The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has made dental care more accessible to millions of Canadians, but many people still ask the same question: what dental treatments does CDCP actually cover? Understanding the difference between covered services, limits, and extra costs can make your visit much easier.
At BSRV Dental Office in Scarborough, we help patients understand how their CDCP coverage can apply to eligible dental care. In this guide, we’ll explain what’s included, what isn’t, how co-payments work, and what to expect when using your CDCP benefits at a Scarborough dental office.
Dental Services Covered Under CDCP
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers many essential dental services, including diagnostic and preventive care such as exams, X-rays, and cleanings. Coverage also includes basic restorative treatments like fillings and root canals, as well as major restorative services such as crowns and dentures. The plan may also cover tooth extractions, periodontal treatment for gum disease, and certain anesthesia or sedation services. Orthodontic services are not currently available under the CDCP.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal public dental program that helps eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance receive oral health care. Eligibility includes an adjusted family net income below $90,000, along with other requirements. The CDCP covers a portion of eligible dental treatment costs based on established CDCP fees and household income.
Who Is Eligible for CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is available to Canadian residents who meet four main eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet the income threshold, file their Canadian tax return for the previous year, and have no access to private dental insurance or coverage through work, a pension plan, or another source.
- Canadian resident: You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Income requirement: Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.
- Tax return: You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, must have filed your Canadian tax returns for the previous year.
- No private dental coverage: You must not have access to dental insurance through your employer, a pension plan, a family member’s plan, or private insurance.
Dental Treatments Covered Under CDCP
The CDCP covers a wide range of oral health services, from routine preventive care to restorative treatment, gum care, dentures, oral surgery, and certain sedation services. Coverage depends on the CDCP’s established criteria, frequency limits, and whether a service requires preauthorization.
Diagnostic and Preventive Services
Diagnostic and preventive services help monitor your oral health, identify dental problems early, and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Under the CDCP, eligible services include dental examinations, X-rays, scaling (cleaning), fluoride applications, and sealants. These services can help your dentist detect problems before they require more extensive treatment. Coverage remains subject to applicable CDCP frequency limits and service requirements.
- Dental exams, including routine, complete, specific, and emergency exams
- Dental X-rays
- Scaling and cleaning
- Fluoride applications
- Dental sealants
Basic Restorative Services (Fillings and Root Canals)
If you are wondering, “Does CDCP cover teeth filling?”, eligible restorative services include both permanent and temporary fillings. The plan also covers endodontic treatment for teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or broken. This includes root canal treatments, pulpectomies, and procedures used to reduce infection and relieve dental pain. Some repeat or additional treatments may require preauthorization.
- Permanent fillings
- Temporary fillings
- Pain control for diseased teeth
- Root canal treatments
- Pulpectomies
- Procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain
Periodontal Services (Gum Treatment)
CDCP periodontal coverage focuses on treating conditions affecting the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Covered services can include cleaning beneath the gumline, treatment of dental abscesses, and non-surgical management of gum disease. Certain periodontal procedures, including services requested beyond applicable limits, may require preauthorization before treatment is confirmed for coverage.
- Cleaning under the gumline
- Treatment of abscesses
- Non-surgical gum disease management
- Certain periodontal services subject to CDCP criteria and frequency limits
Major Restorative Services (Crowns and Repairs)
Does CDCP cover crowns? Yes, crowns are included among CDCP major restorative services, but crowns require preauthorization. The plan can also cover certain crown repairs, re-bonding, posts, post removal, and cores used to support crowns. Preauthorization allows the CDCP to assess whether the proposed service meets its clinical criteria before treatment is confirmed for coverage.
- Dental crowns — preauthorization required
- Crown repairs and re-bonding
- Posts and post removal
- Cores used to support crowns
- Posts for crowns — preauthorization required
Prosthodontic Services (Dentures)
Does CDCP cover dentures? Yes. The CDCP includes removable prosthodontic services for replacing missing teeth. Coverage includes complete dentures and certain denture repairs, relines, and rebases. Partial dentures require preauthorization, as do certain complete immediate and overdenture services. Your provider can explain whether the proposed denture treatment meets the plan’s requirements.
- Complete dentures
- Standard and temporary dentures
- Denture repairs
- Denture relines and rebases
- Complete immediate dentures — preauthorization required
- Overdentures — preauthorization required
- Partial dentures — preauthorization required
Oral Surgery (Extractions)
Are tooth extractions covered by CDCP? Yes. Eligible oral surgery services include the removal of teeth and roots, as well as certain surgical procedures involving the mouth and jaw. This can include wisdom teeth removal when the extraction meets CDCP coverage requirements. The plan also lists surgical removal of tumours and cysts, drainage procedures, and treatment of broken jaw bones among covered oral surgery services.
- Removal of teeth and roots
- Wisdom teeth extractions when eligible
- Surgical removal of tumours and cysts
- Surgical incisions and drainage
- Treatment of broken jaw bones
Anesthesia and Sedation Services
The CDCP also provides coverage for certain anesthesia and sedation services when they are provided with an eligible dental procedure. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation, including their combination, do not require preauthorization within applicable frequency limits. Conscious sedation using inhalation or combined techniques, as well as deep sedation and general anesthesia, require preauthorization under CDCP rules.
- Nitrous oxide
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous oxide with oral sedation
- Conscious sedation — preauthorization required
- Deep sedation — preauthorization required
- General anesthesia — preauthorization required
Note: CDCP coverage does not necessarily mean the entire dental bill is free. The plan reimburses a portion based on established CDCP fees, and some services require preauthorization before treatment. Patients can also have co-payments or additional charges depending on their circumstances and the provider’s fees.
CDCP Coverage at a Glance
Treatment Category | Examples & Preauthorization |
Diagnostic & Preventive | Exams, X-rays, cleanings/scaling, fluoride, sealants. Preauthorization: Generally no. |
Basic Restorative | Fillings, root canals, pulpectomies. Preauthorization: Generally no; certain retreatment may require it. |
Periodontal | Gumline cleaning, abscess treatment, non-surgical gum disease care. Preauthorization: Generally no for basic eligible services. |
Major Restorative | Crowns, crown repairs, posts and cores. Preauthorization: Yes for crowns and certain related services. |
Prosthodontic | Complete/partial dentures, denture repairs, relines and rebases. Preauthorization: Required for certain initial/partial denture services. |
Oral Surgery | Tooth and root extractions, eligible wisdom tooth removal, cyst/tumour removal. Preauthorization: Depends on the specific procedure and CDCP criteria. |
Anesthesia & Sedation | Nitrous oxide and oral sedation; moderate/deep sedation and general anesthesia. Preauthorization: No for eligible nitrous oxide/oral sedation; yes for certain deeper sedation/anesthesia services. |
Does CDCP Cover Braces or Orthodontic Treatment?
General orthodontic treatment, including standard braces for tooth alignment, is not broadly covered under the CDCP. Limited orthodontic coverage may be available for specific severe medical conditions, such as a severe functionally handicapping malocclusion, but these cases require preauthorization and must meet the plan’s clinical criteria. Braces used mainly for cosmetic alignment are not covered. Always confirm eligibility and preauthorization with your dental provider before starting treatment.
Does CDCP Cover Dental Implants?
No, dental implants are not covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Implant-supported dentures are also excluded from CDCP coverage. The plan does, however, include eligible conventional complete and partial dentures for replacing missing teeth. If you are considering an implant because of tooth loss, your dentist can explain other eligible denture options and discuss the costs of implant treatment separately.
What Is NOT Covered by CDCP?
Not every dental treatment falls under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Cosmetic procedures and dental implants are generally excluded, while standard orthodontic treatment is not broadly covered. Patients may also have to pay any amount that exceeds the CDCP-established fee or falls outside the plan’s eligible coverage.
- Cosmetic procedures: Teeth whitening and cosmetic veneers are not covered.
- Dental implants: Implants and implant-supported dentures are excluded.
- General orthodontics: Braces used mainly for routine tooth alignment are not covered.
- Costs above CDCP fees: You may pay the difference when a provider charges more than the CDCP-established fee.
How Much Will CDCP Cover? (Co-Payments Explained)
Your CDCP co-payment is based on your adjusted family net income. The plan covers 100% of eligible costs at CDCP-established fees for families earning below $70,000, 60% for incomes from $70,000–$79,999, and 40% for $80,000–$89,999. Any required co-payment is paid directly to your dental provider. Additional charges may also apply if the provider’s fee exceeds the CDCP-established amount.
Adjusted Family Net Income | % Covered by CDCP | % Patient Pays |
Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
$70,000–$79,999 | 60% | 40% |
$80,000–$89,999 | 40% | 60% |
Important: These percentages apply to eligible services at CDCP-established fees, not necessarily the full amount a dental office charges. You may still have additional costs if the provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee or if you choose a service that is not covered.
How Often Does CDCP Cover Dental Cleanings?
For adults aged 17 and older, CDCP coverage for routine periodontal cleaning (scaling) is generally limited to 4 units in any 12-month period, with scaling and root planing combined under the plan’s frequency limits. Children and teens have different allowances based on age. Additional scaling or root planing beyond the standard limit may be considered with preauthorization when clinical criteria are met.
How to Use CDCP Coverage at BSRV Dental Office
If you’re a CDCP patient in Scarborough, a few simple steps can make the process easier. BSRV Dental Office can help you understand your eligible dental services, expected costs, and any preauthorization requirements before treatment begins.
- Confirm enrollment: Make sure your CDCP enrollment is active before scheduling your appointment.
- Book a consultation: Schedule a visit with BSRV Dental Office to discuss your oral health needs and treatment options.
- Ask about costs: Request an estimate of any expected co-payment or additional charges before treatment starts.
- Verify coverage: BSRV Dental Office can review the proposed treatment against applicable CDCP coverage requirements.
- Check preauthorization: When required, the dental office can help with the preauthorization process before proceeding with eligible treatment.
Why Choose BSRV Dental Office for CDCP-Covered Treatment
BSRV Dental Office helps CDCP patients understand their coverage, expected costs, and treatment requirements before moving forward with care.
- CDCP Provider: As a CDCP-participating dental provider, BSRV Dental Office can help eligible patients access covered oral health services.
- Clear Cost Estimates: We explain your expected co-payment and potential additional charges before treatment begins.
- CDCP Experience: Our team is familiar with CDCP claims, coverage requirements, and preauthorization procedures.
- Scarborough Convenience: Located in Scarborough, BSRV Dental Office offers accessible dental care for local CDCP patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CDCP Cover Teeth Filling?
Yes, the CDCP covers eligible dental fillings, including certain permanent and temporary restorations. BSRV Dental Office can review your treatment needs and explain what portion of the filling cost may be covered under your CDCP benefits.
Are Tooth Extractions Covered by CDCP?
Yes, eligible tooth and root extractions are covered under the CDCP. If an extraction is recommended, BSRV Dental Office can check the applicable coverage requirements and explain any expected patient costs before treatment.
Does CDCP Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal may be covered when the extraction is medically necessary and meets CDCP requirements. Coverage depends on the specific circumstances and procedure, so BSRV Dental Office can help confirm whether your planned extraction qualifies.
Do I Need to Pay Upfront If I Have CDCP Coverage?
You generally should not be asked to pay the full cost of an eligible CDCP-covered service upfront. However, you may need to pay your applicable co-payment or any additional amount not covered by the plan directly to the dental office.
What Happens If My Dentist's Fees Are Higher Than What CDCP Covers?
CDCP coverage is based on the plan’s established fees, not necessarily the dental office’s full fee. If the dentist charges more than the applicable CDCP-established amount, you are responsible for paying the difference in addition to any required co-payment.
How Do I Know If a Treatment Needs Preauthorization?
Some CDCP services require preauthorization before treatment can be covered, particularly certain major restorative, prosthodontic, and sedation procedures. BSRV Dental Office can review your proposed treatment and let you know when preauthorization is required before proceeding.
Conclusion
The CDCP can help cover a wide range of dental care, from routine cleanings and fillings to root canals and dentures, although some services, such as implants, general orthodontics, and cosmetic treatments, may not be covered. Your co-payment can also depend on household income. If you’re unsure about your benefits, book a consultation with BSRV Dental Office in Scarborough to confirm your coverage and create a personalized treatment plan.
