You may have heard the term ‘CDCP’ being thrown around and are wondering what it has to do with your dental services or your dentist. CDCP stands for Canadian Dental Care Plan and was created by the Canadian government to help cover the costs of dentistry services for people who meet certain eligibility criteria. It is not a mandatory program for dentists to take part in, so if you are eligible, you’ll need to find a provider who is taking part in the CDCP. We’ll outline everything you need to know below.
Who is Eligible & What is Covered?
The CDCP started rolling out in phases for certain groups to apply which commenced this year (2024). You can apply if you meet the following criteria:
- You don’t have access to dental insurance
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- You’re a Canadian resident
- You filed your tax return for the previous year
Just note that you can still apply if you have dental coverage from other government-funded programs – your coverage will be coordinated between different plans. Also note that the CDCP does not pay for the entirety of dental services, but rather helps cover a portion of the cost of the below services:
- Complete routine dental exams and emergency exams (x-rays, fluoride treatment, cleaning, deep cleaning, scaling, polishing, etc.)
- Permanent and temporary fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Dental crown repair
- Complete and temporary dentures
- Tooth extraction
- Tumour and cyst removal
- Broken jaw treatments
- Minimal sedation services
The following services will require pre-authorization, meaning the government will assess if the treatment needs to be covered or not depending on your oral health history and medical conditions:
- Re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatment
- Bonding
- Posts to support dental crowns
- Partial dentures
- Moderate to deep sedation
- General anesthesia
How Much Will Be Covered?
The amount that’s covered will depend on your family’s net income, meaning your total income for the year after deductibles and taxes. For example, if you make less than $70,000, 100% of the eligible services will be covered. If you make between $70,000 and $79,999, 60% of the eligible services will be covered. If you are covered by the CDCP, you will not have to pay upfront. The portion of your eligible services will be covered automatically, but the amount you pay to your dental office will come out-of-pocket at the time of service if:
- Your family’s net income is between $70,000 – $89,999
- The cost of your services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse
- You and your dentist agree to services the CDCP doesn’t cover
You Can Easily Apply Online
You can easily apply online through the Government of Canada website. If you are applying for multiple people in your family/household, you only need to submit one application. Make sure you have gathered all of the necessary information first to make the application process easier. If you can’t apply online, you can apply over the phone. You can continue to check the status of your or your child’s application online.
How Long Does Coverage Last?
Your coverage will last for 12 months, from July 1 – June 30 annually, therefore, you’ll need to re-enroll by July 1 each year to remain eligible. If, in that timeframe, you get dental coverage through an insurer or end up making more than $90,000 a year, for example, your coverage will come to an end.
There are Frequency Limitations & Exclusions to Consider
You can find the limitations on the Government of Canada website, but here are some examples:
- You’ll be eligible for up to 3 examinations in any 12-month period
- Restoration eligibility is once per tooth in any 24-month period by the same provider
- 4 dental crowns in any 10-year period
The Following Services Will Not Be Covered
The CDCP will not cover services to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, for example:
- Veneers
- Teeth whitening services
- Crown lengthening
- Dental implants
- Ridge Augmentation
- Mouthguards
- Fixed bridges
- And more
If You Are Eligible, Ask Your Dentist if They Are Taking Part in the CDCP
The CDCP aims to make the cost of dental care more affordable to eligible Canadians, however, there are many things to be aware of such as what services are covered, how often they’re covered, if you’re eligible, and how long your coverage will last. Village Market Dental proudly participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, providing accessible dental care to support the oral health of our community. You can also browse through the list of CDCP providers through Sun Life to find one near you.
Dr. Shane Cohen, a General Dentist, has over two decades of deep-rooted experience in dental care, holding a BA in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario and a DMD from Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine. As the sole dentist at VM Dental, Dr. Cohen cultivates a practice environment reminiscent of a close-knit family, where each patient receives personalized and compassionate care. His professional memberships include the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the Ontario Dental Association, and the Toronto Central Dental Society, emphasizing his commitment to continual education and staying current with dental advancements. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Cohen is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys pickleball, golf, cooking, and gardening—activities that enhance his dedication to a well-rounded lifestyle. Inspired by family and a lifelong aspiration to impact healthcare positively, he advises new dental professionals to prioritize patient needs and foster a supportive team atmosphere.
