The Canadian Dental Care Plan launched in 2024 to help make dental care more accessible for families across Canada. If you’re wondering what services this federal program covers and how it can help your family access comprehensive dental care, you’ve come to the right place.
The CDCP covers a comprehensive range of dental services from preventive care like cleanings and exams to major treatments like crowns and dentures, with coverage levels based on your family income and specific frequency limits for different services.
What Services the CDCP Covers for You & Your Family
Preventive & Diagnostic Care
The foundation of good oral health starts with regular preventive care. The CDCP covers these routine services that help catch problems early:
- Dental exams & x-rays
- Professional cleanings (polish & scaling)
- Fluoride treatments & sealants
Basic Services
When you need treatment for cavities, infections, or gum problems, these services are covered under the plan:
- Permanent & temporary fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Gum disease management
- Pain control treatments
Major Dental Services
For more complex dental needs, the CDCP also covers these significant treatments:
- Crowns & repairs
- Complete & partial dentures
- Tooth extractions & oral surgery
- Sedation services when needed
How Much You’ll Pay for CDCP Services
Coverage Based on Your Family Income
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your adjusted family net income from your tax return. Here’s how the coverage works:
- Under $70,000: 100% coverage of CDCP fee guide
- $70,000-$79,999: 60% covered, you pay 40%
- $80,000-$89,999: 40% covered, you pay 60%
Additional Costs You Might Face
Even with CDCP coverage, you might have some expenses. Your dentist in South Edmonton can help you understand these potential costs before treatment:
- Services beyond CDCP established fee guide
- Treatments not covered by the plan
Frequency Limits & When You Can Get Services
How Often Services Are Covered
The CDCP sets specific limits on how frequently you can receive certain services. These guidelines help manage costs while providing adequate care:
- Dental exams: pay for one complete exam every 5 years. Will pay up to 3 exams per year.
- Cleanings: coverage varies by age (½ to 4 units annually).
- X-rays: complete series every 5 years, panorex once every 5 years, up to 8 x-rays per year.
- Fluoride treatments: every 6-12 months depending on age.
Major Service Limitations
Larger treatments have longer waiting periods between services:
- Crowns: 4 per decade, 1 per tooth every 8 years
- Dentures: every 5-8 years depending on type
- Root canals: specific frequency per tooth
Services That Need Pre-Approval
When Preauthorization Is Required
Some treatments require approval before your dentist can proceed. This process helps determine if the treatment meets clinical criteria:
- Crowns & complex restorations
- Partial & immediate dentures
- Higher levels of sedation
- Services beyond frequency limits
The Pre-Approval Process
Your dental team handles the preauthorization paperwork for you. The process considers your individual oral health needs and history:
- Your dentist submits request with documentation
- Decision based on clinical criteria
- Takes your oral health history into account
- Not all requests receive approval
What the CDCP Doesn’t Cover
Cosmetic & Elective Treatments
The plan focuses on medically necessary treatments rather than cosmetic improvements. These services aren’t covered:
- Teeth whitening & veneers
- Inlays & onlays
- Bridges & implants
- Crowns on implants
- Night guards & mouth guards
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontic coverage has limited availability under the current program:
- Limited orthodontic coverage starting 2025
- Only for severe medical need cases
- Strict eligibility criteria apply
- Maximum spending limits apply
Understanding Your Dental Costs
The CDCP can help make dental care more affordable for your family, but knowing the details helps you plan for your dental health needs. If you have questions about how your coverage works with your specific treatment plan, your dentist or the staff in South Edmonton at Southgate Dental Centre can help you navigate the program and understand your options.
Contact us today to discuss how we can work with your CDCP coverage to keep your family’s smiles healthy.
For more detailed information about eligibility and enrollment, visit our comprehensive guide on the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
