CDCP
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a subsidized program initiated and funded by the federal government to make dental care more accessible for Canadians without insurance. Since May 2025 Canadians of all ages may apply to the CDCP and will receive coverage based on income.
Victoria Family Dental accepts the CDCP and looks forward to welcoming you to our clinic.
What does the CDCP cover?
Diagnositic Services and Preventative Care
- Complete exams, Emergency exams, Specific exams
- Radiographic images (x-rays)
- Routine check ups
- Cleanings and polishing
- Fluoride treatments
General Treatment
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Crowns
- Extractions
Specialized Treatment
- Dentures (complete and partial)
- Wisdom teeth extractions
- Orthodontics (limited to medically necessary cases)
What is not covered
- Veneers
- Whitening
- Bridges
- Implants
CDCP coverage frequency and limitations
The CDCP by the federal government has broad coverage but they have set many requirements, and limitations. Some examples listed below are for reference:
- Complete exams (new patient exams) are covered once every 5 years (60 months)
- Specific exam covered once every 12 months
- Eight (8) radiographs every 12 months
- Four (4) crowns every 10 years (120 months)
- One (1) complete denture every 8 years (96 months)
- Cleanings: patients under 12 are only covered for half a unit of scaling, patients 12-16 are cover for 1 unit of scaling, patients 17+ are covered for 4 units of scaling every 12 month period (most adults would only be covered for one cleaning every 12 month period based on this limitation)
It is important to know your coverage and your out-of-pocket expense before proceeding with your appointment. At Victoria Family Dental we can send an estimate to check your coverage and let you know the portion not covered and the associated cost before proceeding with treatment.
In some instances, we may receive a “Claim Acknowledgement,” from the CDCP which is a response without the coverage breakdown and therefore we cannot inform you of your portion you would be required to pay after treatment, and you would be responsible for paying the portion not covered by the CDCP.
The services covered by the CDCP can be found on the government’s website below: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Eligibility Criteria
- You cannot be covered under a private insurance. If you have private insurance coverage from work or your spouse, it will make you ineligible for the CDCP.
- If your family net income is above $89,999 you would be ineligible.
- Income Under $70,000: 100% coverage of eligible services (on CDCP benefit grid you may need to cover costs exceeding CDCP fees).
- Income $70,000–$79,999: 60% coverage, 40% co-payment (on CDCP benefit grid you may need to cover costs exceeding CDCP fees).
- Income $80,000–$89,999: 40% coverage, 60% co-payment (on CDCP benefit grid you may need to cover costs exceeding CDCP fees).
If I am covered at 100%, does that mean I do not have to pay?
It is important to note that the federal CDCP coverage is not that same as your dental providers’ fees. Each Province and Territory has a fee guide that is released to their dental providers. The CDCP fees are usually lower than the provincial/territory fee guide, and as a result it may not cover the entirety of the cost.
The federal government has released the example below as a possible scenario:
- No co‑payment: Jane has an adjusted family net income of $32,000. This means that she does not have a co‑payment.
Jane has an appointment to get her teeth cleaned Her provider charges $145* for 2 units of scaling The CDCP established fee for 2 units of scaling is $134 The CDCP will pay Jane’s provider $134 Jane will need to pay the remaining $11 to her provider - 40% co‑payment: Hakeem and his spouse, Anita, have an adjusted family net income of $76,000. This means that their family has a 40% co‑payment. Hakeem has an appointment to get his teeth cleaned His provider charges $145* for 2 units of scaling The CDCP established fee for 2 units of scaling is $134 Hakeem must pay the remaining $11 to the provider, plus his co‑payment Hakeem’s co‑payment is $53.60 (40% of $134) The CDCP will pay Hakeem’s provider $80.40 (60% of $134) Hakeem’s total payment to his provider is $64.60 ($11 plus $53.60)
- 60% co‑payment: Kate and her spouse, Mary, have an adjusted family net income of $82,000. This means that their family has a 60% co‑payment. Kate has an appointment to get her teeth cleaned Her provider charges $145* for 2 units of scaling The CDCP established fee for 2 units of scaling is $134 Kate must pay the remaining $11 to the provider, plus her co‑payment Kate’s co‑payment is $80.40 (60% of $134) The CDCP will pay Kate’s provider $53.60 (40% of $134) Kate’s total payment to her provider is $91.40 ($11 plus $80.40)
See the link below for information regarding coverage and the CDCP benefits:
Ready to apply to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for coverage?
Click the link below to apply. Once you have your CDCP benefits you can schedule an appointment at Victoria Family Dental. We look forward to making you smile.