Dental Coverage Canada: What is Covered Under the CDCP

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federally funded program to provide dental coverage in Canada for people without private insurance. If you are wondering what it actually includes—and what it doesn’t—this guide offers you a practical breakdown of dental coverage Canada residents are able to access through the CDCP.

From covered procedures to common exclusions, here’s what you need to know about how dental coverage in Canada works under the CDCP.

Who Can Get Dental Coverage In Canada Through CDCP?

To be eligible for dental coverage Canada, through CDCP, you need to:

• Live in Canada
• Have no private or employer-sponsored dental insurance
• Have filed a tax return last year
• Have an adjusted family net income below $90,000

Your coverage level depends on your income. The lower you are within certain income brackets, the more the CDCP will cover.

What Dental Services Are Covered In Canada Under The CDCP?

Dental coverage under the CDCP plan focuses on essential dental care to help prevent and treat common oral health issues. These services form the foundation of public dental coverage Canada now offers through this federal program. Covered services include:

• Regular checkups and exams
• Emergency visits
• Dental X-rays
• Cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
• Fillings and temporary crowns
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions
• Repairs and relines for dentures
• Treatment for gum disease (scaling and root planing)
• Certain oral surgeries

Keep in mind that the plan follows a national fee guide. If your dentist charges more than the listed amount, you will be responsible for paying the difference.

What Is Not Included In Your Dental Coverage Canada Under CDCP?

While the CDCP covers many essential services, it doesn’t pay for everything. Here’s what it typically excludes:

• Cosmetic procedures like whitening or veneers
• Braces or aligners
• Dental implants
• Some crowns and bridges not deemed medically necessary
• Deep sedation not approved under the plan
• Anything not listed in the CDCP’s benefit guide

If you are unsure about a specific treatment, your dental provider can request preauthorization to check if it’s eligible.

Does Canada Disability Cover Dental Procedures?

If you are receiving disability support, dental benefits vary depending on your province. Let’s take, for example, Ontario’s disability program. This particular program includes basic dental care, but some other provinces may only cover emergency treatments. If your income and insurance status meet the CDCP’s criteria, you may still qualify for additional support through the federal plan.

Alternative Provincial Dental Coverage In Canada

In addition to the CDCP, several provinces also offer their own dental assistance:

• Ontario: Free basic dental care for low-income seniors through the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.
• British Columbia: Limited benefits for people receiving social or disability assistance through Ministry programs.
• Alberta: Dental coverage for low-income residents via the Alberta Adult Health Benefit.
• Quebec: Dental coverage for children under 10 and individuals on social assistance.
• Nova Scotia, PEI, and Newfoundland & Labrador: Support programs for children, seniors, and those with lower incomes.

Some of these programs may change as the federal CDCP expands, adding to the evolving landscape of dental coverage Canada offers through both national and provincial support.

Why Sun Life Is Involved In Providing Dental Coverage Canada Through CDCP?

Although the CDCP is a government plan, it’s administered by Sun Life to help manage things like payments and paperwork. Sun Life doesn’t decide what is covered or who qualifies. That is handled by Health Canada. This setup allows dental coverage Canada programs to function smoothly using a private administrator—without changing its public nature.

Income-Based Dental Coverage In Canada

Your household income determines your coverage tier. Here’s how it breaks down:

Adjusted Family Net Income	CDCP Coverage	Co-Payment
Under $70,000	100%	$0
$70,000–$79,999	60%	40%
$80,000–$89,999	40%	60%
$90,000+	Not eligible	N/A

Even with full coverage, you may still pay out of pocket if your provider’s rates are higher than the CDCP fee guide.

How To Use Your CDCP Dental Benefits

After you’re approved, here’s what you can do:

• Find a participating dentist
• Bring your approval details to your visit
• Ask for an estimate before treatment begins
• Get preauthorization for more complex procedures

There are no monthly fees or deductibles, making the CDCP one of the more accessible dental coverage options in Canada.

What If Something Is Not Covered?

If you find a treatment isn’t covered, you’re not without options:

• Ask if a similar, covered treatment is available
• Discuss payment plans with your provider
• Look into additional support from your province
• Explore private insurance for specific needs like orthodontics

It’s a good idea to revisit your dental needs regularly to make sure you’re covered as your situation evolves.

Visiting a Dentist Under CDCP

Not every dentist in Canada takes part in the CDCP. When booking, confirm:

• Whether they accept the plan
• If their fees align with the CDCP guide

If they don’t participate, you’ll either need to pay up front and seek reimbursement (if possible), or visit a different provider who does.

Is CDCP Enough For Most People?

The CDCP is a big step forward, especially for low-income Canadians. But it’s not a full replacement for private insurance. Consider:

• It covers basics well
• Major procedures may only be partially covered
• Cosmetic and elective procedures are excluded

For many people, the CDCP will provide critical support—but others may still benefit from added savings or insurance to round out the dental coverage Canada currently provides.

Moving Forward With Dental Coverage Canada Plans

Canada’s CDCP marks a major expansion in public dental coverage. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid start toward making oral health care more equitable and affordable for those who need it most. Next Steps