The Canadian Dental Care Plan: Who Qualifies, How to Apply and What It Covers
A plain-language guide to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): who may qualify, how to apply or renew, what the plan covers, and what to expect at your first CDCP visit.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental care more affordable for Canadian residents who don't have private dental insurance. Nova Family Dental is proud to welcome CDCP patients in Richmond Hill. Here is what the plan is, who it may be for, and how a visit works.
What the CDCP is
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal public dental plan administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada. It helps cover the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.
It is not a free-for-everything plan. Depending on your family income, you may pay a co-payment for some services, and certain treatments need pre-authorization before they are approved.
Who may qualify
Eligibility is based on several factors, including family income, Canadian residency, having filed a tax return, and not having access to private dental coverage. Eligibility has been opened in phases by age group and family situation, so the easiest way to confirm where you stand is to check the official eligibility page on canada.ca.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, our front desk team is happy to walk you through the basics before you book.
How to apply and renew
Applications are made through the Government of Canada website or by phone. You will need your Social Insurance Number and information from your most recent tax return. If you already receive letters about the plan, keep them — they include your coverage start date and member details.
Coverage is renewed periodically, and the government will contact you when it is time to renew. Missing a renewal can interrupt coverage, so it is worth responding to those letters promptly.
What the plan generally covers
The plan covers a defined list of services, including preventive and diagnostic care such as exams, cleanings and X-rays, as well as many restorative treatments like fillings, root canals, extractions and dentures.
Coverage amounts depend on your income tier: for some tiers there is no co-payment, while others share part of the cost. Some services, such as certain crowns, bridges or complex treatments, require pre-authorization with supporting records.
Using the CDCP at our clinic
At your visit, we verify your coverage, explain what the plan is expected to pay, and tell you clearly if any part of your treatment would be an out-of-pocket cost before it begins. If a treatment needs pre-authorization, we help prepare and submit the request.
Common questions
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Apply through canada.ca or by phone using the government's application line. You will need your Social Insurance Number and details from your latest tax return. Our team can point you to the right place but cannot apply on your behalf.
What does the CDCP cover?
It covers a defined list of services such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, root canals and dentures. Coverage levels and co-payments depend on your family income, and some treatments require pre-authorization.
How much does the CDCP pay?
It depends on your income tier and the treatment. Some families have no co-payment; others share a percentage of the cost. We review the expected coverage with you before treatment starts.
How do I renew my CDCP coverage?
The plan administrators contact you when renewal is due. Respond by the deadline in your letter or online notice so your coverage does not lapse.
Related care at Nova Family Dental
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Articles are general information. For advice about your own teeth, book an examination with Dr. Diba.
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