This is a blog site providing general information on the Canadian government dental program. For official information, please visit Canada.ca/dental
Covered Dental Services
What Dental Services Are Covered Under the CDCP?
CDCP Covered Services
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps cover a wide range of oral health services, including:
Diagnostic and Preventive Services
- Dental exams (complete, routine, specific, emergency) to assess oral health
- X-rays to detect issues early
- Cleaning (scaling) to maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Fluoride applications to prevent cavities
- Sealants to protect against decay
- Early detection of mouth conditions (e.g., cancer)
Basic Services
Restorative Services
- Permanent fillings for cavities
- Temporary fillings for immediate relief
- Pain control for diseased teeth
- Other cavity treatments
Endodontic Services
- Root canal treatments for decayed/infected teeth
- Pulpectomies (first step of root canal)
- Infection reduction and pain relief procedures
- Re-treatment of prior root canals (requires preauthorization)
Periodontal Services
- Cleaning under the gumline for gum health
- Abscess treatment
- Bonding for mobile teeth (requires preauthorization)
- Post-surgical evaluations (requires preauthorization)
- Non-surgical gum disease management
Major Services
Restorative Services
- Posts and post removal for damaged teeth
- Crown repairs, re-bonding of crowns/posts
- Crowns (requires preauthorization)
- Cores to support crowns (requires preauthorization)
- Posts for crowns (requires preauthorization)
Removable Prosthodontic Services
- Complete dentures (standard and temporary)
- Denture repairs, relines, and rebases
- Oral tissue conditioning with denture linings
- Immediate/overdentures (requires preauthorization)
- Partial dentures (requires preauthorization)
Oral Surgery
- Tooth and root removal
- Surgical removal of tumours/cysts
- Surgical incisions (e.g., draining)
- Broken jaw treatments
Anesthesia or Sedation Services
- Minimal sedation (conscious)
- Moderate sedation (requires preauthorization)
- Deep sedation (requires preauthorization)
- General anaesthesia (requires preauthorization)
Orthodontic Services
- Not yet available; planned for 2025
- Covered only for medical need with strict criteria
- Subject to a maximum spending limit
Upcoming Coverage
In 2025, the CDCP will introduce limited **orthodontic coverage** for cases of medical necessity.
Coverage Limits & Preauthorization
Some treatments require **preauthorization** before they can be covered. This means:
- Your oral health provider must submit a request to the CDCP.
- The CDCP will evaluate your oral health and medical history.
- Approval is not guaranteed, and some services may not be covered.
To avoid unexpected costs, confirm with your provider whether your procedure requires **preauthorization**.
Costs, Reimbursements & Co-Payments
The CDCP will cover a portion of your treatment costs, but you may have to pay additional fees based on your **adjusted family net income**.
Co-Payment Breakdown
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Coverage | Patient Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Below $70,000 | 100% of eligible service fees | 0% (no co-payment) |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of eligible service fees | 40% (patient pays) |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of eligible service fees | 60% (patient pays) |
Additional Charges
CDCP fees may not match the rates charged by your provider. You may be responsible for extra costs if:
- The provider’s fees exceed CDCP reimbursement rates.
- You choose services that are not covered by the plan.
Important Payment Guidelines
Never pay the full cost upfront. CDCP-covered services are reimbursed directly to **oral health providers**, not patients. Discuss potential out-of-pocket expenses with your provider before receiving care.
More Read:Â CPP & OAS application wait time
Suggested Reading:Â Canada Dental Care Plan
Passport Canada Question:Â How to contact Passport Canada office
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