CDCP Oral Health Provider Newsletter Volume 5 – September 29 , 2026

This message was created jointly with the Government of Canada.

Canadian Dental Care Plan: Oral Health Provider News

This is your periodic oral health provider update to help keep you and your staff informed of the latest Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) news.

CDCP Statistics at a glance as of August 31, 2026:

  • More than 7.5 million Canadians have been enrolled in the CDCP since the launch 
  • More than 4.8 million enrolled members have used CDCP coverage to access care since the launch of the CDCP
  • Over 29,000 eligible oral health providers are participating in the CDCP 

CDCP statistics are updated monthly and are found on the Government of Canada CDCP statistics webpage.

Using CDCP Provider Resources

The CDCP Dental Benefits Guide is the primary reference for understanding coverage criteria, limitations, documentation requirements, and submission expectations for all services. Oral health providers should consult the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide and the CDCP Dental Benefit Grids before submitting claims or preauthorization requests to help ensure compliance with program requirements.

Key Resources Available to Providers:

Eligibility Verification: Important Reminders for Providers

A member’s eligibility and coverage level under the CDCP may change at any time during the benefit period due to reassessment based on tax filing information, voluntary withdrawal from the plan, or other circumstances. Providers must validate each CDCP member's eligibility and coverage level before providing services, treatments, and billing.

Best Practices for Eligibility Verification:

  • Verify coverage at every appointment and before service delivery
  • Submit an EDI estimate to confirm current eligibility status
  • Call the Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 for coverage inquiries
  • Use the CDCP coverage look-up tool in Sun Life Direct

Important Considerations:

  • Claims will be paid based on the member's coverage and co-payment level on the date the service is rendered, which may differ from earlier estimates or approved preauthorizations.
  • If a member's eligibility changes during an active treatment plan, no retroactive payments or legacy provisions will apply.

Submission Methods for Claims and Preauthorizations

Understanding the different submission methods available helps ensure CDCP services are processed efficiently and reimbursed appropriately. The method you choose may affect processing timelines and outcomes. 

Available Submission Methods:

1. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): Oral Health Providers are encouraged to use EDI to submit preauthorization requests. This method is the fastest and easiest way to obtain preauthorization approvals.

How to Register for EDI
Contact your professional association to request your Unique Identification Number (UIN) and office ID(s):

  • Visit the Canadian Dentists Association for information on how to register for EDI
  • Visit the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association for information on how to register for EDI
  • Visit the Denturist Association of Canada for information on how to register for EDI
  • Visit the Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec for information on how to register for EDI

2. Paper submission: Paper submission follows a similar process to EDI but may require longer processing times. Mail paper submissions to the CDCP dedicated PO Box:

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
PO Box 99865, STN. D
Montréal, QC
H3C 0E6

To help avoid potential processing delays, please include all applicable supporting documentation with your submission. Consult the Preauthorization Supporting Documentation Reference Guide for a summary of the required documents or the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide. 

Denture Coverage Requirements: Reline/Rebase 24-Month Rule

To streamline the denture adjudication process and respect established CDCP guidelines, specific coverage restrictions have been implemented regarding new dentures following reline or rebase services.

Key Coverage Requirement:

New dentures are not eligible for coverage within 24 months of a reline or rebase on an existing denture, given that the reline or rebase will have extended the life of the denture. This rule applies regardless of other denture frequency limits.

Example:

If a patient's existing denture was relined on December 15, 2025, the patient will not be eligible for a new denture under the CDCP until December 16, 2027.

Treatment Planning Implications:

  • Take this 24-month rule into account when planning and assessing the best way to treat dentures that are nearing the end of their life.
  • Consult the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide (section 6.6) for additional details on denture eligibility and reimbursement conditions.

Submission Guidance:

When submitting claims for reline, rebase, or new denture services:

  • Verify the patient's denture history to determine eligibility
  • Document the date of previous reline or rebase services
  • Ensure treatment planning aligns with CDCP frequency limitations and the 24-month rule

To learn more, call 1-888-888-8110, visit Sun Life's CDCP website or the Government of Canada CDCP website