From the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan covering millions of Canadians to provincial seniors programs, dental school clinics, and First Nations benefits, there are more legitimate paths to free or deeply reduced dental care than most people realize. This guide lists 20 specific programs with phone numbers, websites, and who qualifies.
Before sorting through 20 programs, here are the questions that come up most often — and the real answers that most websites either obscure or get wrong.
- 1 Who qualifies for the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan in Canada? You must meet all four conditions: you are a Canadian tax resident, you have filed your most recent tax return (and received your Notice of Assessment), your adjusted family net income is under $90,000, and you have no access to private dental insurance — through an employer, pension plan, spouse’s plan, or any policy you’ve purchased yourself. Receiving dental benefits through a government program like Ontario Works or Healthy Smiles Ontario does not disqualify you. Applications for the 2026–2027 benefit year opened June 2, 2026. The plan is managed by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada. Apply online via My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342.
- 2 How much of my dental bill does the CDCP actually pay? If your family income is under $70,000, the CDCP pays 100% of covered services — you pay nothing at a participating dentist. For incomes between $70,000 and $80,000, you pay a 40% co-pay. For incomes between $80,000 and $90,000, you pay a 60% co-pay. There are no premiums — you don’t pay a monthly fee just to have the coverage. What’s covered includes exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, and crowns within defined limits. What is not covered: dental implants, bridges, cosmetic work, or orthodontics (although orthodontics is listed in the framework, it has not yet been implemented).
- 3 I’m a senior — do I still have to apply for dental benefits or is it automatic? It is not automatic — you must apply. Seniors aged 65 and over were among the first groups enrolled in the CDCP rollout starting in 2024, and many received invitation letters. However, if you did not receive a letter or didn’t respond, you are not automatically enrolled. Apply through My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342. Ontario seniors 65+ with low income may also qualify for the separate Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP), which is provincial and operates through Public Health Units — not through the CDCP process. Both programs can be accessed simultaneously since they don’t duplicate coverage.
- 4 My dentist isn’t on the CDCP list. What do I do? You have two options: find a participating dentist through Sun Life’s provider search, or ask your own dentist to register. CDCP participation has been expanding significantly through 2025 and into 2026, and many dentists have joined. Contact Sun Life’s provider line at 1-888-888-8110 to locate a participating dentist near you. You can also ask your current dentist if they’ll enroll — many have registered specifically because their patients need the coverage. Some dentists bill directly, so you pay nothing upfront. Others require you to pay first and then claim reimbursement through your Sun Life CDCP member account.
- 5 Are there free dental options if I don’t qualify for the CDCP? Yes — several pathways exist for people above the $90,000 threshold or who have private insurance. University dental school clinics across Canada offer supervised student care at significantly reduced fees — often 40–70% below private clinic rates, with some free services for specific groups. Community health centres in most cities operate sliding-scale or free dental clinics. Some provinces have separate children’s programs, senior programs, and social assistance dental benefits that operate independently from the CDCP. Indigenous Canadians may qualify for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program regardless of income. Contact your local public health unit — they typically know every program operating in your area.
- 6 I have no money and a dental emergency right now. What are my fastest options? Call your provincial dental program first — most provinces have emergency provisions. In Ontario, call 416-916-0204 or 1-833-207-4435 for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program, or 1-844-296-6306 for Healthy Smiles Ontario (children). For general adults in financial need, call your local public health unit — some can provide same-day emergency extractions or pain relief. Community health centres often have same-day or next-day emergency slots for low-income patients. Hospital emergency rooms can treat dental infections that have spread, though they cannot do dental work itself. If your pain is severe and jaw swelling is present, go to an emergency room — an untreated dental abscess can become life-threatening.
- 7 I’m on social assistance in Ontario — do I automatically get dental coverage? It depends on which program you’re on. Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) both include some dental benefits for recipients and their dependants, including children, who are automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario. Adult coverage under OW and ODSP covers emergency dental only — pain relief and extractions, not routine cleanings or fillings. Adults on OW or ODSP may also now apply for the federal CDCP, and the two programs coordinate benefits without duplication. If you’re on OW or ODSP and need dental care beyond emergencies, applying for the CDCP is strongly recommended as it provides more comprehensive coverage.
These programs are national and apply regardless of which province you live in. They’re the starting point for most Canadians seeking publicly funded dental care.
Launched in December 2023 with a $13 billion budget over 10 years, the CDCP is managed by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada. It covers exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, and crowns within defined frequency limits. There are no monthly premiums. Applications for the 2026–2027 benefit year opened June 2, 2026. You need a filed 2025 tax return, your SIN, and a Notice of Assessment to apply. Approval typically takes 6 to 8 weeks; your CDCP member number arrives by mail and allows you to book appointments immediately. The online application through My Service Canada Account is faster than the phone option.
The NIHB program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit with coverage for dental care not otherwise available through provincial health plans or private insurance. There is no application process and no income threshold — eligibility is based solely on being a registered First Nations person under the Indian Act, or an Inuk recognized by one of the four Inuit land claim organizations. Coverage includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and more, with some services requiring prior approval. Simply make an appointment with a NIHB-registered dental provider.
The IFHP provides emergency dental services to government-assisted refugees, refugee claimants, and certain protected persons during their transitional period in Canada. Coverage is specifically for dental emergencies — pain relief, extractions, and treatment of infection — rather than routine preventive care. Coverage is administered through Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If you are a recent refugee or refugee claimant and experience a dental emergency, contact the IFHP line to confirm coverage before visiting a dentist.
Ontario has the most comprehensive provincial dental program infrastructure in Canada. Several programs operate simultaneously and can be layered with the federal CDCP for maximum coverage.
The OSDCP provides free routine dental services — exams, X-rays, fillings, cleanings, extractions — to low-income seniors 65 and older in Ontario. It operates through Public Health Units across the province, not through private dental offices. To access services, you must first apply and receive your OSDCP dental card, then make appointments through your local Public Health Unit’s seniors dental clinic. The program is separate from the federal CDCP and does not coordinate benefits with it — eligible seniors can be enrolled in both simultaneously. Apply at ontario.ca/SeniorsDental or pick up a form at your nearest Community Health Centre.
Healthy Smiles Ontario covers basic and emergency dental needs for children and youth under 18 whose families meet income eligibility requirements. Children of families receiving Ontario Works or ODSP are automatically enrolled. Covered services include X-rays, fillings, tooth removal, cleaning, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, and mouthguard fittings. The program now coordinates with the federal CDCP as the primary payer — CDCP pays first, and Healthy Smiles Ontario covers any remaining eligible amount. TTY access: 1-800-387-5559.
Ontario Works recipients and their dependants have access to emergency dental coverage — primarily pain relief and extractions for adults. Children in OW families are automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario, which provides more comprehensive coverage. Adults on OW are encouraged to also apply for the federal CDCP, which provides significantly broader coverage and has been available to OW recipients since 2025 through a coordinated benefits arrangement. Contact your local Ontario Works office to understand what dental services are available to you while on assistance.
ODSP recipients receive emergency dental coverage for adults and their dependants, with some additional routine care compared to Ontario Works. Children of ODSP recipients are automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario. ODSP dental coverage coordinates with the federal CDCP — CDCP is now the primary payer for ODSP recipients who qualify, with ODSP covering any remaining gap. If you’re on ODSP and haven’t applied for the CDCP, doing so significantly increases your total dental coverage. Contact your local ODSP office for a list of dentists who accept ODSP coverage in your area.
The University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry operates 14 specialty clinics where DDS students treat patients under the supervision of licensed clinical instructors. Services span general dentistry, periodontics, endodontics (root canals), oral surgery, prosthodontics, and radiology. For most services, fees are significantly lower than private clinics — though not always free. The U of T clinics accept CDCP billing. New patients begin at the Oral Diagnosis Clinic (416-864-8320) before being referred to appropriate specialty clinics.
Western provinces have their own dental programs that operate alongside the federal CDCP. Some are specifically for children or seniors; others are income-tested adult programs.
British Columbia residents without private dental insurance and under $90,000 family income qualify for the federal CDCP through the same national application process. BC also has a strong CDCP provider network — Sun Life’s provider lookup supports French-speaking BC residents. The UBC Faculty of Dentistry operates clinics at the Vancouver campus offering comprehensive services at reduced fees under faculty supervision. BC participates in the BC Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG) of $1,200 for children’s RESPs, which while not dental-specific, frees household funds that can be used for dental expenses.
The Alberta Adult Health Benefit provides dental and other health-related benefits to low-income Albertans who meet income thresholds based on family size. Eligible residents can access preventive and basic dental care through the program. Alberta also offers the Dental Assistance for Seniors program for low-income Albertans 65 and older, and the Alberta Child Health Benefit for children in low-income families. The provincial programs operate separately from the federal CDCP and can be stacked. Call Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992 to determine which provincial program you’re eligible for based on your current situation.
Alberta’s Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors program offers dental and optical benefits to low-income seniors aged 65 and over. Notably, this program does not require applicants to lack private dental insurance — eligibility is based on income thresholds only. This is different from the federal CDCP and OSDCP in Ontario, which exclude those with any private coverage. Alberta seniors who have limited private dental coverage may still qualify here if their income falls within the limits. Contact Alberta Supports or visit the provincial website for current income thresholds.
The University of Alberta School of Dentistry offers public patient care through its dental clinics in Edmonton, with students treating patients under faculty supervision. Services are comprehensive and priced below private market rates. The clinics accept CDCP billing where applicable. For uninsured patients or those facing financial barriers, the school has periodically offered access programs in partnership with Health Canada. Call the school directly to ask about current availability, what procedures are offered to the public, and any income-based reduced-fee arrangements that may apply to your situation.
The University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry accepts public patients at its Winnipeg clinic, where fourth-year dental students provide comprehensive dental care under faculty supervision. Wait times may be longer than a private practice because the educational environment requires more time per procedure. The trade-off is substantially reduced fees for services including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. Manitoba’s rural dental coverage through the CDCP is strong in Winnipeg but thinner in rural areas — this campus clinic is an important resource for Winnipeg residents who cannot access CDCP providers or who face cost barriers.
The University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry offers reduced-fee public care through its main dental clinic, with senior DDS students treating patients under licensed faculty supervision. The school has run a specific program — the USask Dental Access and Training Expansion (USASK-DATE) — offering 100% coverage for specific treatments for uninsured patients or those who face barriers accessing the federal CDCP. This program has run in phases; call the clinic directly to ask whether a current access program is available and what procedures qualify. The clinic also directly bills to CDCP for enrolled patients.
Canada has 10 dental schools total. All operate public patient clinics at reduced fees, often below 50% of private rates. These are open to anyone — you don’t need to qualify for any government program to be a patient.
McGill’s Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences runs multiple clinics providing care to the public at reduced cost. Many clinics provide free care for specific eligible patient groups, particularly in outreach and community clinic settings. Quebec residents can also access coverage through RAMQ dental benefits for children under 10 and social assistance recipients. McGill’s clinics are fully bilingual and particularly important for Montreal residents who need specialized dental care at below-market pricing. Contact the clinic directly to ask about current availability and any free or sliding-scale programs currently operating.
Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry is the only dental school in Atlantic Canada and serves patients from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland. The school accepts public patients at its Halifax clinic, offering comprehensive dental services at substantially lower rates than private practices. This is a critical resource for Atlantic Canadians who qualify for the federal CDCP but cannot find a local CDCP provider — Dalhousie’s clinic accepts CDCP billing. For Nova Scotians with limited CDCP access due to provider gaps in rural areas, a trip to Halifax for dental school care can be a practical and affordable solution.
Accerta is Ontario’s third-party dental program administrator, handling claims and inquiries for Healthy Smiles Ontario and the dental component of the Ontario Disability Support Program. If you are a dental provider with questions about how CDCP coordinates with Healthy Smiles or ODSP, or if you are a patient with a claim issue related to these Ontario programs, Accerta is the contact point. They also handle provider billing disputes and enrollment questions. This is not a dental clinic — it’s the administrative hub for Ontario’s provincial dental benefit programs, important when navigating multiple layers of coverage.
Ontario has 34 Public Health Units, and many operate in-house dental clinics that deliver free services to children enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario and seniors in the OSDCP program. Some PHUs also provide limited dental services to low-income adults outside these programs. PHUs are a critical emergency resource for people in dental pain who are waiting for CDCP approval or who need faster access than a private dentist can provide. York Region PHU runs five seniors dental clinic locations. Durham Region PHU operates an oral health clinic at 200 John St. West, Oshawa (1-866-853-1326 ext. 4567). Call your local PHU to ask what programs and clinics are available in your specific area.
These programs serve specific populations with distinct dental benefits that often go unclaimed because eligible people don’t know they exist.
Veterans Affairs Canada provides dental coverage to eligible Canadian veterans through the Veteran Dental Benefit. Coverage is comprehensive and includes preventive, restorative, and specialist dental services. Eligibility depends on the veteran’s release type, years of service, and whether a service-related condition affects their dental health. Many veterans don’t claim dental benefits they’re entitled to because they weren’t aware the program extended beyond their years of service. Contact VAC directly or visit any Service Canada office to confirm eligibility and enroll in the dental benefit program. Processing is handled through Blue Cross under the VAC contract.
Community Health Centres operate in most Canadian cities, funded by provincial and municipal governments, and provide primary care — including dental — on a sliding-scale fee or completely free basis depending on income. They are typically the fastest path to low-barrier dental care for people who can’t navigate complex program applications. Unlike government dental programs, CHC dental clinics often accept walk-ins and can provide same-day emergency care. They serve newcomers, low-income adults, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness without extensive eligibility paperwork. In Ontario, find your nearest CHC at ohc.ca. In BC, contact your local health authority. In other provinces, search for community health centres or primary care networks in your city.
Find the right program for your situation at a glance. Programs marked Free pay 100% of covered costs; Reduced means lower than private rates with possible co-pay.
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| # | Program | Who Qualifies | Cost to You | Where Available | Main Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CDCP Biggest | Income <$90K, no private insurance, filed taxes | Free (under $70K) / 40–60% co-pay | All of Canada | 1-833-537-4342 |
| 2 | NIHB Indigenous | Registered First Nations & recognized Inuit | Free — comprehensive | All of Canada | 1-888-441-4777 |
| 3 | IFHP | Govt-assisted refugees, claimants | Free — emergency dental | All of Canada | 1-855-488-0001 |
| 4 | OSDCP ON Seniors | Ontario seniors 65+, low income, no private ins. | Free — routine dental | Ontario only | 1-833-207-4435 |
| 5 | Healthy Smiles ON | Ontario children under 18, low income | Free — basic + emergency | Ontario only | 1-844-296-6306 |
| 6 | Ontario Works Dental | OW recipients and dependants | Emergency only for adults | Ontario only | Local OW office |
| 7 | ODSP Dental | ODSP recipients and dependants | Emergency + limited routine | Ontario only | 1-888-999-1142 |
| 8 | U of T Dentistry | Open to public (Toronto area) | Reduced — below private rates | Toronto | 416-864-8000 |
| 9 | UBC Dentistry | Open to public (BC) | Reduced fees | Vancouver | 604-822-7566 |
| 10 | AB Adult Health Benefit | Low-income Alberta adults | Subsidized dental | Alberta only | 1-877-644-9992 |
| 11 | AB Senior Dental | Alberta seniors 65+, income-tested | Income-based subsidy | Alberta only | 1-877-644-9992 |
| 12 | U of Alberta Dentistry | Open to public (Edmonton) | Reduced fees | Edmonton | 780-492-1319 |
| 13 | U of Manitoba Dentistry | Open to public (Winnipeg) | Reduced fees | Winnipeg | 204-789-3631 |
| 14 | U of Saskatchewan Access Program | Open public + uninsured access program | Up to 100% for eligible uninsured | Saskatoon | 306-966-5126 |
| 15 | McGill Dentistry | Open public, some free care | Reduced + some free | Montreal | 514-398-7203 |
| 16 | Dalhousie Dentistry | Open public — Atlantic Canada | Reduced fees | Halifax | 902-494-2824 |
| 17 | Accerta ON | Healthy Smiles / ODSP claims admin | No cost — admin body | Ontario | 1-800-505-7430 |
| 18 | ON Public Health Units | Enrolled program recipients + some adults | Free for enrolled clients | Ontario (34 PHUs) | Local PHU number |
| 19 | VAC Dental | Eligible Canadian veterans | Comprehensive — mostly free | All of Canada | 1-866-522-2022 |
| 20 | Community Health Centres Fastest | Low income, uninsured, marginalized | Free to sliding scale | Most Canadian cities | Local CHC number |
The right program depends heavily on your province, age, income, and whether you have any private dental coverage at all. Here’s direct guidance for the most common situations.
You may qualify for two programs simultaneously. Apply for the federal CDCP first (1-833-537-4342 or My Service Canada Account) — it pays 100% of covered services if your family income is under $70,000. In Ontario, also apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) at 1-833-207-4435 — it operates through Public Health Units and doesn’t coordinate with the CDCP, meaning you can use both for different services. In Alberta, call 1-877-644-9992 about the Dental Assistance for Seniors program, which accepts even those with limited private insurance. You should not have to live with dental pain — these programs cover exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions at no cost.
Children’s dental programs are among the most accessible in Canada. In Ontario, call 1-844-296-6306 for Healthy Smiles Ontario — children under 18 in income-eligible families receive free exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Children of families on Ontario Works or ODSP are automatically enrolled. Nationally, the federal CDCP now covers dependent children as part of a family application — if you’re already enrolled, make sure your children are listed as dependants on your account. Alberta has the Alberta Child Health Benefit for low-income families. Every province has some form of children’s dental program — contact your local public health unit if you’re unsure what’s available where you live.
This is the situation the CDCP was designed for — working Canadians earning under $90,000 who don’t have employer dental benefits. Apply through My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342. You’ll need your most recent Notice of Assessment and SIN. If your income is between $70,000 and $90,000, you’ll have a co-pay (40–60%), but that’s still significantly better than paying full private dental rates. While waiting for CDCP approval (typically 6 to 8 weeks), a dental school clinic in your city provides the most affordable immediate option — call the nearest university dental school to become a patient. You can also ask your dentist directly if they offer any income-based payment plans or sliding-scale fees for uninsured patients.
Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit have access to the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, which provides comprehensive dental coverage with no income test and no application process. Simply make an appointment with a NIHB-registered dental provider. Coverage includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and some specialist services requiring prior approval. Contact the NIHB client line at 1-888-441-4777 or the Express Scripts Canada website for details on covered services and how to find registered providers in your area. You may also be eligible for the federal CDCP — the two programs don’t duplicate each other and can be used together for maximum coverage.
University dental school clinics are your best path to substantially reduced costs without any income or eligibility requirements. Every one of Canada’s 10 dental schools accepts public patients — call the closest one and get on their patient list. Treatment is performed by senior dental students under full faculty supervision; the care quality is equivalent to a private practice, though appointments take longer. Reduced-fee rates are typically 40 to 70% below private clinic pricing. Community health centres in most cities also provide sliding-scale dental to the public regardless of insurance status. Some private dentists offer payment plans or reduced fees for uninsured patients who ask directly — the conversation is worth having. Finally, check whether you recently lost a job with dental benefits — you may have options under provincial employment insurance to maintain temporary coverage during the transition.
New applications typically take 6 to 8 weeks to process. If it’s been longer, call the CDCP line at 1-833-537-4342 to check your application status — you’ll need your SIN and basic personal information. Common delays include: a mismatch between the information you provided and what’s in CRA records, a missing Notice of Assessment from your tax filing, or your taxes not yet being fully processed by CRA. Online applications through My Service Canada Account are processed faster than phone applications, and status updates are available in real time through MSCA. If you applied by phone and it’s been over 10 weeks, call to follow up and ask specifically whether any additional information was requested or is missing.
Yes — dentures are covered under the CDCP within defined limits. Complete dentures and partial dentures are included in the CDCP benefit framework. However, frequency limits and prior approval requirements apply. Dental implants are explicitly excluded from CDCP coverage — the plan covers dentures as the alternative to implants for tooth replacement, but the implant procedure itself (the titanium fixture placed into the jaw) and the implant-supported crown are not covered. If you need dentures and are CDCP-eligible, ask your participating dentist to review the coverage limits specific to your situation before treatment begins so there are no surprises about what’s included.
You have two practical options. First, ask your dentist to register with the CDCP — participation has grown significantly and many dentists have enrolled specifically because their long-term patients need the coverage. The registration process for dentists is through Sun Life, and your dentist’s office manager or billing coordinator handles it. Second, you can visit a CDCP-participating dentist for CDCP-covered services and continue seeing your regular dentist for any work not covered by the plan. You are not required to have all your care with a single provider. Find participating dentists through Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110 or their online provider search tool.
The CDCP requires you to have no access to private dental insurance at the time of application. If your employer plan is ending as a result of job loss, you become eligible once that coverage has fully ended — not while it’s still technically active, even if your last day has passed. Once coverage ends, apply immediately through My Service Canada Account or by calling 1-833-537-4342. The 6-to-8-week approval timeline means you may have a coverage gap — during that period, dental school clinics and community health centres are your best options for any non-emergency care. For genuine dental emergencies during the gap, most community health centres can provide emergency pain relief and extractions at low or no cost.
Rural dental access is a known gap in the CDCP rollout. If no CDCP provider is near you, contact Sun Life at 1-888-888-8110 to ask whether any dentists in your area are considering registration — sometimes a patient inquiry is the push a local dentist needs to enroll. Some provinces have mobile dental units that travel to rural and remote communities — contact your provincial health authority or local public health unit to ask about scheduled visits. In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, First Nations communities may have specific outreach dental programs through Health Canada’s Indigenous Services that serve reserve communities. For urgent situations in areas without CDCP coverage, the nearest hospital’s dental surgery program covers medically necessary extractions and abscess treatment under provincial health insurance (OHIP, MSP, AHCIP).
The CDCP is a federal program separate from provincial dental insurance programs. The two are designed to coordinate rather than duplicate: the CDCP is typically the primary payer when both apply, and the provincial program covers any remaining eligible costs. For example, in Ontario, a child with both CDCP and Healthy Smiles Ontario coverage would have CDCP pay first, then Healthy Smiles cover what’s left. The OSDCP for seniors does not currently coordinate with the CDCP — the two operate independently, and eligible seniors can access both for different covered services. If you’re on a provincial program, applying for the CDCP as well (if you meet eligibility requirements) is almost always beneficial rather than redundant, since the programs cover slightly different services and fee schedules.
This page provides general educational information about free and subsidized dental programs available in Canada. Program eligibility criteria, income thresholds, covered services, and contact information are subject to change by the administering government bodies. Always verify current program details directly with the program administrator before applying or making dental appointments. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada — contact Health Canada or Service Canada for official information at canada.ca/dental. Provincial programs should be confirmed with your provincial Ministry of Health. Dental school clinic fees and access program availability change based on academic scheduling and funding — call the clinic directly to confirm current patient intake status. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice.