The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers preventive care, basic restorative services, and some major dental work — the exact services available to you depend on your adjusted family net income and age. For most eligible patients, that means exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more are accessible at a significantly reduced cost.
At Northland Smiles, we’re an enrolled CDCP provider in NW Calgary, and one of the first things patients ask us when they call to book is: “What is actually going to be covered?” Here’s a clear, honest answer — and what to expect when you come in as a CDCP patient. For full eligibility details, visit the Government of Canada CDCP page.
What Services Does the CDCP Cover?
Coverage falls into three categories: preventive, basic restorative, and major restorative. Here’s what’s included in each.
Preventive Care
Preventive services are covered for all eligible patients and form the foundation of every CDCP appointment:
- Comprehensive and periodic oral exams
- Diagnostic x-rays (bitewing and periapical)
- Dental cleanings (scaling and polishing)
- Fluoride treatments
- Fissure sealants (for children and youth)
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, a preventive appointment is typically where we start — and for many CDCP patients at our Edgemont-area office, this is the first dental care they’ve accessed in years. We don’t rush it, and we don’t judge the gap.
Basic Restorative Services
If decay or damage needs to be addressed, basic restorative services are covered under the plan:
- Dental fillings (tooth-coloured and amalgam)
- Simple tooth extractions
- Emergency dental visits for pain or acute infection
Major Restorative Services
The CDCP also covers a range of more complex treatments, depending on your clinical situation and income level:
- Root canal treatment on eligible teeth
- Surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth in some cases)
- Complete and partial dentures
- Denture repairs, relines, and adjustments
- Periodontal (gum) treatment for eligible cases
- Dental crowns in specific clinical circumstances
What Does the CDCP NOT Cover?
This is equally important to understand before your appointment. The CDCP is designed for essential dental care — it does not cover cosmetic or elective treatments. Specifically, the plan does not cover:
- Teeth whitening or bleaching
- Porcelain veneers
- Orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign)
- Dental implants
- Treatment that is primarily cosmetic in purpose
Crowns are a grey area — they are covered, but only when clinically necessary and when the tooth meets the plan’s eligibility criteria. We’ll confirm whether your situation qualifies before recommending one.
If a treatment you need isn’t covered, we’ll tell you before we begin. You’re never obligated to proceed with anything you haven’t agreed to and received a cost estimate for in advance.
How Much of the Cost Does the CDCP Pay?
The plan covers a percentage of the fee for eligible services — not necessarily the full amount. Your coverage level depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI):
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Coverage |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 80% of eligible fees |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of eligible fees |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of eligible fees |
| $90,000 or more | Not eligible |
There is also an annual maximum for covered services. Visit the Government of Canada CDCP page for the current figure, as this can be updated by the federal government.
One more thing to be aware of: the CDCP pays based on its own fee schedule, which may not always match the office fee for a given procedure. When there’s a difference, we explain it clearly before treatment so you know exactly what you’ll owe.
Does Coverage Differ for Seniors, Children, and Adults with Disabilities?
Yes. The CDCP was phased in starting with seniors 65 and older, children under 18, and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate. As of 2025, the plan is open to all eligible Canadians who meet the income and insurance criteria.
Seniors generally have access to the broadest range of covered services under the plan, including dentures and periodontal treatment. If you’re a senior in NW Calgary wondering about your specific CDCP entitlements, we cover this in detail in Do Seniors Get Free Dental Care in Alberta?.
What Happens at a CDCP Appointment at Northland Smiles?
When you book as a CDCP patient, let our front desk know at the time of booking. We’ll ask for your Sun Life member number — this is the number you received from the Government of Canada when you enrolled in the plan. Before any treatment begins, we confirm which services are covered for your specific situation and provide a written cost estimate for anything that isn’t fully covered.
We also review your CDCP benefits as part of every appointment, so you always know where you stand with your annual coverage before we proceed. For more on what to bring and what to expect, read What You Should Know Before Booking Your CDCP Dental Appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
No. Dental implants are not currently covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. If you’re missing one or more teeth, the plan does cover dentures and some other restorative options. Ask us about what’s available at your appointment.
Can I use my CDCP benefits for a dental emergency?
Yes. Emergency dental visits are an eligible service under the CDCP. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or a dental emergency in NW Calgary, call us at (403) 286-5030 and let the front desk know you’re a CDCP patient when you call.
What if I have some private dental insurance — can I still use the CDCP?
In some cases, yes. The CDCP is designed for Canadians without existing dental insurance, but there are coordination of benefits rules that apply in some situations. For a full breakdown, read our post on using the CDCP alongside private insurance.
Ready to Book as a CDCP Patient?
Northland Smiles Dental in NW Calgary is an enrolled Canadian Dental Care Plan provider. If you have your Sun Life member number and are ready to book, request an appointment and let us know you’re a CDCP patient. If you have questions about what’s covered for your specific situation before you come in, call us at (403) 286-5030 — we’re happy to walk you through it.
For full eligibility details and to apply for the plan, visit the Government of Canada CDCP page.
