The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps eligible Canadian residents manage the cost of dental care when they do not have access to private dental insurance.
Allendale Dental accepts patients covered under the program. If you are looking for a CDCP dentist in Edmonton, our team can help you understand how your coverage applies before treatment begins.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federal dental benefit designed to help eligible Canadian residents pay for a range of oral health services.
The program is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada. Coverage depends on the services you need, your eligibility, and your adjusted family net income.
It is important to understand that the CDCP does not necessarily cover the full cost of dental treatment. Some patients may have a co-payment or other charges that are not covered by the plan.
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
To qualify for the program, you must meet all four federal eligibility requirements:
- You do not have access to private dental insurance or coverage
- You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, have filed the required Canadian tax returns
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Having access to dental benefits through an employer, pension plan, family member, professional organization, or privately purchased plan may affect eligibility, even if you choose not to use that coverage.
Eligibility must also be confirmed each year to continue receiving benefits.
What Does the CDCP Cover?
The plan helps pay for a range of dental services when they are recommended by an oral health provider and meet CDCP requirements.
Covered services may include:
- Dental exams
- Dental X-rays
- Professional cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Dental Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Gum disease treatment
- Complete and partial dentures
- Tooth extractions
- Certain crowns and other services when eligibility requirements are met
Some treatments require preauthorization before they can be covered.
Before treatment, our team can review the available information and discuss whether an estimate or preauthorization should be submitted.
How Much Does the CDCP Pay?
The amount the CDCP pays depends partly on adjusted family net income.
For eligible services:
- Below $70,000: CDCP may cover 100% of the CDCP-established fee
- $70,000–$79,999: CDCP may cover 60%, with a 40% co-payment
- $80,000–$89,999: CDCP may cover 40%, with a 60% co-payment
Even if your co-payment is 0%, you may still have an amount to pay if the dental clinic’s fee is higher than the amount reimbursed by the CDCP or if you choose a service that is not covered.
We recommend discussing expected costs before treatment so you understand what the plan may pay and what amount, if any, will be your responsibility.
How to Use Your CDCP Coverage
Once your application has been approved, your Government of Canada or Sun Life information will include your member ID and coverage start date.
You can only receive covered treatment on or after the start date shown in your coverage information.
When booking your appointment:
- Let us know you have CDCP coverage.
- Provide your member information and coverage start date.
- Bring any relevant identification or program information to your visit.
- Ask about expected costs before treatment.
- If required, we can submit an estimate or preauthorization to Sun Life.
Patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Edmonton should confirm that their coverage is active before receiving treatment.
Preauthorization for Certain Treatments
Some dental services need approval from the CDCP before treatment begins.
When preauthorization is required, clinical information such as X-rays, treatment details, or supporting documentation may need to be submitted to Sun Life.
Approval is based on CDCP criteria and does not come from the dental clinic. We can help submit the required information when appropriate and review the response with you.
CDCP Care at Allendale Dental
If you are looking for a dentist accepting Canadian Dental Care Plan, Allendale Dental participates in the program and welcomes eligible patients.
Our team can help you understand the claim information available to us and explain any estimated amount that may not be covered.
Patients looking for a CDCP dentist in Edmonton can contact our clinic before booking if they have questions about their member information, coverage start date, or treatment estimates.
What If You Have Other Government Dental Coverage?
Having dental coverage through a provincial, territorial, or federal social program does not automatically make you ineligible for the CDCP.
In some cases, the programs may coordinate benefits. The way claims are handled depends on the programs involved and the services received.
Let our team know about any government dental coverage you have so the correct information can be used when your claim is submitted.
Renewing Your CDCP Coverage
CDCP eligibility is reviewed each year. Members need to renew during the applicable renewal period and continue to meet the program requirements.
Missing the renewal period can result in a coverage gap. The CDCP does not cover dental services received during a coverage gap.
Because program dates and requirements may change, patients should check current Government of Canada information when renewing.
Book an Appointment
If you have active CDCP in Edmonton coverage and would like to arrange a dental visit, contact Allendale Dental.
For questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Edmonton, call (780) 434-1313. Our clinic is located at 10430 61 Ave NW #102, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3, Canada.
FAQ’s
Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan free dental care?
Not necessarily. The CDCP pays part or all of the CDCP-established fee for eligible services based on your adjusted family net income. You may still have a co-payment or additional charges.
How do I know if my CDCP coverage is active?
Your Government of Canada or Sun Life coverage information will show your benefit start date. Treatment must be provided on or after that date to be considered for coverage.
Can I use the CDCP for routine dental care?
Yes. The program may cover eligible services such as exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, and fillings. Coverage limits and requirements can apply.
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
Complete and partial removable dentures are among the services that may be covered. Some denture services can require preauthorization or be subject to frequency limits.
Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
Dental implants are not listed among the standard services covered by the CDCP. If you are considering implant treatment, ask about costs and alternative treatment options before proceeding.
Can I use provincial dental benefits and the CDCP?
You may still qualify if you have coverage through a government social program. In some cases, the programs can coordinate benefits.
How do I apply for the CDCP?
Applications are handled through the Government of Canada. For the 2026–2027 benefit period, applications are currently open. You must meet the eligibility requirements and provide the requested personal and tax information.