Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) FAQs
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The CDCP is a federal program that supports the cost of dental care for Canadian residents who lack access to private or employer dental insurance. The CDCP is overseen by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life Financial.
Who does the CDCP support?
Any Canadian resident with a family income — called an adjusted family net income (AFNI) — of under $90,000 who does not have employer or private dental benefits may receive the CDCP. As well, people who have coverage under other government benefits can still get the CDCP.
Does the CDCP work similarly to OHIP?
No. The CDCP is not comprehensive dental coverage offering free dentistry. It is more of a subsidy to assist people with some of the costs of oral health care. Most patients pay for some out-of-pocket costs.
What are the income levels for the CDCP?
Your household income impacts if you will have co-pays for dental care. A co-pay is when you have to pay out-of-pocket for some percentage of a treatment or service. The government calculates your income based on tax returns from the previous year.
|
INCOME |
CO-PAY |
FOR EVERY $100 OF AN ELIGIBLE TREATMENT (EXCLUDING OTHER FEES) |
|
$80,000 – $89,999 |
60% |
You pay $60 |
|
$70,000 – $79,999 |
40% |
You pay $40 |
|
Under $70,000 |
0% |
You pay $0 |
Which treatments and services does the CDCP cover?
The CDCP assists with payment for basic dentistry, such as cleanings, fillings and dental X-rays. It covers patients for any given treatment over a set period of time. For instance, most patients can have a dental cleaning covered once every 12 months and a complete oral exam once every 60 months. This coverage limitation applies no matter where you get care — for instance, you cannot get a treatment at a private clinic and have it done again at the Faculty of Dentistry.
Your dental clinic may request a pre-authorization to see if you are covered for a planned treatment. Crowns, some surgeries and sedation may or may not be covered. Approvals can take a few weeks.
Do some dental clinics charge more than the CDCP covers?
Yes. The CDCP only covers the cost of a procedure up to the amount set by Health Canada. Some dentists charge more. The patient may have to pay this difference, which is called “balance billing.”
For example, if the CDCP covers $100 for an eligible service but your dentist charges $150, you will be asked to pay $50, along with any co-pays.
How does receiving care at the Faculty of Dentistry impact my costs under the CDCP?
For procedures approved under the CDCP, the Faculty of Dentistry charges what Health Canada covers, so there is no balance billing. If the CDCP does not cover a procedure, the Faculty charges its usual rate, which is an affordable rate that is lower than the industry standard.
As well, you may be eligible for assistance with uncovered costs — speak to your student dentist at your appointment.
At the Faculty, do I pay out of pocket for CDCP covered costs?
No. The CDCP directly reimburses the Faculty for the amount it will cover. You don’t pay out of pocket for this amount, only for any additional costs.
How do I register for the CDCP?
Apply online anytime here. You need your social insurance number (SIN) — or that of your child, if they have one, if you are applying on their behalf — date of birth, full name, home and mailing address and details of any other dental coverage. Each person in your household must apply separately. By phone call 1-833-537-4342 and for TTY services, dial 1-833-677-6262. You should hear in a few weeks if you have been accepted. If you are, you will get a determination letter.
After that, Sun Life will send a welcome package that includes a CDCP member card and more information. It is important to read your welcome package very carefully to understand your coverage and when you have out-of-pocket costs.
How often do you have to renew CDCP coverage?
It must be renewed every year. You want to renew by June 1 every year to avoid a gap in coverage. However, even if you miss that deadline, you can reapply any time. When you reapply, it’s a simpler process. (You also keep the same member card.)
How can I make applying and renewing CDCP easier?
Health Canada suggests people deal with their CDCP administration through the My Service Canada portal. You need to register for an account for this portal, but it makes accessing the CDCP easier.
CDCP Quick Links