Everything You Need to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is here to make dental care accessible and affordable for all Canadians. Whether you’re a patient, a parent, or a senior, our comprehensive FAQ guide will help you navigate this new initiative effortlessly. Discover your eligibility, benefits, and how to make the most of the CDCP.

  • The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government dental plan designed to provide dental coverage to low- and middle-income Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. The plan is presently only for seniors over 65 and children 18 and under, as well as selected people with disabilities of any age.

  • Eligibility for the CDCP is based on several factors:

    • Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 per year.

    • Applicants must not have access to any other form of dental insurance.

    • Applicants must have filed a tax return in the previous year. Specific groups, such as seniors aged 65 and over, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, are prioritized.

  • The CDCP covers a comprehensive range of dental services, including:

    • Preventive care: cleanings, fluoride applications, and routine exams.

    • Diagnostic services: complete, routine, specific, and emergency exams.

    • Basic restorative services: fillings and pain control.

    • Endodontic services: treatments for infected teeth, including root canals.

    • Periodontal services: deep cleanings and treatment of gum diseases.

    • Select crowns and dentures (with preauthorization), after November 2024.

    • Oral surgery: tooth extractions and surgical treatments.

  • Yes, the CDCP has specific limitations and exclusions:

    • Some services require preauthorization, such as crowns and dentures.

    • Frequency limitations apply to certain preventive services.

    • Excluded services include cosmetic procedures like veneers and teeth whitening, TMJ therapy, implants, and advanced surgical procedures.

  • Emergency dental services are covered under the CDCP without frequency limitations. This includes emergency exams, extractions, pain management, temporary fillings, and treatment of abscesses. Immediate needs typically do not require preauthorization, allowing for prompt treatment of urgent dental issues.

  • There are no enrolment fees or premiums for individuals and families eligible for the CDCP. The plan covers a significant portion of dental service costs based on household income. The plan does not perfectly align with the BC dental fee guide; however, small co-payments are always required, even if the plan says you have “100% coverage.”

  • The CDCP began its phased rollout in December 2023, with full implementation expected by 2025. The initial phase focused on seniors aged 65 and above, with subsequent phases expanding coverage to children under 18, adults with disabilities, and eventually all eligible Canadians.

  • The CDCP is managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life. Health Canada oversees the overall implementation and ensures the plan meets federal standards, while Sun Life handles the administration and processing of claims.

  • The CDCP will bring significant changes to private dental practices by increasing the number of patients seeking services covered under the plan. Practices may experience higher patient volumes, especially from low- and middle-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who previously lacked dental coverage. This increased demand may lead to adjustments in scheduling, resource allocation, and service delivery to accommodate the influx of new patients. Please be patient with our staff as we adjust to the new billing requirements and authorization procedures.

We hope this FAQ has provided you with a clear and concise understanding of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and how it can benefit you. At Qualicum Dental, we believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their oral health.

If you’re looking for more detailed information or have specific questions that weren’t covered here, we invite you to explore our comprehensive CDCP Information Portal. This deep-dive resource offers a wealth of insights, including step-by-step guides, detailed coverage explanations, and everything you need to fully understand and take advantage of the CDCP.

Whether you’re just starting to learn about the CDCP or ready to dive into the specifics, our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to navigate your dental care with confidence. Thank you for trusting Qualicum Dental with your oral health. We’re here to support you every step of the way.