Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – Affordable Dental Care for Uninsured Canadians
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental insurance program designed to make oral health care more accessible for Canadians who don’t have private dental coverage. This initiative helps ease financial barriers for individuals and families earning less than $90,000 per year, giving millions access to essential dental services.
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery in Hamilton, we proudly support the CDCP and provide all covered services under this plan.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
Launched in December 2023, the CDCP is a $13-billion initiative created by the Government of Canada to cover basic dentistry expenses for uninsured Canadians with a household income under $90,000. Once fully implemented, the program is expected to help over nine million people.
The CDCP is administered by Sun Life Financial on behalf of the federal government. Patients don’t pay upfront for covered treatments — participating dental providers bill the plan directly. Depending on income, some patients may have a small co-payment, while others receive full coverage.
Who Is Eligible for CDCP?
To qualify for CDCP coverage, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- Have filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year
- Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Have no access to private or employer-provided dental insurance
If you have a spouse or common-law partner, both of you must meet these criteria. Children under 18 qualify based on their parents’ or guardians’ eligibility.
What Dental Services Are Covered?
The CDCP covers a wide range of essential oral health services, including:
- Preventive care: Cleanings, scaling, polishing, sealants, fluoride
- Diagnostics: Exams, emergency visits, and dental X-rays
- Restorative treatments: Fillings and crowns (with approval)
- Endodontics: Root canal therapy and pulp treatments
- Prosthodontics: Complete dentures, partial dentures (pre-authorization may apply), repairs and relines
- Periodontics: Gum disease treatment, including deep scaling
- Oral surgery: Tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, minor surgical procedures
- Sedation & anesthesia: Local anesthesia, conscious sedation, and (when approved) general anesthesia for complex procedures
Not covered: Cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, orthodontics, and sports/night guards.
How to Apply for the CDCP
Eligible Canadians can apply online through the official Government of Canada website or by phone. When approved, you’ll receive a welcome package from Sun Life with your membership card and the date your coverage begins.
Once active, simply present your CDCP card at your dental appointment. Our office will bill the plan directly — you’ll only pay a co-payment if your household income falls between $70,000 and $89,999.
Get Care with CDCP at Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery in Hamilton, we provide every service covered by the CDCP, including sedation (“sleep dentistry”) for patients who experience dental anxiety or require complex treatment.
Whether you need preventive cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum therapy, dentures, or oral surgery, our experienced team is ready to help you maximize your CDCP benefits.
Take the next step toward a healthier smile!
Contact Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery today to book your appointment and start enjoying stress-free, affordable dental care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
FAQs About CDCP
What is the Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Program (CDCP) is a federal initiative designed to make essential dental care more affordable for Canadians without private dental insurance. The program helps eligible residents access preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental services through approved dental providers.
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery in Hamilton, we are a participating CDCP provider, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need without financial stress.
Who qualifies for the CDCP in Hamilton, Ontario?
You may qualify for the CDCP if you meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Government of Canada. In Hamilton and across Ontario, individuals and families are eligible if:
- They do not have private dental insurance
- Their adjusted family net income is below $90,000 per year
- They are a Canadian resident with a valid SIN (Social Insurance Number)
The level of coverage depends on your income bracket. Our team at Downtown Sleep Dentistry can verify your eligibility and help you understand what services you’re entitled to.
How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Program?
To apply for the Canadian Dental Care Program, visit the Government of Canada’s CDCP application portal or call their official helpline. You’ll need your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and income information from your most recent tax return.
Once approved, you’ll receive a CDCP card by mail. Bring this card to your first appointment at Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery, and our staff will process your treatment under the program.
What dental services are covered under the CDCP?
The CDCP covers a wide range of essential dental treatments, including:
- Routine dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays
- Fillings and extractions
- Root canal treatments
- Crowns, dentures, and partial dentures
- Preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants
Some specialized treatments (such as sedation or surgical procedures) may require preauthorization. Our Hamilton dental team can review your treatment plan and ensure your CDCP benefits are applied correctly.
Does the CDCP cover sedation dentistry and oral surgery?
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry, we specialize in sleep dentistry, IV sedation, and complex oral surgeries, and we’ll help you submit any required preauthorization forms to confirm your CDCP coverage before treatment.
Can I use the CDCP if I already have dental insurance?
No, you cannot use the CDCP if you currently have private or employer-sponsored dental insurance. The program is designed specifically for Canadians without access to private dental benefits.
If your existing insurance only covers certain procedures or has limitations, our team can still review your situation to see if any government benefits may apply.
How long does it take to get approved for CDCP coverage?
If you need urgent dental care while waiting, contact Downtown Sleep Dentistry in Hamilton; we can guide you on interim payment options and schedule your appointment once your coverage is active.
Do I need to bring any documents to my dental appointment if I’m covered by CDCP?
It’s also helpful to bring any previous dental records or treatment notes if available, so we can coordinate your ongoing dental care efficiently.
How can Downtown Sleep Dentistry help me maximize my CDCP benefits?
- Confirm which procedures are covered under your CDCP plan
- Assist with preauthorization requests for sedation or surgical treatments
- Create a personalized treatment plan that fits within your annual coverage limit
We believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care, especially those with dental anxiety or complex surgical needs. Our Hamilton sedation dentistry clinic ensures your CDCP coverage is used to its fullest potential while keeping you safe and comfortable.
