The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal initiative of the Government of Canada to help eligible Canadian residents afford needed dental care when they have limited or no access to dental benefits.
In short: if you meet certain eligibility criteria, the CDCP can cover part of your dental treatment costs, meaning fewer financial barriers standing between you and a healthy, comfortable smile.
Why this matters to you
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery, we believe everyone deserves dental care that’s comfortable, professional, and stress-free, especially when sedation or special care is involved. When you hear “sleep dentistry,” it means you can get treated while relaxed or sedated, which is our specialty. The CDCP helps make that level of care more accessible for eligible people.
Dental health is not just cosmetic, poor oral health can lead to pain, infection, and even affect overall health. The CDCP helps remove cost as a barrier so you can focus on staying healthy and getting the treatment you need.
Who is eligible for the CDCP?
Here are some of the key requirements:
- You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Your adjusted family net income must be below a certain threshold (currently less than $90,000) and you must not have access to dental insurance (employer, personal, or pension-based).
- You must have filed your tax return for the previous year.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we at the practice are happy to talk you through it and help you understand how it might apply in your case.
What kinds of services are covered?
The CDCP covers a broad range of oral-health services — from preventive checks to more involved treatments, depending on your needs and eligibility.
Here are some examples:
- Preventive & diagnostic services: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments.
- Restorative & basic services: fillings, cavity treatment, pain control for diseased teeth.
- Major services: crowns (in some cases), removable dentures, extractions, oral surgery.
- Sedation and anesthesia services: minimal sedation is covered, and deeper levels of sedation/general anesthesia require pre-authorization.
Because our practice offers sedation dentistry and oral surgery, it’s worth noting that things like moderate/deep sedation or general anesthesia may be eligible under CDCP (with the right documentation and pre-authorization).
How much will the CDCP pay — and what costs might you still have?
Coverage under CDCP is significant but not always 100% of every cost. Your out-of-pocket amount depends on your income and whether the treatment exceeds standard benefit limitations.
- If your adjusted family net income is under $70,000, CDCP may cover 100% of eligible service costs (based on CDCP fee rates) meaning no co-payment, aside from any additional charges above CDCP rates.
- For incomes between $70,000 – $79,999, a co-payment of approximately 40% is required.
- For incomes between $80,000 – $89,999, a co-payment of about 60% may apply.
Also important: your provider’s charges may exceed the CDCP fee-schedule, and those additional charges would be your responsibility. Pre-authorization is required for many services that go beyond standard limits.
Why choose our office for CDCP eligible care?
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery we:
- Are experienced in sedation dentistry and oral surgery which aligns well with many of the procedures covered under CDCP.
- Accept CDCP clients and handle the billing process; we’ll verify coverage, handle pre-authorization when needed, and help you understand any potential extra costs.
- Are committed to comfort, safety, and patient-centred care, meaning your treatment under the CDCP is handled with the same quality and attention we bring to all patients.
- Provide a full range of services: from exams and cleanings, to restorative dentistry, extractions, implants, and sedated procedures, allowing you to receive comprehensive care in one place.
In summary
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a powerful step toward ensuring more Canadians can access the dental and oral-health services they need, especially when cost or insurance gaps are a barrier. At our practice, we’re ready and able to help you navigate the plan, make it work for you, and deliver comfortable, professional dental care under sedation when necessary.
If you’re wondering whether the CDCP can help you, or what your next step should be, just reach out to our team at Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery. We’re here to answer your questions, coordinate your care, and help you smile with confidence.
