The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is one of the biggest healthcare updates in decades, designed to make dental care accessible for millions of uninsured Canadians.
But what exactly does it cover? What are the limits? And how can you use it at a CDCP dentist in Woodbridge without unexpected costs?
This guide breaks down the CDCP coverage in simple terms, from preventive visits to emergency care, so you know exactly what to expect when you sit in the chair.
How the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Works
The CDCP is managed by Health Canada and administered through Service Canada. It covers routine and essential dental services for Canadians who:
- Don’t have private dental insurance, and
- Meet the income eligibility threshold.
Your coverage percentage depends on household income:
- Under $70,000 → 100% of eligible costs
- $70,000–$79,999 → 60% of eligible costs
- $80,000–$89,999 → 40% of eligible costs
This structure ensures that lower-income families receive full support, while moderate-income households still receive partial Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits.
Preventive Services Covered in CDCP: Keeping Your Smile Healthy
Prevention is the heart of the program. CDCP covers most services that help avoid bigger oral issues later, including:
- Comprehensive dental exams (initial and recall)
- X-rays and panoramic imaging
- Scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatments
- Oral hygiene instruction and maintenance
You can get these done regularly at a CDCP dentist in Woodbridge, helping you maintain your teeth and gums year-round.
Preventive coverage is one of the most valuable CDCP services covered, as cleanings and early detection often prevent costly restorative work.
Restorative Services Included in CDCP: Repairing and Rebuilding Teeth
When cavities, cracks, or wear set in, the plan covers a range of restorative procedures:
- Composite (white) Fillings
- Silver amalgam fillings where clinically indicated
- Root canal therapy on eligible teeth
- Post and core restorations
- Re-cementing crowns and bridges
Crowns, inlays, and onlays are partially covered when deemed medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Always confirm coverage before treatment, as costs may differ by material or lab fee.
Surgical Services and Tooth Extractions Covered in CDCP
The CDCP coverage extends to simple and surgical extractions, including wisdom tooth removal when required for health reasons.
Covered surgical services include:
- Routine Extractions
- Removal of Impacted Teeth
- Biopsies and Minor oral Surgery
- Suturing and After-care Follow-ups
At Sunny Day Dental, we see many patients who assume oral surgery is excluded; in fact, medically required extractions are among the key CDCP services covered under this plan.
Dentures and Prosthodontic Coverage Covered in CDCP
For patients with missing teeth, the plan includes partial and complete dentures.
Included services:
- Denture fabrication (upper, lower, or both)
- Adjustments and repairs
- Relines or rebases after a set interval
Keep in mind: cosmetic upgrades such as premium materials or porcelain teeth may not be fully covered. The CDCP focuses on functionality first, ensuring every patient can eat and speak comfortably.
Emergency Dental Services Covered In CDCP
Accidents and sudden pain don’t wait for appointments, and that’s why emergency care is a core part of Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits.
Covered emergency dental services include:
- Urgent assessments and diagnostic exams
- Temporary fillings or crowns for pain relief
- Extractions or drainage for acute infection
- Palliative treatment to manage discomfort
If you need immediate relief, you can visit a CDCP dentist in Woodbridge like Sunny Day Dental, and your claim will be processed directly.
Paediatric Dental Services Covered in CDCD Dental Insurance
Children receive the same CDCP coverage as adults, with a few added protections:
- Fissure sealants for molars
- Fluoride varnish
- Space maintainers for premature tooth loss
Parents should still schedule routine checkups twice a year to maintain eligibility and ensure oral development stays on track.
Services Not Fully Covered Under CDCP
The program aims to provide essential care, not elective or cosmetic procedures. These services are usually not covered or only partially covered:
- Cosmetic veneers
- Whitening treatments
- Orthodontic braces or Invisalign (except for medical necessity)
- Major restorative work beyond basic function
If you’re unsure about a treatment, your dentist can send a pre-authorization request through the CDCP system before you proceed.
How to Use Your CDCP Coverage at a Dental Clinic
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive:
- A CDCP ID number
- A coverage letter showing your co-payment percentage
When you visit a registered CDCP dentist in Woodbridge:
- Present your CDCP ID and photo ID.
- The clinic confirms eligibility in real-time.
- You pay only your co-payment portion, if any.
Claims are filed electronically; you won’t need to submit anything manually.
Co-Payments for CDCP Explained
Co-payments are the portion of fees you pay out of pocket based on income.
| Household Income | Coverage Level | Your Co-Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% | $0 |
| $70,000–$79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000–$89,999 | 40% | 60% |
This structure ensures fairness while maintaining national sustainability of the Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits.
How the CDCP Clinic in Woodbridge Like Sunny Day Dental, Help Patients
Registered clinics simplify the entire process:
- They confirm your eligibility on-site.
- They apply your CDCP coverage instantly.
- They submit digital claims to Service Canada.
Patients often appreciate not having to deal with any paperwork or reimbursement delays.
A Step Toward Accessible, Preventive Dental Care
The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a shift toward prevention and equality in oral healthcare. With wide CDCP coverage, Canadians can finally access essential treatments that protect their health, without worrying about unaffordable bills.
Understanding the details helps you make the most of your plan and avoid confusion when scheduling your next visit.
Get the Best Benefits of CDCP with Sunny Day Dental
If you’ve recently been approved for the program and want to know exactly what your CDCP coverage includes, our team at Sunny Day Dental, the CDCP dentist in Woodbridge can help.
We’ll review your eligibility, explain the CDCP services covered, and design a treatment plan that fits your needs and benefits.
Visit sunnydaydental.com or call to book your appointment with a CDCP dentist in Woodbridge today.
FAQs About CDCP Coverage
1. Are cosmetic procedures covered under CDCP?
No. Veneers, whitening, and purely aesthetic treatments are excluded.
2. How often can I get cleanings under CDCP?
Up to twice per year, plus an exam and X-rays as required.
3. Can I switch dentists under the plan?
Yes. You can see any CDCP dentist in Woodbridge or elsewhere, as long as the clinic is registered.
4. What if I need a service not listed in the CDCP schedule?
Your dentist can submit a predetermination form to verify if partial coverage applies.
5. Does the plan cover sedation or anesthesia?
Basic local anesthesia is included; advanced sedation may require partial payment.
