Canadian Dental Care Plan for Calgary Families
This federal initiative helps eligible residents, particularly seniors, access dental care when they lack private dental coverage and have household incomes under CAD 90,000.
Below is a complete guide that covers everything about how the CDCP program works, what services are covered, how to apply and how Reflections Dental Group is a trusted dental clinic in NW Calgary that helps patients access the Canada dental program.
Eligibility for the CDCP Benefit
To qualify, applicants must meet all four of the following:
No access to dental insurance for seniors or any private dental plan
Be a Canadian tax resident
Filed a Canadian tax return in the previous year
Adjusted family net income below CAD 90,000
The rollout started with seniors and children in late 2023 and expanded to all uninsured adults by mid-2025, with coverage possible from June 1, 2025.
CDCP for Seniors: Income-Based Coverage
Here's how coverage and co-payments work for seniors using CDCP:
Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Covers | You Pay (Co-Payment) | Balance Billing (if above CDCP fee) |
Under CAD 70,000 | 100% of CDCP fee | 0% | Any excess over CDCP rates |
CAD 70,000–79,999 | 60% of CDCP fee | 40% | Any excess over CDCP rates |
CAD 80,000–89,999 | 40% of CDCP fee | 60% | Any excess over CDCP rates |
For example, if a scaling (CDCP fee: CAD 134) is billed at CAD 145, and you’re under CAD 70K income, you’d only pay CAD 11.
Covered Dental Services
The CDCP dental program covers a wide range of dental services that includes:
Preventive and diagnostic treatments: exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants
Restorations: fillings, root canals, extractions, periodontal care
Major services requiring preauthorization: crowns, dentures
Oral surgery, sedation (including anesthesia), and limited orthodontic treatment for medical necessity (rolling out mid-2025)
All advanced procedures like crowns or dentures require preauthorization starting November 1, 2024.
How the CDCP Helps Your Dental Health
The Canadian Dental Care Plan in NW Calgary is more than just a way to save money; it will help you take care of your teeth before the problem gets worse.
With regular dental checkups and cleanings, dentists can identify small problems early, which means fewer emergencies and less pain later.
Good oral health is also linked to your overall health. Healthy teeth and gums can lower the risk of serious problems like heart disease, diabetes, and infections.
By using your CDCP coverage, you can keep your smile strong and protect your health for years to come.
How can You Apply With My Service Canada Account?
Steps to apply:
Confirm eligibility criteria above.
Apply online from your My Service Canada account, or your phone or by mail.
Submit your SIN, address and income, and also confirm you do not have any private dental insurance.
Receive a welcome letter with your start date and CDCP member ID.
After your start date, visit a dentist near you, such as Reflections Dental Group, to receive care. They bill Sun Life directly.
Understanding CDCP Billing and Avoiding Extra Costs
The CDCP pays a set amount for each dental service. If your dentist charges more than the program’s set amount, you may have to pay the difference; this is called balance billing.
For example:
If the CDCP fees for a filling are CAD 120 and your dentist charges CAD 130, you need to pay an extra CAD 10 as a co-payment.
To avoid any last-minute surprises:
Ask your dentist about the cost estimate before treatment
Check if the dentist is charging more than the CDCP rate
Make sure services like crowns or dentures are approved beforehand.
Doing this will help you know what you are charged and leave no room for any last-minute surprises.
How Reflections Dental Group Helps CDCP Patients
As a registered CDCP provider near you, Reflections Dental Group offers several benefits:
Direct billing to Sun Life, no insurance paperwork for you
Confirm eligibility before your appointment
Handle preauthorization for major services like crowns or dentures
Provide clear estimates of your co-payment or any balance billing
Thank you for the full range of dental care: exams, cleanings, crowns, root canals, dentures, sedation, surgery
Deliver care in a supportive, patient-focused environment with well-trained staff
Reflections Dental Group is your trusted dentist in NW Calgary to help you access the Canadian Dental Care Plan smoothly, working with you every step, from application to treatment.
Tips for Seniors Using CDCP
If your income is under CAD 70K, you may pay 0% co-payment, making dental care truly affordable.
Schedule preventive dental visits twice a year; these visits do not need any preauthorization.
Request preauthorization immediately for procedures like dentures or crowns.
Ask your dental clinic if they charge more than the CDCP coverage rates to avoid last-moment surprises.
Renew CDCP eligibility yearly via MSCA to avoid coverage interruptions.
Book Your CDCP Appointment at Reflections Dental Group Today
Don’t wait to take advantage of your Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits. Whether you need a routine cleaning, urgent treatment, or preauthorized services like crowns or dentures, our team is here to guide you through every step. Call Reflections Dental Group or book online to secure your appointment. Let us help you keep your smile healthy, strong, and worry-free with your CDCP coverage.
FAQs
What is the income limit for Canada’s dental benefit?
Adjusted family net income must be below CAD 90,000.
Is there a government dental plan for seniors in Canada?
Yes, the CDCP plan includes seniors with a significant amount of reduced co-payments depending on their income.
What dental services are covered under the CDCP?
The CDCP covers services like preventive, dental restorations, endodontic, periodontal, crowns, dentures, and all other services with a preauthorization.
Is orthodontic treatment covered under the CDCP?
CDCP offers only a limited portion of coverage for necessary medical orthodontic cases. This is expected to launch in mid-2025.
Does CDCP cover root canals?
Yes, root canals and retreatments are covered; some may need preauthorization based on complexity.
Can I use the CDCP if I already have private dental insurance?
No. CDCP eligibility requires no private dental insurance access, even if unused.