Good oral health is essential to your overall well-being, and that’s exactly why the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was created. Designed to improve access to essential dental services, especially for lower-income individuals and families, the CDCP helps make oral healthcare more affordable for millions of Canadians.
But what exactly does it cover? Who is eligible? And what do terms like “co-payments” or “preauthorization” really mean in practice? In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage in detail so you can make informed choices about your dental health.
Core Principles of CDCP Coverage
This program is built on a few core ideas that define its purpose, scope, and limitations.
Focus on Essential Oral Healthcare
The CDCP focuses on covering essential and clinically necessary dental services. These are treatments aimed at:
- Preventing oral diseases
- Managing existing dental issues
- Restoring basic oral function
The plan does not aim to cover elective or cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers.
Co-payments and Reimbursement Rates
CDCP doesn’t always pay 100% of your dental costs. Instead, it uses a co-payment model, meaning patients are responsible for part of the cost depending on their income level.
| Family Net Income | Co-Payment Rate (You Pay) | CDCP Pays |
| Less than $70,000 | 0% | 100% |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 40% | 60% |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $90,000+ | Not eligible | 0% |
Contact Us for Help!
Need help understanding your co-payment? Our team at Walk-In Dental Clinic is happy to check your eligibility and guide you through the process. Book your consultation today!
Detailed Breakdown of Covered Services
Let’s walk through what the CDCP actually covers across different categories of dental care.
Preventive Dental Care
Preventive care is the foundation of a healthy smile. The CDCP covers:
- Oral exams: Routine checkups to assess the health of your teeth and gums.
- Teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing): Removes plaque and tartar buildup.
- Bitewing X-rays: Used to detect cavities between teeth.
- Topical fluoride treatments: Strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of cavities.
You can generally get a dental cleaning once every 6 to 12 months, depending on your specific oral health needs and the provider’s clinical judgment.
Additional Note: Sealants and preventive resin restorations are also covered for eligible patients (Like children under 18 for specific teeth), as these are preventive services included in the CDCP.
Basic Restorative Procedures
CDCP also includes coverage for common treatments aimed at restoring the function and structure of your teeth. The covered services are fillings for cavities or minor tooth damage and a simple tooth extraction for when a tooth can’t be saved and must be removed. Moreover, oral surgeries like surgical extractions (impacted wisdom teeth) may be covered with preauthorization, depending on clinical necessity.
Endodontic Services
When decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, a root canal may be necessary. The CDCP covers endodontic treatments for both front and back teeth, though molar coverage might have restrictions based on case complexity or clinical necessity. It also covers pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures, especially for children.
Periodontal Services
Gum disease, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, all the related services, such as scaling, root planing, gum disease treatment, and maintenance therapy, are covered.
Additional Note: The number of sessions or units per year may be limited based on the condition’s severity.
Prosthodontic Treatments
CDCP partially covers certain prosthodontic services, but conditions apply.
| Treatment | Covered? | Conditions |
| Crowns | Sometimes | Only when medically necessary (Like after a root canal) |
| Bridges | Sometimes | Usually requires preauthorization |
| Dentures | Yes | Coverage for partial or complete dentures once every 5–8 years |
Additional Note: Denture repairs and relines are generally covered, too, depending on frequency limits.
Orthodontic Coverage
Orthodontics, like braces, is not broadly covered but may be eligible in medically necessary cases, especially for children or patients with severe malocclusion. Preauthorization is always required, and the decision is based on clinical need, age, and the severity of misalignment.
Reminder: Not all dentists participate in the CDCP, and patients should confirm participation using Sun Life’s Provider Search tool before booking.
Services Generally Excluded from CDCP Coverage
While CDCP is generous in many areas, it does not cover everything. Let’s see what services are off the list.
Cosmetic Procedures
While the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is designed to make oral healthcare more accessible and affordable, it is important to understand that its coverage is limited to services considered medically necessary. Cosmetic dental procedures fall outside this scope and are therefore not covered by the CDCP.
Common examples of cosmetic procedures are dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding to change the shape, size, or color of teeth. Even though these procedures can greatly improve one’s confidence and smile aesthetics, they are considered elective and not essential for maintaining oral health.
Good to Know: It’s worth noting that sometimes a procedure can have both cosmetic and restorative purposes. For instance, a dental bridge or crown may be used to strengthen a damaged tooth while also improving its appearance. In such cases, coverage depends on the clinical justification provided by the dentist. If the procedure is necessary to restore oral function or prevent further dental issues, partial or full coverage might be approved under the CDCP guidelines.
Unapproved or Experimental Treatments
If a treatment is not considered standard dental care in Canada or lacks enough scientific evidence, it won’t be covered. This might include certain types of laser treatments not approved by dental regulatory bodies, non-traditional therapies that claim to treat oral health issues using unproven methods, or procedures that are still in the clinical trial phase. Holistic or alternative dental approaches, such as using herbal remedies, also do not qualify for CDCP funding.
Preauthorization and Special Considerations
Some procedures require approval before treatment begins. Preauthorization helps ensure that treatments are:
- Medically necessary
- Within the scope of CDCP
- Cost-effective
Some services, such as orthodontic services, multiple crowns or bridges, and certain endodontic or periodontal treatments, require preauthorization.
Friendly Reminder: Delays in preauthorization can impact your treatment timeline, so start early!
Navigating Complex Treatment Plans
Some dental cases go beyond a single filling or cleaning; they involve multiple procedures spread over weeks or even months. These are what we call complex treatment plans, and they often include a combination of restorative, surgical, periodontal, and prosthodontic services.
Complex treatment plans are usually needed for patients with extensive oral health problems such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, or jaw misalignment. These plans might involve several different dental treatments, and the sequence of procedures often has to be carefully timed and coordinated. For example, a patient might first need root canal therapy and scaling and root planing before they can receive a crown or denture. Here are several important points to keep in mind about these plans:
- Even within a single treatment plan, not all services may be covered at the same rate.
- For certain higher-cost or specialized procedures, such as crowns or dentures, the CDCP may require preauthorization before treatment begins.
- If parts of your treatment aren’t covered or are only partially reimbursed, you’ll receive a treatment estimate upfront, so there are no surprises.
Consultation with our dentists
Final Word
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a major step toward equitable and affordable oral healthcare in Canada. While it doesn’t cover everything, it does provide essential support for preventive, restorative, and therapeutic dental services.
At Walk-In Dental Clinic, our team is here to help you navigate CDCP coverage, whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or a more complex treatment. We’re proud to serve patients who are eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. From checking your eligibility to planning treatment, we’re with you every step of the way.
Book your CDCP-eligible dental appointment today, and let’s protect your smile together!
FAQs: CDCP Covered Services
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Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
No, dental implants are considered a cosmetic and elective procedure. They are not covered under the CDCP.
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Are wisdom teeth extractions covered under the CDCP?
Simple extractions are covered by CDCP. However, impacted or surgical wisdom teeth extractions may be covered with preauthorization if deemed medically necessary, though coverage is not guaranteed.
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How often can I get a dental cleaning with the CDCP?
You can usually get dental cleaning with this plan every 6 to 12 months, depending on your oral health status and the dentist’s recommendation. It’s best to check with your dental service provider and stay tuned for CDCP updates.
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Do I need a referral to get a service covered by the CDCP?
No referral is needed for general dental services. But for specialized services (like orthodontics), your dentist may need to provide documentation or submit a preauthorization request.
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What happens if my required treatment is not fully covered by the CDCP?
If CDCP doesn’t cover the full amount, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. Ask your dental office for an estimate in advance.
Do you still have questions about the CDCP? Have you used the program before? Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments; we’re here to help, and your insights might help other readers, too!
