Short answer
A CDCP section on a dental website should say plainly whether the practice sees Canadian Dental Care Plan patients, explain in one or two sentences who the plan is for, and link to the official Government of Canada pages for eligibility, coverage and renewals. Avoid restating details that change, avoid the word “free” and do not promise specific coverage. Review the section every year after the renewal period.
What the plan is, in brief
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that helps eligible Canadian residents without dental insurance pay for some oral health care. In March 2025, Health Canada announced that adults aged 18 to 64 could apply from May 2025, with applications staggered by age group and coverage starting as early as 1 June 2025.1
The same announcement set out the eligibility criteria for those adults: no access to dental insurance, a filed 2024 tax return (and a spouse’s or common-law partner’s return, if applicable), an adjusted family net income below $90,000 and Canadian residency for tax purposes.1 It also said that close to 98 percent of active dentists, denturists, dental hygienists and dental specialists, including those in educational institutions, were caring for CDCP patients at the time.1
Renewals and coverage gaps
Members must renew every year. The Government of Canada’s renewal page says the renewal period for 2026 closed on 1 June 2026, that coverage runs on a benefit period ending 30 June, and that care received during a gap in coverage is not covered or reimbursed retroactively.2 It also says a member’s co-payment level may change when they renew.2
Sun Life’s March 2026 newsletter for oral health providers reminded offices that coverage can change during the benefit period and that clients must renew to avoid a gap. It gives the Sun Life CDCP contact centre number, 1-888-888-8110, as one way to verify coverage.3
These details matter for your website because patients may assume that being accepted once means being covered forever. A short note encouraging patients to check their coverage before an appointment can prevent surprises at the front desk.
What to include on your page
- A clear statement: “We see patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan.”
- One or two sentences on who the plan is for, with a link to the official canada.ca eligibility page.
- A reminder that members must renew each year and should confirm their coverage before booking.
- What patients should bring or have ready, such as their member information.
- An explanation of how your office handles any amount the plan does not cover, such as co-payments.
- A “last reviewed” date.
What to avoid
- “Free dental care.” Coverage and co-payments vary, and the government notes that co-payment levels can change.2 Free may be untrue for some patients.
- Copied eligibility tables. Criteria, dates and age groups change. Link to the official pages instead of copying them.
- Promises of coverage. Do not say a specific treatment is covered unless you have confirmed it for that patient.
- Incentives. In Ontario, the RCDSO prohibits giveaways, free products or services and other incentives in dental advertising.4 A CDCP page is not a place for promotional offers.
- Outdated dates. A page that still says applications open in May 2025 looks neglected and may confuse patients.
Sample wording
Here is a short example a practice could adapt and check with its own team:
“We see patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The CDCP is a federal program for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to dental insurance. To check whether you qualify, or to renew your coverage, visit the Government of Canada’s CDCP pages. Please confirm your coverage is active before your appointment. Some services may involve a co-payment. Our front desk can explain how billing works at your visit. Last reviewed: October 2026.”
Where the section belongs
For most practices, a short section on the new patient or insurance page is enough, with a link from the footer or the FAQ. If many of your patients ask about the plan, a dedicated page can help them find answers quickly. Keep it short and factual either way. Our guide to what a dental website needs shows where insurance information fits in the overall structure.
Keep the front desk and website aligned
The website and the front desk should give the same answers. Before publishing a CDCP section, agree on a few points with your team:
- How the office confirms that a patient’s coverage is active.
- How co-payments or amounts not covered by the plan are explained and collected.
- What happens when a patient’s coverage has lapsed because they did not renew.
- Who updates the website when the plan changes.
Write the agreed answers into the page in plain language. When a patient calls after reading the page, the person who answers should be able to confirm what the page says.
Questions patients may ask
A short FAQ under the CDCP section can answer common questions without overpromising. Useful questions include: Do you see CDCP patients? Do I need to bring anything? What if my coverage has lapsed? Will I have to pay anything at my visit? Where can I check whether I am eligible? Each answer should either describe your office’s process or link to the official canada.ca page.
Frequently asked questions
Can we say we offer free dental care to CDCP members?
Avoid it. Coverage and co-payments depend on the plan rules and the member’s situation, and the Government of Canada says co-payment levels may change when members renew. Free can be untrue for some patients and can conflict with advertising rules on incentives and clear fees.
Should we list which CDCP services we provide?
You can describe the services you offer, but link to the official list of covered services rather than copying it. Coverage rules change, and an outdated copy on your site can mislead patients.
How often should the CDCP section be reviewed?
At least once a year, after the renewal period, and whenever the Government of Canada announces changes. Add a visible “last reviewed” date to the section.
Should the CDCP section mention specific co-payment percentages?
It is safer not to. Co-payment levels depend on the member’s situation and can change at renewal, according to the Government of Canada. Link to the official coverage page instead, and let your front desk confirm details for each patient.
Can we use the Government of Canada logo or CDCP branding?
Do not assume you can. Government symbols are protected. Describe the plan in words and link to canada.ca rather than using official logos.
Sources
- Health Canada: Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians (March 2025) Government
- Government of Canada: Renew your Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage Government
- Sun Life: Canadian Dental Care Plan oral health provider newsletter, Volume 3 (3 March 2026) Plan administrator communication
- RCDSO: Advertising Guidelines Regulator
Checked on 29 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current version with the regulator before you publish.
