CDCP Denture Coverage Explained: Who Qualifies & What to Expect

If you're wondering whether the Canadian Dental Care Plan will help pay for your dentures, you're not alone. At Saberton Denture & Implant, we hear this question every day. The short answer: yes, the CDCP does cover dentures. But the specifics (how much it covers, who qualifies, what the replacement timelines look like, and how to keep your coverage active) all depend on a few key things. This guide walks you through all of it.

‍What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federal dental plan administered through Sun Life. As of June 2025, the plan is open to all eligible Canadians of all ages. There are no longer any age restrictions on applying. Its goal is to help Canadians without private dental insurance access essential care, including dentures, without the financial stress.

At Saberton, we’ve seen firsthand how cost can delay treatment, and this program is designed to ease that burden.

The program is administered through Sun Life, and it covers a range of dental services, including complete and partial dentures.

Who Qualifies for Denture Coverage Under CDCP?

To be Canadian Dental Care Plan eligible, you need to meet all the following:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Have filed a tax return in the previous year
• Have no access to private dental insurance
• Have a family net income under $90,000

These four criteria apply to all Canadians. As of June 2025, there are no age restrictions on applying.

If you meet the above criteria, you may be eligible for full or partial coverage of dentures. And, at your free Saberton consultation, we’ll help walk you through all the details.

What Denture Services Does CDCP Cover?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan includes coverage for a wide range of prosthodontic services. Here's what’s included:

• Complete dentures – standard and temporary
• Partial dentures – for initial placement or replacement (requires preauthorization)
• Denture repairs, relines, and rebases
• Soft liners and tissue conditioners
• Immediate dentures (with preauthorization)
• Overdentures (also with preauthorization)

How Often Does CDCP Cover Denture Replacement?

CDCP doesn't cover new dentures every time you need them. The plan has specific replacement timelines, and knowing them helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Here's how often CDCP will cover a new set, per arch (upper or lower jaw):

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Note on immediate dentures: if you received an immediate or transitional complete denture under CDCP, the plan can consider coverage for a standard replacement set after 96 months from that claim date.

One other detail worth knowing: the CDCP fee for complete and partial dentures includes a 3-month post-insertion care period. Follow-up visits and minor fit adjustments during that window are part of the covered service.

What If I Need Replacement Sooner?

If there's a documented clinical reason for early replacement (significant bone changes, a failed denture, or a condition affecting fit), your Saberton Denture & Implant denturist can submit a preauthorization request on your behalf. The CDCP will review the documentation and decide based on clinical criteria. This process takes time, so the earlier you come in for a free consultation, the better.

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How Much Does CDCP Pay? Co‑Pay Levels by Income

Coverage under the CDCP is income-based. Here’s a quick breakdown:

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‍Important to note: Many dentists or denturists may charge more than the CDCP fee guide. In that case, you pay the difference.

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What Is Preauthorization and What Does It Mean for You?

Some denture services require preauthorization from Sun Life before treatment can begin.

This applies to:

• Partial dentures (initial placement)
• Immediate dentures
• Overdentures
• Services that exceed CDCP frequency limits (such as early denture replacement)

Here's what that means in practice.

You don't handle preauthorization yourself

‍Your Saberton Denture & Implant denturist submits the request to Sun Life with the required clinical documentation. Your part is coming in for your free consultation so we can assess what you need and start the process.

Treatment cannot begin until preauthorization is confirmed

‍If a service requires it, your denturist will submit before scheduling your treatment appointment. Starting before approval means the service won't be covered.

Not every submission is guaranteed

‍Sun Life reviews each request against clinical criteria. Most standard cases are approved when the need is clearly documented, but some may require additional information or may be declined.

If a request is declined...

‍a reconsideration process is available. Your Saberton Denture & Implant denturist can walk you through what additional documentation or alternative options might support a reconsideration submission.

As a CDCP-registered provider, all Saberton Denture & Implant clinics direct bill Sun Life. You're only ever responsible for your applicable co-payment (if any). No paperwork on your end. No paying upfront.

What to Expect When You Apply

Applying for CDCP coverage is straightforward! Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure your taxes are filed for the previous year
2. Confirm you don’t have private dental insurance
3. Apply online or by phone via Service Canada
4. You’ll receive a welcome package and benefits card
5. The card shows your start date and coverage level

At Saberton, our care coordinators are more than happy to walk you through eligibility and submitting your application.

Important: Only book your denture appointment after your coverage start date. If you start treatment beforehand, you might not be covered.

How to Renew Your CDCP Coverage

Already enrolled in the CDCP? Your coverage does not renew automatically. You need to actively renew every year to stay covered.

The 2026-2027 renewal window is open now and closes June 1, 2026. If you miss that date, coverage ends June 30, 2026. Any treatment you receive after that point will not be covered or reimbursed, even if you renew later.

What You Need Before Renewing

• Your 2025 Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency. You must file your taxes before renewing. You cannot start without the NOA.
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and CDCP client number
• Updated contact information if anything has changed (address, phone, marital status)

How to Renew

You have three options:

1. Online: through your My Service Canada Account at canada.ca
2. By phone: call 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262)
3. In person: at any Service Canada Centre

What Happens If You Miss the June 1, 2026 Deadline

Your coverage ends June 30, 2026. You can reapply starting June 2, 2026, when new applications open for the next benefit year. However, there will be a gap in coverage between July 1 and the date your new application is approved. Any denture services received during that gap will not be covered or reimbursed.

Are You a New Applicant?

Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year open June 2, 2026. You'll need your 2025 Notice of Assessment, your SIN, and confirmation that you don't have private dental insurance.

Not sure whether you qualify, or want to understand your coverage before your next visit? Book a free consultation and the Saberton Denture & Implant team will walk you through it.

FAQs & Common Concerns

Q: Will this affect my provincial or disability coverage?‍

A: No. CDCP is designed to coordinate with other plans. There’s no duplication or cancellation of provincial or disability benefits.

Q: What if my dentist or denturist isn’t registered with CDCP?‍

A: You can still apply, but your provider must bill Sun Life directly for the service to be covered. If they don’t, you’ll pay out-of-pocket. The good news is that all Saberton clinics and denturists provide services that are eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Q: Does CDCP renew automatically?‍

A: No. CDCP coverage does not renew automatically. You need to renew every year to stay enrolled. The renewal window for 2026-2027 is open now and closes June 1, 2026. If you miss that deadline, your coverage ends June 30, 2026. To renew, you'll need your 2025 Notice of Assessment from the CRA. You can renew online through your My Service Canada Account, by phone at 1-833-537-4342, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.

Q: How often will CDCP cover new dentures?

A: CDCP covers standard complete denture replacement once every 8 years (96 months) per arch. Partial acrylic dentures are covered every 5 years (60 months) per arch. Partial cast (metal framework) dentures are covered every 8 years per arch. Immediate and transitional complete dentures are covered once per lifetime per arch. If you need a replacement before those timelines, your Saberton Denture & Implant denturist can submit a preauthorization request with clinical documentation — but early replacement is reviewed individually and is not guaranteed.

Q: Does CDCP cover implant-supported dentures?

A: No. Implant-supported dentures and all implant-related procedures, including the hardware and surgery, are a formal exclusion under the CDCP — not just a coverage limit. Standard complete and partial dentures are covered. If implant-supported options are something you're interested in, bring it up at your free consultation. The Saberton Denture & Implant team will walk you through what's available within your budget.

Q: Can I use CDCP if I already have provincial dental coverage?

A: Yes. CDCP is designed to coordinate with provincial, territorial, and federal social programs. Your coverage will be coordinated between the plans to prevent duplication. You do not need to give up provincial benefits to use CDCP.

Here’s What You Need to Do:

• Check your eligibility
• File your taxes (if you haven’t)
• Already enrolled? Renew before June 1, 2026 to keep your coverage active
• Apply via Service Canada
• Book with a CDCP-registered provider like Saberton Denture & Implant

At Saberton, we’re here to help guide you through every step, from application to aftercare. Denture care doesn’t have to be stressful, and with the Canadian Dental Care Plan, it’s more accessible than ever. 

Internal Resources:

• CDCP Denture & Implant Coverage
• Denture Services Overview
• Pricing Info
• Affordable Dentures

Book Your Free Consultation

Book your free consultation today and let Saberton help you make the most of your CDCP coverage.