The Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage helps eligible Canadians manage the cost of a wide range of dental services. Depending on your oral health needs, the plan can help pay for preventive care, examinations, X-rays, fillings, periodontal treatment, dentures, and several other services.
However, CDCP coverage does not mean every dental bill is paid in full. The plan uses its own fees, frequency limits and eligibility rules. Some treatments also require preauthorization before the treatment begins.
Understanding what the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers can help you avoid unexpected dental costs and make better decisions about treatment.
What Is Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental benefit designed to make oral health care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.
The CDCP pays participating oral health providers directly for eligible services. Depending on your adjusted family net income, the plan may cover all or part of the CDCP-established fee for an eligible service.
Your actual out-of-pocket cost can depend on three main factors:
- Your adjusted family net income
- Whether the dental service is covered by the CDCP
- Whether your provider charges more than the CDCP-established fee
This means that even someone with no CDCP co-payment may still have an amount to pay if the provider’s fee is higher than the amount recognized by the plan or if the treatment is not covered.
Visit Now: Mauricette CalculetteWhat Dental Services Does the CDCP Cover?
Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage includes a broad range of oral health services. The exact eligibility of a treatment depends on the CDCP rules, frequency limitations, the patient’s circumstances and, in some cases, preauthorization.
The main categories include:
| Dental service category | Examples of services |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic services | Dental examinations, X-rays and certain oral tests |
| Preventive services | Cleaning, scaling, polishing, fluoride and sealants |
| Restorative services | Permanent fillings and selected treatments for damaged teeth |
| Periodontal services | Scaling, root planing and treatment related to gum disease |
| Endodontic services | Certain procedures involving the inside of a tooth |
| Oral surgery | Certain eligible surgical procedures and extractions |
| Prosthodontic services | Complete and partial dentures |
| Sedation services | Certain sedation and anesthesia services when eligibility requirements are met |
The list above is a practical overview rather than a complete list. The official CDCP Dental Benefits Guide and Dental Benefit Grids contain the detailed procedure codes, limits, and preauthorization requirements.
Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan Income Limits – Who Qualifies in 2026?1. Dental Exams and Diagnostic Services
Regular dental examinations are an important part of Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage.
The CDCP can cover several types of examinations, including:
- Complete oral examinations
- Recall examinations
- Specific examinations
- Emergency examinations
- Certain limited examinations
- Some specialist examinations when the applicable requirements are met
The plan also covers eligible dental X-rays, subject to frequency limits.
For example, the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide lists limits for different types of examinations. A complete oral examination is generally limited to once every 60 months, while recall and specific examinations have different 12-month limitations. Emergency examinations do not have a frequency limit, although other rules can apply when they are performed with recall services.
X-rays also have their own limits. For example, certain intraoral X-rays can be covered up to specified limits within 12 months, while complete radiographic series and panoramic X-rays have longer frequency periods.
This is why you should not assume that every examination or X-ray will automatically be covered whenever you request one.
2. Dental Cleaning and Preventive Care
Preventive dental care is another important part of CDCP coverage.
Eligible preventive services can include:
- Scaling
- Polishing
- Fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants
- Other eligible preventive procedures
Scaling is commonly associated with professional dental cleaning. The CDCP applies frequency limitations based on factors such as age and the type of service provided.
For example, the current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide sets different scaling limits for children and adults. Adults aged 17 and older can generally receive up to four units of scaling in any 12 months when combined with root planing, subject to the plan’s rules.
Fluoride treatment also has frequency limits. The applicable period varies according to age.
Why preventive coverage matters
Preventive care can help identify problems before they become more complicated and expensive. Regular examinations, professional cleaning, and appropriate fluoride treatment can support better oral health and help detect issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.
3. Fillings and Restorative Dental Services
The CDCP also provides coverage for certain restorative treatments.
One of the most common examples is a permanent filling. Fillings are used to restore teeth affected by cavities or other damage.
Restorative coverage can also include certain other procedures, but eligibility depends on the specific procedure code and CDCP requirements.
Some more complex restorative services require preauthorization. This means your dental provider must submit information to the CDCP before treatment is performed and receive approval before the service can be covered.
It is important not to assume that because a treatment restores a damaged tooth, it will automatically be covered. The CDCP determines eligibility according to its benefit grids and policies.
Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan 2026- Eligibility, Income Limits, Coverage & Costs4. Gum Disease and Periodontal Treatment
Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage can also help with eligible periodontal services, which are treatments involving the gums and supporting structures around the teeth.
Examples can include:
- Scaling
- Root planing
- Certain periodontal procedures
- Treatment for some oral disease conditions
- Certain desensitization services when eligibility requirements are met
Scaling and root planing are commonly used to treat or manage gum disease. The CDCP applies specific frequency limits, and additional treatment may require preauthorization.
For people with higher oral health needs, the preauthorization process can be particularly important. The CDCP may consider coverage beyond standard frequency limitations when the required criteria are demonstrated.
5. Dentures
Eligible denture services are included in CDCP coverage.
Depending on the type of denture and the circumstances, coverage can include:
- Complete dentures
- Partial dentures
- Immediate dentures
- Transitional or provisional dentures
- Certain overdentures
Different types of dentures have different frequency limitations and preauthorization requirements.
For example, the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide lists complete standard dentures at a frequency of one per arch in any eight years. Partial dentures have their own rules, and some initial placements require preauthorization.
Because dentures can represent a significant dental expense, it is especially important to ask your provider what portion will be covered before agreeing to treatment.
6. Crowns and Other Major Dental Treatments
Some more complex dental treatments may be covered by the CDCP, but they generally come with stricter requirements than routine preventive services.
Crowns are one example. Eligible crowns require preauthorization, and the CDCP has frequency limitations for them.
Preauthorization is designed to establish whether the proposed service meets the plan’s requirements before treatment takes place.
If your dentist recommends a crown or another major treatment, ask the dental office to confirm:
- Whether the procedure is eligible under the CDCP.
- Whether preauthorization is required.
- How much the CDCP is expected to pay.
- How much you may have to pay yourself.
Do not rely only on the regular dental office price because the CDCP uses established fees that may differ from provincial or territorial dental fee guides.
Read More: Canada Disability Benefit Application- How to Apply Step by Step7. Extractions and Oral Surgery
The CDCP can cover certain eligible oral surgery services, including some procedures involving tooth removal.
Coverage depends on the specific procedure and the circumstances. Some surgical procedures may have additional requirements or require preauthorization.
If you need an extraction or another oral surgery procedure, your provider can check the applicable CDCP benefit information before treatment.
Emergency dental care may also involve different rules from routine treatment. For this reason, it is useful to confirm coverage whenever possible, even when treatment is urgent.
8. Sedation and Anesthesia
Certain sedation and anesthesia services may be covered when specific CDCP requirements are met.
These can include certain forms of:
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous oxide
- Parenteral conscious sedation
- Deep sedation
- General anesthesia
Coverage is not automatic simply because a patient prefers sedation.
For example, the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide sets eligibility requirements for nitrous oxide and oral sedation. For older patients, treatment generally must have been unsuccessful in a normal clinical setting without sedation, or the patient must have a significant impairment that prevents treatment from being successfully provided without sedation.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia require preauthorization in the circumstances specified by the plan.
Read More: Canada Disability Benefit Income Limits 2026- How Income Affects PaymentsIs Orthodontic Treatment Covered by the CDCP?
Orthodontic services are currently not available under Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage.
This is important for anyone considering braces or other orthodontic treatment.
You should not assume that orthodontic treatment will be paid for simply because you qualify for the CDCP or because other dental services are covered.
If orthodontic coverage becomes available under the plan in the future, the official CDCP coverage information will provide the applicable eligibility and benefit rules.
Does the CDCP Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
The CDCP is intended to support eligible oral health care rather than provide unlimited coverage for cosmetic dental treatment.
A procedure may not be covered simply because a patient wants to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Before agreeing to cosmetic or elective treatment, ask your dental provider whether the specific procedure is an eligible CDCP service. If it is not covered, you will generally be responsible for the cost.
Does CDCP Coverage Pay 100% of Dental Costs?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the most important points to understand about the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
For eligible services, the CDCP reimburses according to its established fees. Your adjusted family net income determines your potential co-payment.
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP coverage at established fees | Your co-payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
These percentages apply to eligible services at the CDCP-established fees. They do not necessarily represent the percentage of the price your dentist normally charges.
For example, if an eligible service has a CDCP-established fee of $100 and your income places you in the 40% co-payment category, the CDCP may cover $60 of that established fee, and you may be responsible for $40.
However, if your dental provider charges more than the CDCP-established fee, you may have an additional amount to pay.
Why You May Still Receive a Dental Bill
Even when a treatment is eligible, you could have an out-of-pocket cost.
Possible reasons include:
- Your adjusted family net income creates a co-payment.
- The provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee.
- The treatment exceeds a frequency limitation.
- The treatment requires preauthorization and has not been approved.
- You choose a service that is not covered by the plan.
- You and your provider agree to treatment outside the CDCP’s eligible services.
The federal government advises CDCP members to ask their oral health provider about costs that will not be covered before receiving treatment.
Read More: Canada Disability Benefit 2026- Eligibility, Amounts, Income Limits & ApplicationWhat Is Preauthorization and When Is It Needed?
Preauthorization means the dental provider asks the CDCP to approve a service before treatment takes place.
It is particularly relevant for certain higher-cost or complex procedures and services that fall outside standard frequency limitations.
The provider submits information about your oral health needs and the proposed treatment. The CDCP then determines whether the requested service meets its coverage requirements.
Preauthorization does not guarantee that every proposed treatment will be approved. The decision can take into account your oral health history, medical conditions,s and other applicable criteria.
If a request is denied, you can still choose to receive the treatment, but you may have to pay for it yourself.
How to Check Your CDCP Coverage Before a Dental Appointment
Before receiving treatment, take a few minutes to confirm what your plan will cover.
1. Confirm that your CDCP coverage is active
Your coverage needs to be active when you receive the service. The federal government recommends checking your coverage before each appointment.
2. Confirm that the provider accepts CDCP patients
Ask whether the dental provider accepts CDCP clients and will bill Sun Life directly for covered services.
Eligible providers can include dentists, denturists, dental hygienists, dental specialists, and certain dental schools or educational institutions.
3. Ask for a treatment estimate
Before agreeing to treatment, ask:
- Is this procedure covered by the CDCP?
- Does it require preauthorization?
- What is the CDCP-established fee?
- What will I have to pay?
- Are there additional charges above the CDCP fee?
Getting these answers before treatment can prevent unpleasant surprises.
Practical Example of CDCP Dental Costs
Suppose an eligible dental service has a CDCP-established fee of $200.
If the patient’s adjusted family net income is below $70,000, the CDCP can cover 100% of the established fee, meaning there is no CDCP co-payment.
However, suppose the provider’s charge is $230 rather than the CDCP-established fee of $200. The patient could still have to pay the $30 difference if the provider’s charges exceed the amount recognized by the plan.
For someone with an adjusted family net income between $70,000 and $79,999, the CDCP coverage would generally be 60% of the established fee,e and the patient’s co-payment would be 40%. On a $200 established fee, that would mean $120 from the CDCP and $80 as the co-payment, before considering any additional eligible charges.
This example shows why CDCP coverage is not always the same as the percentage of your dentist’s total bill that the government pays.
Does the CDCP cover dental cleaning?
Yes. Eligible preventive services can include scaling and polishing, subject to the plan’s frequency limitations and other requirements.
Does the CDCP cover fillings?
Yes. Permanent fillings are among the restorative services that can be covered when they meet CDCP eligibility requirements.
Does the CDCP cover X-rays?
Yes. Eligible dental X-rays are covered, but different types of X-rays have specific frequency limitations.
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
Yes. Certain complete and partial dentures are eligible, although frequency limits and preauthorization requirements vary by denture type.
Does the CDCP cover crowns?
Certain eligible crowns can be covered, but crowns require preauthorization and are subject to frequency limitations.
Does the CDCP cover braces?
No. Orthodontic services are currently not available under the CDCP.
Do I have to pay anything if my income is below $70,000?
You generally have no co-payment on eligible services at the CDCP-established fees if your adjusted family net income is below $70,000. However, additional charges can still apply in certain situations, such as when the provider’s fee is higher than the CDCP-established fee.
Can I receive treatment without preauthorization?
Some CDCP services do not require preauthorization. Others do. Your dental provider should check the applicable benefit grid and determine whether approval is required before treatment.
Final Takeaway
The Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage can help eligible Canadians pay for many essential dental services, including examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatments, fillings, periodontal care, certain oral surgery procedures, dentures and other eligible treatments.
The key point is that coverage depends on more than simply being enrolled in the CDCP. Your income, the specific dental procedure, frequency limitations, preauthorization rules, es and your provider’s fees can all affect what you actually pay.
Before starting treatment, confirm that your CDCP coverage is active, ask whether the provider accepts CDCP patients, and request a clear explanation of any expected out-of-pocket costs. For complex procedures, make sure any required preauthorization has been approved before treatment begins.
Because CDCP rules and benefit grids can change, the official Government of Canada coverage information should be checked for the latest requirements before making a dental treatment decision.