The information on this page is for general educational purposes only.
Please consult your dentist for advice specific to your oral health.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental benefits program that covers preventative, diagnostic, basic restorative, and major restorative dental services for eligible Canadians. It targets low-income seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities who do not have access to private dental insurance. This guide explains exactly what CDCP covers, what it does not, and how to use your benefits at a dental clinic in Brampton. Cosmetic services, implants, and orthodontics are excluded — and every coverage statement here is based on canada.ca’s covered-services list.
Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal public oral health initiative administered through Sun Life.
- It covers preventative care, diagnostic services, basic restorations, and major restorative procedures.
- CDCP does not cover implants, dental bridges, cosmetic services, or orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign.
- Eligible Canadians must have an adjusted family net income under $90,000, no private dental insurance, and must have filed a tax return for the previous year.
- Co-payments follow a sliding scale: 100% coverage for incomes under $70,000; 60% for $70,000–$79,999; 40% for $80,000–$89,999.
- Some dental procedures require preauthorization before treatment begins.
- If a dentist’s fees exceed CDCP fee guidelines, additional out-of-pocket costs may apply.
- Apply online or by phone at 1-833-537-4342 — you need your Social Insurance Number.
- Coverage starts only after your application is approved and you receive your CDCP member ID.
What Does CDCP Cover?
The dental care plan covers oral health care services in four main categories.
Preventative and Cleaning Services
CDCP covers professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Regular preventative checkups help catch early oral diseases before they require costly emergency treatment.
Diagnostic Services
Dental exams and x-rays are covered for eligible patients, including routine exams, emergency exams, and diagnostic radiographs.
Basic Restorative Services
Fillings are covered under the CDCP. Root canals and extractions are also included, along with some oral surgery procedures.
Major Restorative Services
Crowns and certain major restorations are covered in clinically appropriate cases. Some procedures in this category require preauthorization — your dentist will advise you before booking. If a dentist’s fees exceed the CDCP fee guidelines set by the federal government, additional costs may apply.
What CDCP Does Not Cover
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is not comprehensive dental insurance. It specifically excludes:
- Dental implants
- Dental bridges
- Cosmetic services (teeth whitening, veneers placed for cosmetic purposes)
- Orthodontic treatments — including braces and Invisalign
- Any service not on the federal government’s covered-services list
Provincial medicare systems in Canada generally exclude routine dental care for adults, and the CDCP fills part of that gap — but it does not replace private dental insurance. Patients who need implants, orthodontic work, or cosmetic services pay those costs out of pocket.
Does CDCP Cover Crowns and Root Canals?
Root canals are covered under the CDCP as a basic restorative service. Crowns are covered under major restorative services when clinically indicated — meaning when a damaged or decayed tooth requires a crown for structural reasons, not as a cosmetic choice.
Dental bridges are not covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. If you are missing a tooth and considering your options, speak with your dentist about which restorative treatments fall within your CDCP benefits.
Does CDCP Cover Dentures and Implants?
Dentures — both full and partial — are included in CDCP coverage under major restorative services in eligible cases. Preauthorization may be required.
Dental implants are not covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Implants fall outside CDCP covered services, and patients will need private coverage or a payment plan for that procedure.
Does CDCP Cover Braces or Invisalign?
No. The CDCP does not cover orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces or Invisalign. The dental care plan focuses on preventative and restorative oral health, not alignment corrections or dental bridges. Private dental insurance or a payment plan would be needed to cover orthodontic or bridge costs.
How CDCP Co-Payments Work
The Canadian Dental Care Plan uses a sliding-scale co-payment structure based on adjusted family net income from the previous year’s tax return:
- Under $70,000: 100% coverage — no out-of-pocket cost for covered services
- $70,000–$79,999: 60% coverage
- $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage
To qualify, your adjusted family net income must be under $90,000, you must be a Canadian resident who filed a tax return for the previous year, and you must not have access to private dental insurance or employer-sponsored group benefits.
Apply through your Service Canada account online or by calling 1-833-537-4342 — you need your Social Insurance Number. After submitting, you receive an Application Code, then a letter with your CDCP member ID once approved. Coverage starts only after approval.
For a full guide to eligibility and finding a participating dentist in Peel Region, see our post on finding a CDCP dentist in Peel Region.
Using Your CDCP Coverage at Delta Park Dental
Delta Park Dental accepts patients using Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits. Bring your CDCP member ID and welcome package to your appointment. Our team can walk you through which covered services apply to your treatment plan and whether preauthorization is needed before work begins.
Find a CDCP provider near me or contact the clinic directly to confirm coverage details before your visit.
Delta Park Dental — 215 Delta Park Blvd #104, Brampton, ON L6T 0H9 📞+1 905-494-0094 | 📧 info@deltaparkdental.com Hours: Mon: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Tue–Sat: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal public oral health program that provides dental benefits to eligible Canadians without private dental insurance. It is administered through Sun Life and targets low-income seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities.
What does the CDCP dental care plan cover?
The CDCP covers preventative services (cleanings, fluoride, sealants), diagnostic services (exams, x-rays), basic restorations (fillings, root canals, extractions), and major restorations (crowns, dentures) in clinically indicated cases. Dental bridges, implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic services are not covered.
Does CDCP cover dental insurance for all Canadians?
No. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is for eligible Canadian residents with adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance and have filed a tax return for the previous year.
How do I apply online for the dental care program?
Apply through your Service Canada account online or call 1-833-537-4342. You need your Social Insurance Number. After applying, you receive an Application Code, then your CDCP member ID once approved. Coverage starts after approval is confirmed.
How does CDCP dental coverage work at a Canadian dental clinic?
Bring your member ID and welcome package to your appointment. Sun Life administers claims directly. If the clinic’s fees exceed CDCP fee guidelines, you may pay the difference — ask whether the office direct-bills Sun Life before booking.
Does CDCP cover dental benefits for children and families?
Yes. The plan covers eligible Canadian residents of all ages, including children and family members, provided eligibility requirements are met for the household’s adjusted family net income.
Every smile is different. For accurate information and personalized treatment options,
book a consultation with the team at Delta Park Dental.
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