Information correct as of date of publishing. Please check canada.ca for updates.
If you've heard about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) but aren't quite sure how it works, you're not alone. As of 2026, the program is now fully open to eligible Canadians of every age, which means many Chilliwack families are asking the same questions for the first time: do we qualify, what does it actually cover, and can we use it here?
At Maple Smiles Dentistry, we accept CDCP and want to make the process as simple as possible for families across Chilliwack. Here's what you need to know.
The CDCP is a federal dental insurance program designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who don't already have private dental coverage. Launched in late 2023 and administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada, the plan rolled out in phases, starting with seniors, then children and people with disabilities, before opening to all remaining eligible adults. As of 2026, that phased rollout is complete, so families of any age can now apply together.
To be eligible, you generally need to meet all of the following:
Your family's income also determines how much of the cost is covered:
Most preventive and restorative dental care, think cleanings, exams, fillings, and similar routine work, is covered without needing pre-approval. Larger treatments, such as crowns or oral surgery, typically require pre-authorization, which your dental team submits on your behalf before treatment begins. Orthodontic coverage is technically included in the plan but has not yet been activated as a benefit.
Maple Smiles is a participating CDCP provider, so if you're approved for coverage, we bill the plan directly on your behalf, no complicated paperwork on your end. CDCP is one of several ways we help patients manage the cost of care, alongside traditional insurance. This also fits naturally with why families choose us in the first place: a true family dentistry practice. With CDCP now open to every age group, it's common for parents, kids, and grandparents to all become covered around the same time, and we're set up to make that a smooth, one-clinic experience for the whole family.
We know dental visits aren't always easy, especially for patients who feel anxious in the chair. Our team focuses on gentle, painless treatment, including sedation options for patients who need them, and many of our long-time patients tell us it's the reason they've brought their kids, and eventually their grandkids, back to us over the years. Combined with digital, low-radiation x-rays and paperless digital charting, our goal is to make every visit as comfortable and straightforward as possible, CDCP or otherwise.
If you haven't applied yet, applications are open annually. You can apply through your My Service Canada Account or by calling 1-833-537-4342.
If you were enrolled last year, the deadline to renew your coverage was 1 June 2026. If you missed it, you will need to submit a fresh application rather than a renewal, and there will be a gap in your coverage. Care received during that gap is not reimbursed retroactively. Renewals for the 2027 to 2028 benefit year open in spring 2027.
Whether you're a new CDCP applicant, a returning patient renewing your coverage, or simply looking for a family dentist in Chilliwack who takes the guesswork out of using your benefits, Maple Smiles Dentistry is here to help. We're currently welcoming new patients of all ages.
Call us at (604) 391-1010, email reception@maplesmiles.ca, or book online to get started.
