What the Canadian Dental Care Plan Means for You
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and for good reason. It’s a major step toward helping more Canadians access regular dental care, especially those who haven’t had coverage before.
At Image Dental Care in Red Deer, we’ve been getting plenty of questions from patients about what the plan includes, who qualifies, and how it works in our office. So, we thought we’d break it down in simple terms to help you understand what it means for you and your family.
What Is the CDCP?
The CDCP is a new federal program designed to help cover dental costs for Canadians who don’t already have private dental insurance and have a household income below a certain level.
It was rolled out in stages, starting with seniors aged 65 and older, children under 18, people with disabilities, and all remaining eligible Canadian residents aged 18 to 64.
The goal is simple: to make dental care more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the CDCP, you need to:
- Be a Canadian resident who files a tax return each year.
- Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
- Do not have dental insurance.
If you meet those criteria, you’ll likely be eligible for the plan.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or when you can apply, you can visit the Government of Canada website or give us a call; we’re happy to walk you through each step.
What Does the CDCP Cover?
The plan helps cover basic dental care, such as:
- Checkups and cleanings
- Fluoride Applications
- Dental Sealants
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Dentures
- Nitrous Oxide & Oral Sedation
Coverage amounts depend on the procedure and your household income. Some treatments may require pre-approval from the program before they can be completed.
It’s important to note that the CDCP may not cover every type of dental service; for example, certain cosmetic procedures or advanced restorative work might not be included. But for many patients, it’s a big step toward maintaining better oral health without worrying as much about cost.
How It Works at Image Dental
At Image Dental Care, we’re proud to be part of the CDCP and welcome patients who qualify for the program.
When you book your visit, just let our front desk team know that you’re covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. We’ll help confirm your coverage, explain what’s included, and handle the billing process directly so you don’t have to stress about the paperwork.
Our goal is to make your experience as simple and straightforward as possible, from understanding your benefits to getting the care you need.
Why Regular Dental Care Still Matters
Even with new coverage options, the best thing you can do for your oral health is to stay consistent with your dental visits.
Preventive care, like cleanings and checkups, helps catch minor issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) ones. Whether you’re covered through the CDCP or not, visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best investments you can make in your health.
Let’s Discuss Your Plan
We know new programs can feel confusing at first. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, what’s covered, or how to sign up, our team at Image Dental Care in Red Deer is here to help. Give us a call or stop by our office, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you make sense of your options!
Common Questions About the CDCP
How does billing work with the CDCP?
When you qualify for the plan, we will bill your services according to the program’s established fee schedule. If a service is not fully covered, or if our fees exceed the CDCP’s maximum coverage, we will review all potential out-of-pocket costs with you before beginning treatment to ensure you are fully informed. Ready to discuss your coverage? Call us at (587) 815-5114 to book a consultation today!
Can my child apply for the plan?
Yes, children under the age of 18 are eligible to apply for the CDCP; their specific application phase began in June of 2024. It is essential to know that your child must meet the same eligibility requirements as adult applicants. If you have questions about the application process, we are happy to discuss this further with you. Please schedule a visit via our New Patients page to get started.
How much of my dental care costs will be covered?
The percentage of coverage is determined by your adjusted family net income: you receive 100% coverage if your income is under $70,000, 60% coverage if your income is between $70,000 and $79,999, and 40% coverage if your income is between $80,000 and $89,999. If you still have questions about your specific coverage level, we encourage you to book a visit with us through the contact page.
Does the plan cover emergency services?
Yes, the CDCP covers many urgent procedures, including treatments for infection, extractions, and root canals. It may also cover services like temporary fillings, denture repairs, and certain oral surgeries. Since coverage depends on your eligibility and the program’s fee schedule, we will always explain any out-of-pocket costs to you before we proceed with emergency treatment. Connect with us now at (587) 815-5114!