Does CDCP Cover Dentures? Who Qualifies and What You Pay

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.

Not sure if you qualify? Book a free consultation and the Saberton Denture & Implant team will help you understand your eligibility and complete the application.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federal dental plan administered through Sun Life. The plan is open to eligible Canadians of any age. There's no age limit. Its goal is to help Canadians without private dental insurance access essential care, including dentures, without the financial stress.

At Saberton Denture & Implant, 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 for tax purposes
• Have filed a tax return in Canada for the previous year (your spouse or partner too)
• Have no access to private dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000

These four rules are the CDCP denture criteria, and they apply to everyone. If you need a replacement sooner than the usual timeline, separate clinical criteria apply (more on that below).

Not sure whether your workplace plan counts? See private insurance vs CDCP.

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

Does CDCP Cover Dentures for Seniors?

Yes. There's no age limit, so a 25-year-old and a 75-year-old follow the same four rules. If you're a senior with no private dental insurance and a family income under $90,000, you can apply. If you're younger and wearing dentures, you're not alone either. Read dentures in your 20s and 30s.

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 (with preauthorization). Overdentures on implants aren't covered.

Does CDCP Cover Partial Dentures?

Yes. CDCP covers both acrylic and cast metal framework partial dentures. Here's how often:

• Partial acrylic dentures: once every 5 years per arch
• Partial cast (metal framework) dentures: once every 8 years per arch

A first partial denture needs preauthorization from Sun Life before treatment starts. Your Saberton Denture & Implant denturist submits it for you. If a partial needs replacing sooner for a documented clinical reason, the same process applies. Early replacement is reviewed case by case and isn't guaranteed.

Missing a few teeth and want to keep eating the foods you like? Ask about partial dentures at your free consultation. Not sure which type you need? Our guide to types of dentures helps you compare.

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):

Wondering what the process looks like from your first visit to your final fit? See how long it takes to get dentures.

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.

Having teeth removed first? Read dentures after extractions: why timing matters and just had teeth extracted? what to know before dentures.

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. New dentures take getting used to, so if something rubs or feels loose, you don't have to wait it out. Read why denture sore spots make eating painful, the best foods for your first few weeks and why dentures feel loose, then come back to us.

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.

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

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

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

Want to know what affordable dentures should include? Read affordable dentures: value, fit and quality.

What Is Preauthorization and What Does It Mean for You?

Some denture services require preauthorization from Sun Life before treatment can begin. For the full steps, see CDCP preauthorization for dentures: what needs approval and how it works.

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. Some may need additional information, and some may be declined.

What 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 Denture & Implant, 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.

If you miss the renewal deadline, your coverage ends June 30. Any treatment you get before your coverage starts again won't be covered or paid back.

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

Renew online through your My Service Canada Account at Canada.ca. Renewals for the 2027 to 2028 benefit period open there in spring 2027. If you have questions or need to update your information, call 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262).

What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline

Your coverage ends June 30. You can still submit a new application, but there will be a gap in your coverage until it's approved. Any denture services you get during that gap won't be covered or reimbursed.

Are You a New Applicant?

Applications for the 2026 to 2027 benefit period are open now. 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 every Saberton Denture & Implant clinic bills Sun Life directly for CDCP-covered care.

Q: Does CDCP renew automatically?

A: No. CDCP coverage doesn't renew automatically. You need to renew every year to stay enrolled. Your coverage period ends June 30, and renewals for the 2027 to 2028 benefit period open in spring 2027. If you miss the deadline, there'll be a gap in your coverage.

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 implants are what you're after, Saberton Denture & Implant offers payment plans, and a free initial discussion is a good place to start.

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 each spring to keep your coverage active
• Apply via Service Canada
• Book with a CDCP-registered provider like Saberton Denture & Implant

At Saberton Denture & Implant, 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
• Glossary of Denture & Implant Terms

Book Your Free Consultation

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