have the following ready before you start:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Your most recent Notice of Assessment (or tax filing information)
- A My Service Canada Account (MSCA) — or access to CRA My Account
- Bank information for direct deposit (optional but recommended)
If you don’t have an MSCA, you can create one at canada.ca/my-service-canada-account. You’ll need a GCKey or a sign-in partner (your bank).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for CDCP in Calgary
Option 1 — Apply Online (Fastest)
- Go to canada.ca/dental
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account or CRA My Account
- Select “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan”
- Complete the application — it takes approximately 15–20 minutes
- Submit and note your confirmation number
Applying online is the fastest route. Most Calgary residents receive their welcome package from Sun Life within 4 to 6 weeks of approval.
Option 2 — Apply by Phone
Call 1-833-537-4342 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time). Have your SIN and tax information ready. A Service Canada agent will walk you through the application. Wait times can be long — calling mid-week in the morning is typically faster.
Option 3 — Apply In Person at a Calgary Service Canada Office
You can visit a Service Canada Centre in Calgary to apply in person. Bring your SIN card or document, government-issued photo ID, and your most recent Notice of Assessment.
Calgary Service Canada locations include offices in the northeast, northwest, and downtown core — check the Service Canada website for current hours before you go.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once approved, you’ll receive a welcome letter from Sun Life with your CDCP member ID. Here’s what to do next:
- Activate your Sun Life account at sunlife.com/cdcp
- Find a participating dentist — most general dentists in Calgary accept CDCP
- Bring your member ID to your appointment
- Your dentist will verify your coverage and bill Sun Life directly for the covered portion
You do not need to submit claims yourself. The dental clinic handles that process.
Using Your CDCP at Millrise Dental in Calgary
Millrise Dental Clinic, located at #15, 15 Millrise Blvd SW, accepts CDCP patients and we’re happy to walk you through your coverage at your first appointment.
What CDCP covers at our clinic:
- Dental exams and X-rays
- Teeth cleanings (scaling and polishing)
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Root canals (basic restorative)
- Some denture and denture repair services
We’re one block from Fish Creek LRT, open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our team speaks English, French, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Tagalog, Spanish, Hindi, and Japanese — so you can discuss your coverage and treatment options in the language you’re most comfortable with.
To book, call us at 403-254-0406 or book online at millrisedental.com. Just let us know you’re a CDCP patient when you call.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying before you’ve filed your taxes. The CRA cannot verify your income without a filed return. If you haven’t filed for the most recent year, file first, then apply for CDCP.
Forgetting to check household coverage. If your spouse has a workplace benefits plan they’re not enrolled in, you may still be considered ineligible. Read the eligibility rules carefully or call Service Canada if you’re unsure.
Waiting for your card before booking. You don’t need a physical card. Your Sun Life member ID number is enough to book and attend your first appointment. Your dentist can look up your coverage using your SIN if needed.
Assuming your dentist is automatically covered. While most Calgary general dentists accept CDCP, always confirm with the clinic before booking — especially for specialist referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get CDCP coverage after applying? Most applicants receive their Sun Life welcome letter within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting an approved application online. Phone or in-person applications may take slightly longer.
Can I apply for CDCP for my children? Yes. Children under 18 can be covered under the CDCP if they meet the eligibility criteria. The same income and insurance rules apply. You apply on their behalf as their parent or guardian.
What if I get dental insurance through work after I enroll in CDCP? You must notify Service Canada. If you gain access to private dental insurance, you are no longer eligible and your CDCP coverage will be terminated.
Does CDCP cover emergency dental care in Calgary? CDCP covers some urgent and emergency procedures (extractions, temporary fillings) that fall within its basic restorative coverage. If you have a dental emergency, call Millrise Dental at 403-254-0406 — we offer same-day emergency appointments and will verify your CDCP coverage before we start treatment.
Can I use CDCP and provincial dental benefits at the same time? If you receive Alberta dental benefits (such as through AISH or certain social assistance programs), check with Service Canada — some provincial benefits may affect your CDCP eligibility or the coordination of benefits.
Ready to Book Your First CDCP Appointment in Calgary?
Once you have your Sun Life member ID, getting in the chair is straightforward.
Millrise Dental Clinic #15, 15 Millrise Blvd SW, Calgary, AB T2Y 1X7 📞 403-254-0406 ⏰ Mon–Thu: 7 AM – 7 PM | Fri: 7 AM – 3 PM | Sat: 8 AM – 3 PM
