Canada Dental Care Plan: Comprehensive Patient Guide

At Sierra Dental, we emphasize that dental care is an essential part of overall health. Unfortunately, many Canadians still struggle to receive proper care. And this is usually because of the cost of dental treatments.

This is where the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can make a difference.

The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is one of the country’s largest social programs. It is a government initiative that is designed to improve access to dental care for Canadians who are unable to afford it. The plan coverage includes a wide range of procedures that can improve and maintain oral health.

Sierra Dental is proud to be among the over 25,000 participating providers across Canada, ready to welcome and care for Calgary families who are eligible under the CDCP. If you want to learn more about the CDCP, what it is, who is eligible, and how to apply, read along this comprehensive guide.

What is the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Did you know that almost one in four Canadians avoid dental care due to cost? This is the main reason why the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was introduced. The goal is to make essential and emergency dental care more accessible to low-income families.

This initiative is a major step toward reducing dental-health related disparities. The CDCP ensures that all Canadians, no matter their socioeconomic status, can receive the dental care they need.

Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP): How It Differs From Other Programs

You might wonder how the CDCP compares to other existing local provincial dental programs in Calgary or private insurance. Some key difference include:

Broad, income-based eligibility

Many provincial programs are limited to specific age brackets. Meanwhile, the CDCP is focused on helping low- to middle-income individuals and families.

Comprehensive coverage

The CDCP covers more than just basic dental procedures. It extends to even emergency and preventive treatments for a more complete care.

No monthly premiums

Unlike private insurances that need monthly payments to renew and extend your plan, the CDCP promises no out-of-pocket monthly to maintain coverage.

Our commitment to Calgary families goes beyond exceptional dental care. As a CDCP provider, we follow their set standards and policies to ensure all eligible patients receive complete coverage.

Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

To qualify for the Canada Dental Care Plan, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here is a detailed breakdown to help our Calgary patients determine if they can be covered:

• Age requirements – The CDCP is designed to cover all ages. But, children under 18 and senior patients (65+) are prioritized. This may change in the future.
• Income threshold – Canadian families with an annual household income of less than $90,000 are eligible.
• Lack of alternative coverage – You must not have access to other dental insurance plans, including employment benefits, other health and wellness accounts, from professional or student organizations, pension benefits, and individual or group coverage from companies.
• Updated tax returns – You and your spouse/common-law-partner must have filed your annual tax returns for assessment.
• Residency – You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

To find out if you qualify, you can use the online eligibility checker provided in the official CDCP website. It should provide a checklist and upon confirmation, it will redirect you to your designated application schedule according to your age group.

How to Apply for the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Applying for the CDCP is straightforward. But if you are unsure, you can contact our team at Sierra Dental and we will help you get started. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Invite letter and eligibility

An invite letter will be sent in phases by age group. As of May 2025, the following should have already received their invite for application:

• Seniors aged 65 or older
• Adults aged 18-64 with a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate*
• Children under 18 years old
• All other eligible Canadian families whose annual income level qualify
  * The Disability Tax Certificate certifies that the holder has a severe or prolonged impairment or significant limitations on specific medical categories, or receive therapy to support vital function.

Watch your mail or your online account. Your invitation should arrive according to your age bracket. If you are in Calgary and think you or a family member is qualified but yet to receive an invite, you can visit the official CDCP website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Gather required documents

When you apply, the following information must be provided:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN, if available for children)
• Date of birth
• Full name
• Home and mailing address
• List of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)
• Notice of assessment after tax return filing

You must submit one application for every qualified family member to prevent delays to your assessment and confirmation.

3. Submit application

There are several routes in which you can submit your application and document requirements:

• Online application – For our Calgary patients, this is the best and easiest way to apply. An application link is available in the official CDCP website. Fill out the form completely and accurately and attach the corresponding documents.
• Through call – You may apply by phone via 1-833-537-4342 and select option 1 to proceed. Enter your application code found on the top right corner of your invitation letter, then your SIN, and input the rest of the details.
• In-person – For those without internet or phone access, some government offices and community centers accept paper applications and in-person submission. You may contact the local Calgary office to determine if this is feasible.
• Teletypewriter service (TTY) – For the hearing impaired, TTY is available at 1-833-677-6262.

You may apply for yourself and your children, or on behalf of someone else provided that you are a legal delegate or Power of Attorney.

4. Wait for approval

You should receive your approval information after a few weeks. A letter will be sent to your mailing address regarding the decision.

You may access the status checker tool available online to monitor your application progress. Simply input your application code or client number and SIN. You may also call 1-833-537-4342 and select option 2. Representatives are available 8:30am – 4:30pm local time, except on statutory holidays.

5. Receive your coverage details

Once confirmed, your coverage will begin on the date provided in your welcome package provided by Sun Life, the official partner of the CDCP. This should arrive within 3 months after you apply.

Once you have your plan ready, you can visit your nearest CDCP provider.

For Calgary patients, Sierra Dental is ready to welcome you! Just call our team at (403) 297-9600 to book your visit.

Services Covered Under the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

One of the biggest advantages of the CDCP is the wide range of services it covers. At Sierra Dental, the following dental treatments are included under our CDCP care:

Diagnostic and Preventive Services – to prevent dental diseases and maintain a lifetime of good oral health.

• Dental exams
• X-rays
• Teeth cleaning
• Fluoride applications
• Dental sealants

Restorative Services – to treat cavities and broken teeth

• Permanent and temporary fillings
• Pain control for diseased teeth
• Crowns and crown repair
• Posts, cores, post removal

Endodontic Services – to treat severely decayed, infected, or broken teeth

• Root canal treatment
• Pulpectomy
• Procedures to reduce dental infection and relieve pain
• Root canal retreatment

Periodontal Services – to replace missing teeth and other related services

• Complete and partial dentures (standard and temporary)
• Denture repair, reline, rebase
• Placement of liner on oral tissues
• Overdentures

Oral Surgery Services – to remove teeth and tumours and to fix other complex problems of the mouth and jaw

• Tooth extraction
• Surgical removal of tumors and cysts
• Surgical incision and drainage
• Treatment of broken jaw

Anesthesia and Sedation – to control pain during dental treatments

• Conscious sedation
• Moderate to deep sedation using IV

Orthodontic services are currently not covered by the CDCP. But may be made available by 2025 with a maximum spending limit.

Understanding Your Coverage and Benefits

To our Calgary patients who are covered by the CDCP, below are some of the key terms and information that are important to know in your plan:

Co-payments

Under the CDCP, some individuals that fall under a certain adjusted family net income bracket are required to have a co-payment. This means that a percentage of the CDCP is not covered, so you will have to pay directly to the oral health provider.

Based on your adjusted family net income, here is your corresponding co-payment:

About Additional Charges

Calgary patients under the CDCP coverage may still face additional charges in addition to the rules of co-payment if:

• The cost of the treatment provided is more than what the established CDCP fees are
• You agree to receive dental care that the plan does not cover

Before you begin treatment, it is important that we do an initial consultation, not just to discuss your treatment plan, but also to inform you of the costs that will not be covered by the CDCP. This will help you prepare to cover the additional expenses, if necessary.

How to Compute for Co-payment and Additionals

If you are confused about the cost of your dental treatment under the CDCP, considering co-payment and additional charges, here is an example we can apply in our Calgary clinic:

• An individual under 40% co-payment to undergo 2 units of scaling
• CDCP fee: $134, oral health practitioner’s fee: $145

In this scenario, the patient is required to pay the difference of $11 and the 40% co-payment which is $53.60. So, they will pay the team a total of $64.60, while the CDCP will cover the rest.

Pre-authorization

Pre-authorization is a process to request coverage for dental services before treatment. Certain dental services, though covered by the CDCP, require pre-authorization so both the patient and oral health provider can understand if the treatment is covered and the limitations, if there are any.

Pre-authorization is required for:

• Root canal retreatment
• Bonding of mobile teeth
• Post-surgical evaluations
• Crowns, posts, and cores
• Complete immediate and overdentures
• Partial dentures
• Moderate and deep sedation
• General anesthesia

If your treatment requires a pre-authorization, we will send this request along with other supporting requirements to assist with completing your treatment coverage. Decisions, depending on the nature of service, are valid for up to 24 months from approval. This is provided that you are still covered by the plan on the date of treatment.

Frequency Limitations

This refers to the restrictions on how often certain dental services can be covered by the CDCP within a specific time period. It takes into accounts all the treatments under the CDCP.

To know more about the limitations, you may access this link. It also includes services that require pre-authorization, those out of coverage at any time, and corresponding frequency limitations on specific treatments.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Application Process

Many of our Calgary patients have benefited from the CDCP. To avoid denied applications, here are a few tips we can share to you:

• Double check your information – Ensure that all details are up-to-date, accurate, and complete before submitting.
• Gather all documents – Missing paperwork can cause application delay and denial.
• Submit online if possible – Digital submissions are processed quicker than other application options.
• Do not resend applications – Wait for your plan decision patiently and avoid resending. You may check the online status checker for updates.

How to Find a Participating Dentist or Clinic

Sierra Dental is proud to be a participating clinic in the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP). If you are within Calgary or surrounding areas and would like to maximize your coverage plan, simply schedule an appointment with us via (403) 297-9600 and we will go over your benefits, discuss your options, and help you with treatment.

If you are looking for other participating providers, here’s how you can find them:

• Online directory – A list of CDCP oral health providers is available through the Sun Life website. You may access it here.
• Contact Sun Life – You may also directly call the Sun Life CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 for more information.
• Referrals – Your local dentist in Calgary, another healthcare professional, or someone you know may also provide information on participating clinics or dentists.

CDCP FAQs