If you’re considering booking a dental appointment under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), it’s essential to understand how the program works and what you need to prepare. At Northland Smiles in Calgary, we’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you make the most of your CDCP benefits.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal initiative aimed at providing affordable dental care to eligible Canadian residents who lack private dental insurance. Launched in 2023, the plan has already approved over 3.4 million Canadians, with 1.7 million receiving care.
“Expanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan to all eligible Canadians is a big step forward in improving the health and well-being of millions across the country. Access to affordable dental care is vital for Canadians to enable better health outcomes, reduce barriers to care and alleviate pressure on our health care system. This next step is only possible because of the continued support and participation of oral health providers across the country.”
– The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Health
Recent CDCP Updates and Expansions
Annual Renewal Requirement: Starting March 2025, current CDCP members must renew their coverage annually. To maintain uninterrupted coverage, members need to:
File their 2024 tax return and receive the Notice of Assessment.
Submit the renewal application by June 1, 2025.
Failure to renew by the deadline will result in coverage ending on June 30, 2025.
Orthodontic Services Addition: In 2025, the CDCP will introduce coverage for orthodontic services for the eligible Canadian residents. These services will be available only in cases of medical need, based on strict criteria, and will have a maximum spending limit.
Are You Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all four of the following criteria:
No Access to Dental Insurance: You don’t have dental coverage through employment, a family member’s plan, a professional or student organization, or a purchased private plan. Even if you choose not to enroll in an available plan, you’re still considered to have access and thus ineligible.
Canadian Resident for Tax Purposes: You must be recognized as a resident of Canada for tax purposes.
Filed a Tax Return in the Previous Year: This helps determine your adjusted family net income.
Adjusted Family Net Income Below $90,000: Your income determines your co-payment level:
Below $70,000: No co-payment.
$70,000–$79,999: 40% co-payment.
$80,000–$89,999: 60% co-payment.
When Can Patients Book Their Dental Appointment After Applying for CDCP?
Once you’ve submitted your application for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you might be wondering when you’re actually allowed to see a dentist under the program. Here’s what you need to know to avoid any surprises or delays:
Wait Until You’re Approved
You cannot book a CDCP-covered dental appointment immediately after applying. You must wait until you receive official confirmation of approval from the Government of Canada. This comes in the form of a confirmation letter, either by mail or through your My Service Canada Account (MSCA).
This letter will include:
Your CDCP member ID number
Your coverage start date
Your co-payment percentage, if applicable (based on income)
Some patients think they need to wait for a welcome package from Sun Life (the insurance provider administering CDCP) before booking care. Good news – you don’t. As long as you have your CDCP approval letter with your member ID and start date, you’re ready to book your appointment.
Booking Your First Appointment
You can schedule your appointment on or after the coverage start date listed in your approval letter. Any appointments scheduled before that date will not be eligible for CDCP coverage.
Bring your approval letter or a digital copy of it to your appointment. This helps our admin team at Northland Smiles Dental verify your eligibility quickly and ensures a smooth billing process.
How Much Will Be Covered for CDCP Patients?
Below is the co-payment breakdown based on adjusted family income.
Adjusted family net income | How much will the CDCP cover | How much you will cover |
Lower than $70,000 | 100% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees. | 0% of the CDCP established fees. |
Between $70,000 and $79,999 | 60% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees. | 40% of the CDCP established fees. |
Between $80,000 and $89,999 | 40% of eligible oral health care service costs will be covered at the CDCP established fees. | 60% of the CDCP established fees. |
“In addition to the co-payment requirements listed above, many of the established fees covered by the federal government do not meet the full cost of the treatment in a dental office. The difference will be on you.” [Source: Alberta Dental Association]
What Services Are Covered under CDCP?
As of May 2025, the CDCP covers a range of dental services, including:
Diagnostic and Preventive Services
dental exams, including complete, routine, specific and emergency exams
x-rays
cleaning (scaling)
fluoride applications
Sealants
Basic Services
Restorative Services:
permanent fillings
temporary fillings
pain control for diseased teeth
other treatments for cavities
Endodontic services:
pulpectomies (first step of a root canal treatment)
procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain
re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatment (requires preauthorization)
Periodontal services:
cleaning under the gumline
treating abscesses
bonding for mobile teeth (requires preauthorization)
post-surgical evaluations (requires preauthorization)
non-surgical gum disease management
Major Services
Restorative Services:
posts and post removal
repairs to crowns and re-bonding of crowns and posts
crowns (requires preauthorization)
cores (to support crowns) (requires preauthorization)
posts for crown (requires preauthorization)
Removable Prosthodontic Services:
complete dentures, including standard and temporary dentures
denture repairs, relines and rebases
placing lining in dentures to condition oral tissues (for comfort and healing)
complete immediate and overdentures (requires preauthorization)
partial dentures (require preauthorization)
Oral Surgery:
removal of teeth and roots
surgical removal of tumours and cysts
surgical incisions, including draining
treatments for broken jaw bones
Anesthesia or Sedation Services
minimal sedation (conscious)
moderate sedation (requires preauthorization)
deep sedation (requires preauthorization)
general anaesthesia (requires preauthorization)
FAQs about Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
I’ve been approved for CDCP. Can I book my appointment at Northland Smiles Dental right away?
Yes, as long as your coverage start date has passed. Bring your approval letter with your CDCP ID number when you visit.
Will Northland Smiles bill CDCP directly, or do I have to pay upfront?
We bill Sun Life directly for eligible services. You may only need to pay a co-payment, depending on your income level.
What documents should I bring to my first CDCP appointment at Northland Smiles Dental?
Bring your CDCP approval letter (digital or printed), a valid ID, and your Alberta Health Care card. We’ll use this to verify your coverage and co-pay level.
How will I know which treatments are fully covered and which require a co-pay?
Once your CDCP application is approved, your confirmation letter will state your co-payment percentage (0%, 40%, or 60%). At Northland Smiles, we’ll review your treatment plan with you ahead of time and clearly explain any out-of-pocket costs before starting care.
What if I’m already getting dental treatment and become eligible for CDCP mid-treatment?
CDCP coverage only applies to treatments performed on or after your official coverage start date. Ongoing treatment started before that date won’t be retroactively covered. If you’re mid-treatment, we’ll help you assess what portions may now qualify under CDCP.
