Canadian Dental Care Plan | How It Works
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is public coverage. Basic dental care for children is generally covered under provincial health plans, while adults often rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket. Low-income individuals may access public programs or subsidized services. Dental services typically include preventive care, such as cleanings and check-ups, with more extensive treatments like fillings or extractions often requiring co-payments. Overall, the Canadian Dental Care Plan aims to balance accessibility and affordability, though gaps in coverage persist, especially for certain demographics and specialized treatments. Effective May 1st, 2024, treatments that are covered are complete upper and/or lower dentures, once in a lifetime-transitional dentures, denture repairs; denture relines and/or rebases, tissue conditioning and adjustments.
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | HOW MUCH WILL THE CDCP COVER? |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 100% of eligible oral health care service costs |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% of eligible oral health care service costs |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% of eligible oral health care service costs |
What Does The Canadian Dental Care Plan Cover?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) offers comprehensive coverage for a variety of oral health services aimed at maintaining dental wellness and treating conditions. Covered services include preventive care such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to prevent cavities and tissue disease. Diagnostic services like examinations and x-rays are also included. For restorative needs, the plan covers fillings and more complex procedures like root canal treatments and dentures. Periodontal services address tissue health with treatments like deep scaling and abscess management. Oral surgery services encompass extractions and surgical interventions for tumors or fractures. Preauthorization may be required for certain services to ensure coverage aligns with individual oral health needs and medical conditions. Limited orthodontic services will be available under strict medical criteria. The CDCP sets specific fee schedules for covered services, distinct from provincial fee guides, and members may need to cover additional costs directly. For detailed coverage information, refer to the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.