The cost of dental care can be a major concern for individuals and families, especially if they don’t have private insurance. That’s why the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was created: to make essential dental services more accessible for millions of eligible Canadians. But like any government program, the CDCP has specific rules, coverage limitations, and processes you need to understand to get the most out of it.
This guide breaks everything down in simple, clear language. You’ll learn about CDCP dental benefits, what it covers, how much you may need to pay, and how to start using your benefits at clinics.
What Are CDCP Dental Benefits?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to make dental care more affordable for Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance and whose adjusted family net income is below $90,000. While it does not make dentistry completely free, it significantly reduces costs by covering a percentage of fees, depending on your income level.
The plan is administered by Sun Life, and eligible individuals receive a CDCP benefits card that allows participating dental providers to bill the program directly. The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services, from checkups and cleanings to dentures and oral surgeries, though some advanced treatments may require pre-authorization.
Further Reading: CDCP for Seniors: Understanding Eligibility and Dental Coverage
What Does CDCP Cover?
Before diving deeper, keep in mind that coverage is based on the CDCP fee guide. Your clinic may charge differently, so there may be a cost difference, also known as balance billing. Below is a detailed breakdown of the major categories of services included under CDCP.
1. Diagnostic & Preventive Care
This is the foundation of your oral health. The CDCP covers:
- Routine dental exams,
- Emergency assessments,
- X-rays,
- Cleanings,
- Fluoride treatments,
- And preventive services like dental sealants.
These services help your dentist monitor your oral health, detect early signs of decay or gum disease, and prevent problems from worsening. Regular checkups and cleanings are essential for long-term savings because they reduce your risk of needing more complex and costly treatments later.
2. Basic Restorative Services
When decay or damage occurs, restorative care helps rebuild the structure of your teeth. Under the CDCP, this includes permanent and temporary dental fillings, pain control measures related to cavities or cracked teeth, and simple restorative treatments. These services aim to stop decay, restore function, prevent infection, and reduce discomfort. They are some of the most commonly used benefits, especially for children and seniors.
Suggested article: 4 Options for Chipped Teeth
3. Endodontic Services (Root Canals)
Endodontics focuses on treating infections inside the tooth. CDCP covers root canal treatments, pulpectomies, and related procedures that remove infected tissue and prevent tooth loss. A root canal can save a natural tooth that might otherwise require extraction.
Some more complex endodontic procedures, such as picoectomies (surgical root-end resections), and treatments on molars or non-restorable teeth, may require pre-authorization, ensuring you know exactly what is covered before treatment begins.
4. Periodontal (Gum) Care
Healthy gums are essential to keeping your teeth long-term. CDCP supports treatment for gum disease, including deep cleaning below the gumline (scaling and root planing), infection control, and non-surgical gum therapies. For more advanced periodontal disease, some surgical treatments may be covered but typically need pre-approval. Gum care is vital for preventing tooth loss, managing inflammation, and protecting your overall health.
Worth Reading: Why Are My Gums Bleeding for No Reason?
5. Major Restorative & Prosthodontic Services
When teeth cannot be restored with fillings alone, more advanced treatments may be needed. CDCP covers procedures like dental crowns, posts, and partial or full dentures. These services help restore lost teeth, improve chewing, and enhance quality of life.
Many of these treatments require pre-authorization given their higher cost and complexity. Denture adjustments, relines, and repairs are also included, ensuring long-term comfort and function.
6. Oral Surgery
From simple tooth extractions to more involved surgical procedures, CDCP covers a wide range of oral surgeries. This includes removing broken or impacted teeth, treating infections or cysts, and other necessary surgical interventions. These procedures are often needed to relieve pain, prevent complications, and maintain oral health.
7. Anaesthesia & Sedation
CDCP covers minimal sedation (like nitrous oxide) during certain treatments, ensuring comfort and reducing anxiety. More complex sedation and general anesthesia may also be covered, but usually require pre-authorization. This is especially helpful for patients with dental anxiety, young children, and individuals requiring surgical procedures.
8. Orthodontic Services (Limited Coverage)
Starting late 2025, limited coverage for Orthodontic treatments will be available only for medically necessary cases (like severe malocclusion impacting oral health or function), based on strict clinical criteria, pre-authorization, and spending caps. Cosmetic or elective orthodontics, such as braces for alignment only, remain uncovered.
Suggested Article: How Much do Braces Cost in Canada?
Schedule an Appointment with Your CDCP Dentist Today!
At Empress Walk Dental, we proudly accept CDCP patients and can help you understand what your plan covers before your visit. Simply provide your CDCP information when booking your appointment, and our team will guide you through the rest.
How to Access Your CDCP Benefits
The first step in accessing the CDCP dental benefits is making sure you qualify for the plan. To be eligible, you must meet all of these conditions, including:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have no access to private dental insurance
- Have filed a tax return for the previous year
- Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000
Note: If you have insurance through work, even if you don’t use it, you are not eligible.
How to Apply for the CDCP
After confirming your eligibility, gather the following documents:
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Date of birth
- Address and contact information
- Your most recent tax return, which will be used to verify your income
- Information about your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable
The application is completed through the official Government of Canada website. Once you access the portal, log in with your GCKey or Sign-In Partner, enter your personal details, confirm that you do not have private dental insurance, and review your application carefully before submitting.
After you submit your application, the government will review your information. If approved, you will receive a confirmation letter. your CDCP enrolment details, and instructions on how to use your coverage. Some applicants may be asked to provide additional documents if clarification is needed.
For more details on applying for the CDCP, check out this guide: How to Apply for CDCP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing a Participating Dental Clinic
Once approved, you can start using your dCDCP dental benefits right away. You can use the Government of Canada’s CDCP provider locator on the Sun Life website to find clinics by postal code, services, and preferences. You can also contact local dental offices directly to confirm participation and direct billing to Sun Life.
Make the Most Out of Your CDCP Dental Benefits Today!
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a valuable resource for Canadians who want affordable, essential dental care. While coverage varies depending on income and treatment type, the CDCP significantly reduces financial barriers and helps more people prioritize their oral health.
At Empress Walk Dental, we proudly support CDCP patients and help them navigate the process from start to finish. Whether you’re preparing for a routine cleaning or planning a more complex treatment in North York, we’ll make sure you understand your coverage clearly. Start your CDCP-supported treatment with Empress Walk Dental today. Call us or book online for your first appointment; your healthier smile begins here.
FAQ
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Does the CDCP make dental care completely free?
Not always. CDCP pays a percentage of the CDCP fee guide. If your clinic’s fees are higher, you may need to pay the difference. Your co-payment depends on your income.
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Can I use the CDCP if I have dental insurance through my employer?
No. If you have access to private or employer insurance, even if you don’t use it, you’re not eligible.
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Do all dental offices accept CDCP?
No. Participation is optional. Empress Walk Dental does accept CDCP, and we can bill Sun Life directly. You should always ask if the dental clinic supports the program before booking your appointment.
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Will I know my out-of-pocket cost before treatment?
Yes. Your provider should tell you upfront what is covered, what requires pre-authorization, and what additional costs you may owe.
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Are cosmetic procedures covered under CDCP?
No. Services like whitening, veneers, and elective orthodontics are not included, as they’re not considered necessary for dental health.
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What if my income changes?
If your income changes significantly or you start a job with dental benefits, you must notify Sun Life, as this may affect your eligibility.
Still confused about any part of the CDCP? Leave a comment below and tell us what you’d like to know; our dental team is happy to answer and guide you.
