If you live in Corso Italia, Wychwood, Hillcrest Village, Regal Heights, or anywhere along the St. Clair West strip, you may be eligible for a federal dental benefit that could dramatically reduce, or even eliminate, what you pay at the dentist.
It’s called the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and at Tinto Dentistry, we’re proud to be a participating provider right here on St. Clair Avenue West. Better yet: we only charge the CDCP-established fees, which means that if you’re approved for 100% coverage, most visits will cost you nothing out of pocket.
Here’s everything our St. Clair West neighbours need to know.
Who This Is For
The CDCP was built for people facing real barriers to dental care. You might qualify if:
- You don’t have dental coverage through work, school, or a private insurance plan
- You’ve been putting off a cleaning, filling, or extraction because you can’t afford it
- You’re a senior on a fixed income who hasn’t seen a dentist in years
- You’re a newcomer to Canada without employer benefits yet
- You’re a parent who wants your kids to see a dentist but the cost keeps getting in the way
- You’re self-employed or a contract worker with no benefits package
- Your household income is under $90,000 and dental care feels out of reach
Nobody should have to put off dental care because of the cost. The CDCP exists to change that, and Tinto Dentistry is here to make it as simple as possible to use your benefits.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The CDCP is a federal government dental benefit launched in 2024 and designed to make dental care more accessible for Canadians who don’t have private or employer dental insurance. It’s administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada and covers a broad range of services, including cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures.
That said: the CDCP is not free dental care. Depending on your family income, you may have a co-payment. But for many families and individuals in our community, it covers the majority, or in some cases all, of the cost of essential dental work.
For a plain-language overview of the CDCP as it applies to St. Clair West residents, see our earlier post: Canadian Dental Care Plan Explained to St. Clair Residents
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify, you must meet all three of the following criteria, as set out by Health Canada²:
- You are a Canadian resident who has filed a tax return for the previous year
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
- You do not have access to private or employer dental insurance, even if you’ve never used it
A few important clarifications we hear about often at our St. Clair West clinic:
“Can I keep my work dental plan and also use the CDCP?” No. If you have access to any private dental coverage, even if you’ve never made a claim, you are not eligible for the CDCP.²
“What if my income is close to $90,000?” You can still apply. The threshold is based on your adjusted family net income. Depending on your exact income, you’ll fall into one of three co-payment tiers set by the federal government³:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Your Co-Payment |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | $0 (fully covered) |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 40% co-payment |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 60% co-payment |
“I have provincial coverage through a social program. Am I still eligible?” Yes. Provincial social dental programs are billed first, and the CDCP can cover any remaining eligible costs. Your coverage is coordinated automatically.²
💬 Not sure if you qualify? Our team can quickly check your eligibility before you book. Call us at (416) 651-1745 — it takes two minutes.
What Does the CDCP Cover at Tinto Dentistry?
At our St. Clair Ave W clinic, we cover the full range of CDCP-eligible services. Here’s what the plan pays for, based on the official CDCP Dental Benefits Guide from Health Canada⁴:
Preventive & Diagnostic
- Dental exams (routine, complete, emergency)
- Dental X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental cleanings: the CDCP covers four 15-minute units of scaling per year. For most patients, that’s one full cleaning annually. If you maintain excellent oral hygiene or have fewer teeth, you may qualify for two shorter cleanings per year.
Want the full breakdown on cleanings? Read our detailed post: CDCP: How Many Dental Cleanings Are Covered Each Year?
Basic Restorative
- Fillings (covered once every two years per tooth)
- Dental crowns (pre-authorization required)
Endodontic: Root Canals
Root canal therapy is covered under the CDCP as long as the tooth is restorable. If you’ve been putting off a root canal because of cost, this plan can help get you out of pain and resolve an infection without the financial stress. Nobody should have to put off a root canal because of the bill.
Oral Surgery
- Simple and complex tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal
Prosthodontics: Dentures
- Complete and partial dentures, including repairs
Periodontal: Gum Treatment
- Deep cleaning and scaling for gum disease management
❌ What’s NOT Covered
- Cosmetic procedures: teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding
- Invisalign and elective orthodontics (medically necessary orthodontic cases are expected to be added under the CDCP (ask us for updates)
- Dental implants (ask us about flexible financing options; see our implants page)
Worried about a missing tooth? We’ve covered what to expect cost-wise in our post: Missing a Tooth? Here’s What Dental Implants Cost in Toronto
For the complete official list of covered services, visit the CDCP Coverage page on Canada.ca.⁴
💬 Want to know what your visit would cost under CDCP? Call us and we’ll walk you through it before you even book. (416) 651-1745
What to Expect at Your First CDCP Appointment at Tinto Dentistry
Never used the CDCP before and not sure what to expect? We’ve got you covered.
Read our full walkthrough: What to Expect at Your First CDCP Appointment with a St. Clair West Dentist
The short version: call us, confirm your coverage is active, and let us handle the rest. We verify eligibility, complete all Sun Life billing on your behalf, and explain any costs before treatment begins. No surprises.
For a broader summary of the three most important things to understand before your visit, see: 3 Important Things You Need to Know About the New CDCP Plan
🗓️ Ready to get started? Booking your first CDCP visit takes less than a minute. Book online here or call (416) 651-1745.
Why Choose Tinto Dentistry for Your CDCP Care?
We’re not just a participating provider; we’re part of the same community. Dr. Paul Tinto grew up in the St. Clair West community, attended elementary school in the area, and has been practicing here for years. He’s also a clinical instructor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and approaches every patient with an evidence-based, conservative philosophy, which means we only recommend what you actually need.
Here’s why CDCP patients choose Tinto Dentistry:
- We only charge CDCP fees. Many dental offices charge their standard rates, leaving patients to cover the gap (called “balance billing”). At Tinto Dentistry, we don’t do that. If you’re approved for 100% coverage, most services will cost you nothing at our clinic.
- We handle all the billing for you. We submit your claims directly to Sun Life, so you never have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement.
- Multilingual team. Our staff speaks English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Tagalog, which is important in a neighbourhood as multicultural as Corso Italia and St. Clair West.
- We see all ages. From toddlers to seniors, Tinto Dentistry is a true family practice. Dr. Tinto keeps a fully stocked toy chest for young patients.
- Emergency appointments available. We do our best to see urgent patients quickly, because dental pain doesn’t wait.
Application Deadlines: Don’t Miss These (April 2026)
⚠️ Act now: According to Service Canada, applications for the current 2025–2026 benefit year close April 14, 2026.⁵
- The 2026–2027 benefit year opens for new applications on June 2, 2026
- If you’re already enrolled, you must renew before June 1, 2026 to avoid a gap in coverage
- Missing the renewal deadline means coverage ends June 30, 2026, and services during any gap will not be covered retroactively⁵
How to Apply for the CDCP: Step by Step
Applying takes 10–15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Full instructions are available at canada.ca/dental.⁵
Online (fastest):
- Go to canada.ca/dental
- Sign in to your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)
- Click “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan” and follow the prompts
- Select “digital” for communications to receive updates faster
By Phone: Call 1-833-537-4342 (TTY: 1-833-677-6262) Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM local time
What you’ll need:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Name, date of birth, and home address
- Spouse’s SIN (if applicable)
- For children under 18: their SIN if available, or full name and date of birth
Once approved, Sun Life will mail your welcome package with your member card and coverage start date. Always confirm your coverage is active before your appointment. We’ll help you verify when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions from Our St. Clair West Patients
“How many dental cleanings does the CDCP cover per year?” The plan covers four 15-minute units of scaling, enough for roughly one thorough cleaning per year for most people. A more detailed explanation, including who might qualify for two cleanings, is available here: CDCP: How Many Dental Cleanings Are Covered Each Year?
“I’ve been putting off a root canal for years because of the cost. Can CDCP help?” Yes, root canals are covered under the CDCP as long as the tooth is in restorable condition. Getting out of dental pain and resolving an infection is one of the most meaningful things this plan provides for patients who have been waiting.
“Does CDCP cover my kids?” Yes. Children under 18 are eligible. Starting early matters. Kids who don’t get cavities are more likely to grow up as adults who don’t get cavities. We recommend bringing children in from their first birthday or first tooth.
“My dentist charges more than the CDCP rate. Do I have to pay the difference?” At many clinics, yes. This is “balance billing” and it can catch patients off guard. At Tinto Dentistry, we commit to CDCP pricing, so you won’t face unexpected charges on top of your coverage.
“What if I move to another part of the city or another province?” Your CDCP eligibility is tied to your CRA file, not your address. Simply update your information through your My Service Canada Account. No need to reapply.⁵
“Is the CDCP the same as OHIP dental coverage?” No. OHIP covers only very limited emergency dental procedures. The CDCP is a separate federal program with much broader coverage for preventive, restorative, and surgical care.
Book Your CDCP Appointment at Tinto Dentistry
If you’ve been waiting to see a dentist, whether it’s been months or years, the CDCP may be the opening you’ve been looking for. Our team is here to make the experience straightforward, from verifying your coverage to submitting every claim on your behalf.
And here’s the most important thing to know: unlike many clinics that charge their standard rates and leave you to cover the gap, Tinto Dentistry only charges the CDCP-established fees, with no balance billing. If you’re approved for 100% coverage, most services cost you nothing. That’s our commitment to this community.
📍 Tinto Dentistry 1266 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON M6E 1B9 (Steps from the St. Clair streetcar, in the heart of Corso Italia)
📞 (416) 651-1745
🗓️ Book your CDCP appointment online
Whether you’ve lived on St. Clair West your whole life or just moved in, we’d love to be your dental home. Your oral health matters, and it shouldn’t depend on your wallet.
References & Government Sources
¹ Health Canada — Canadian Dental Care Plan Overview & Budget 2023 Funding: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html
² Health Canada — CDCP Eligibility Requirements: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html
³ Health Canada — CDCP Co-Payment Structure: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html
⁴ Health Canada — CDCP Dental Benefits Guide (Official Coverage List): https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/guide.html
⁵ Service Canada — How to Apply & Renewal Deadlines: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html
Information current as of April 2026. CDCP program details are subject to change. Always verify your individual coverage at canada.ca/dental or by calling Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342.
