Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Burlington

We Believe That Everyone Deserves Access to Oral Health Care

We proudly accept patients covered under the CDCP, the new federal government program. The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a government initiative aimed at providing affordable dental care to uninsured Canadian residents and families with an annual income below $90,000. It prioritizes children, seniors, and those with disabilities, making dental health more accessible to those who might otherwise delay or forgo necessary dental services.

Why CDCP Coverage Matters

For many, dental care has been an out-of-pocket expense, often leaving essential dental treatments beyond reach. Unlike other aspects of healthcare, which are publicly funded, dental care costs can be a significant burden. Patients may delay care until their issues become painful and expensive to treat. Now, with the introduction of the CDCP, we hope financial barriers can be lifted. This program is especially impactful for families with children, as it allows us to prioritize preventive care from an early age. By addressing dental issues proactively, we can reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other conditions and catch problems before they become worse.

What Services are Covered?

Preventive Care

Covered preventive services include:

Routine Examinations

These exams will include visual assessments, oral cancer screenings, and reviews of overall oral health.

X-rays

Diagnostic imaging is covered to provide a detailed view of the teeth, roots, and jawbone, helping detect issues like cavities, impacted teeth, or bone loss.

Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride applications strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent decay, especially in children.

Restorative Services

Basic restorative procedures are covered, such as:

Fillings

Composite or amalgam fillings are included to treat cavities and restore tooth structure.

Crowns (in certain cases)

While not universally covered, crowns may be included when necessary to preserve a tooth with significant damage.

Bonding

For minor chips or cracks, bonding procedures are often covered to repair the tooth and improve its appearance.

Extractions and Oral Surgery

In cases where a tooth cannot be saved or is causing significant problems, extractions are covered under the plan. This includes:

Simple Extractions

Removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible.

Surgical Extractions

For impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth) or teeth that require cutting into the gum or bone for removal.

Incision and Drainage

Minor surgical procedures to alleviate pain and address the issue are also included for abscesses or infections.

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies, such as severe pain, infections, or trauma, can be distressing and require immediate attention. Coverage may include:

Pain relief

for severe toothaches or infections.

Treatment of broken or knocked-out teeth

Temporary restorations

to manage urgent issues until a permanent solution can be provided.

Root Canal Treatment

The plan covers root canal therapy, a procedure to save teeth with infected or damaged pulp. This ensures that patients can preserve their natural teeth rather than resort to extractions.

How to Know if You Qualify for the CDCP

You are able to apply for the CDCP if:

You or your spouse do not have existing workplace or private dental benefits
You and your spouse or common-law partner have filed your tax return in the last year
You have an adjusted annual family net income of less than $90,000
You're a Canadian resident
You're a senior aged 65+
You have children under 18
You have a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate

Dental Services Not Covered by the CDCP

While CDCP benefits cover a wide range of essential services, certain treatments may fall outside its scope, depending on the specific circumstances. These may include:

Cosmetic Procedures

Procedures like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign treatment will not be covered.

Orthodontic Treatment

Braces may only be covered in cases of medical need based on strict criteria. More information regarding this will be released sometime this year (2025).

Dental Implants

This advanced restorative treatment will not be covered.

Oral Appliances

Things like mouthguards, sports guards or other oral appliances will not be covered.

Remember the CDCP is not Intended to Provide Free Services but Rather Help With the Costs of Dental Care

It’s important to remember that the CDCP will reimburse a portion of the cost of your treatment, but it may not pay the full amount. You may have to pay additional charges directly to our dental office if:

Your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999
The cost of your services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse
You agree to services that the CDCP doesn’t cover (which we will ensure we are very clear about and will not proceed until we have your validation)

You will also not have to pay the full cost upfront (unless you owe additional costs) and wait to be reimbursed. We’ll get you set up in our system so your services will automatically be covered. You may have a co-payment based on your adjusted family net income. Examples can be found on the Government of Canada Website.

How to Know if Your Dentist Provides CDCP Services

Dental offices are not required to provide dental coverage under the CDCP; therefore, you can search for providers that are accepting CDCP patients on the Sun Life website using the CDCP provider search tool. We happily accept new patients covered by the plan and would love to meet you and your family! Call our dental office, and our friendly staff will walk you through the next steps.

Call us to Book an Appointment Today

Our Burlington family dental team always happily accepts new patients, including those under the CDCP. We aim to provide easy access to dental care for patients of all ages and look forward to helping you. You can start booking regular checkups now to catch problems and treat them early. Don’t avoid dental care. You deserve to have a healthy and happy smile. Call us to schedule an appointment!