Canadian Dental Care Plan: What Ontario Patients Should Know

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new federal program designed to make dental services more accessible for Canadians without private insurance. If you have questions about what the plan covers, this overview will help you make sense of the details.

At Concord Oral Surgery, we believe in helping patients understand their options, even if they do not receive treatment at our office. While we do not participate in the CDCP program, this article will help you make sense of the new plan and determine your next steps.

What Is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a national dental benefits program funded by the Government of Canada. It was created to reduce financial barriers to dental care for residents who do not have private dental insurance. 

Coverage depends on your adjusted family net income and only applies if your treatment is provided by a CDCP-enrolled provider.

The plan includes coverage for:

• Diagnostic services (like exams and X-rays)
• Preventive care (cleanings, fluoride, sealants)
• Restorative services (fillings and crowns)
• Prosthodontic services (partial dentures)
• Oral surgery ( very limited)

Who Qualifies for CDCP Coverage?

To be eligible for CDCP, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Have no private dental insurance
• Have filed a tax return the previous year
• Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000

What Does CDCP Coverage Actually Include?

Your coverage level depends on your adjusted family net income, and determines how much of the CDCP-established fees will be covered. These fees are set by the federal plan and may differ from what oral health providers actually charge.

Important: Even if CDCP covers 100% of the CDCP fee, your provider may charge more than that amount. In that case, you would be responsible for the difference.

Additional fees may apply if:

• The provider’s usual fee is higher than the CDCP-established rate
• You receive treatments that are not covered under CDCP
• You choose to proceed with services before confirming your out-of-pocket costs
  

Before accepting treatment, always ask your provider:

• Are you enrolled in CDCP?
• Will this procedure be fully covered?
• Are there any additional fees I will owe?

When Does Coverage Begin?

CDCP coverage is being rolled out in phases:

• Seniors 65+: Eligible as of May 2024
• Adults 18–64: Rolling eligibility from June 2024 to early 2025
• Children under 18: Coverage starts based on rollout schedule

Find out if you qualify and apply through the official CDCP website. Once approved, you will receive a start date and instructions on how to use your benefits.

Does the CDCP Cover Oral Surgery?

CDCP covers some medically necessary oral surgery procedures, including:

• Removal of teeth and roots
• Surgical removal of tumours and cysts
• Surgical incisions, including draining
• Treatments for broken jaw bones
• Minimal sedation (conscious)
• Moderate sedation (requires preauthorization)
• Deep sedation (requires preauthorization)
• General anaesthesia (requires preauthorization)
  

To qualify for reimbursement, the service must be provided by a CDCP-enrolled oral surgeon. Patients must also ensure the procedure is approved under CDCP’s fee schedule.

What It Means if Your Provider Is Not Enrolled in CDCP

Concord Oral Surgery is not enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. As a private practice, we follow the Ontario Dental Association Fee Guide for specialists and are not bound by the CDCP fee schedule or administrative structure.

Here is what that means for patients:

• We welcome patients without dental insurance and provide expert surgical care tailored to your needs.
• Our team walks you through your treatment plan and ensures you understand the full cost of care before any procedure is scheduled.
• We offer detailed estimates and transparent billing so you can make informed decisions with no surprises.

If you are specifically seeking treatment under CDCP, we encourage you to search for a CDCP-participating provider using the official provider search tool.

Have Questions About Your Oral Surgery Options?

Whether or not you qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, it is important to understand your treatment choices and what they may cost. At Concord Oral Surgery, we are committed to helping every patient make confident, informed decisions about their care.

To learn more about the services we offer or to book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, ON, call (905) 669-2616. We are located at 3300 Highway 7 West, Suite 805 Vaughan, ON.

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