Desh Dental Danforth

The CDCP is a federal initiative that extends coverage to Canadian residents lacking dental benefits and with a household income under $90,000 annually. It's a government dental benefit (not free dental care) designed for individuals without existing dental coverage. Managed by Health Canada and administered by Sun Life.

To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all 4 requirements: 1) You don't have access to dental insurance through employment, pension benefits, or private coverage, 2) You and your spouse/common-law partner must have filed tax returns in Canada, 3) Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000, 4) You're a Canadian resident for tax purposes. Visit canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html to check eligibility.

No, the CDCP does not offer free dental care. It's a government dental benefit that assists in covering a portion of dental expenses. Co-payments are based on adjusted family net income: No co-payment if under $70,000, 40% co-payment if $70,000-$79,999, and 60% co-payment if $80,000-$89,999. Patients may also be responsible for fees not covered by the CDCP fee guide.

Covered services include: scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, fluoride treatments, comprehensive examinations and X-rays, fillings, root canal therapies, complete and partial removable dentures, and oral surgery procedures including extractions. Some services require preauthorization. Cosmetic treatments, veneers, implants, fixed bridges, and other services are not covered.

No. The CDCP is designed for Canadian residents who do not have dental benefits. If you're eligible for dental coverage through employment benefits, professional organizations, pension benefits, or private plans, you're ineligible for the CDCP. The CDCP should not replace existing coverage - it's meant to improve access for those without benefits.

Service Canada is rolling out the program in phases, contacting eligible Canadians directly by mail or phone. Wait for a letter or phone call from Service Canada, follow the instructions provided, complete the application online or by phone, and receive your CDCP card and coverage information. Check eligibility at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/qualify.html

Services not covered include: cosmetic treatments (including teeth whitening), veneers, all ¾ crowns, inlays/onlays, fixed prosthodontics (bridges), dental implants and implant-related procedures, bone grafts, periodontal appliances, mouth guards, crown lengthening, TMJ therapy, precision attachment partial dentures, and extensive rehabilitation.

Some services require preauthorization before treatment, including root canal treatments, dentures, oral surgery procedures, some periodontal treatments, and limited orthodontic services. Routine services like cleanings, exams, X-rays, and simple fillings typically do not require preauthorization. Your dentist will help determine if preauthorization is needed.