CDCP Coverage

What the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers

Reviewed by Dr. Zeyad Hammad, DDS · Updated 2026-05-28

CDCP covers a broad range of routine and preventive dental services. Here's what's typically included, what isn't, and what we can still help with at Suncoast Dental in Goderich.

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Suncoast Dental team explaining CDCP coverage to a patient (placeholder)
Covered services

What CDCP typically pays for

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a wide range of routine dental services for eligible patients. The covered list generally includes diagnostic exams and x-rays, preventive cleanings and scaling, basic and complex restorations like fillings, root canal treatments, extractions, and dentures (complete and partial). Emergency exams are also covered.

Specific coverage limits, frequency rules (how often a covered service can be claimed), and co-pay percentages depend on your CDCP enrollment tier — which is based on your adjusted family net income. The Government of Canada CDCP page is the authoritative source for the current rules, and we always confirm your specific coverage before any work begins.

At Suncoast, we predetermine your CDCP benefits at the consultation — meaning we send your treatment plan to Sun Life (the CDCP administrator) to confirm exactly what's covered and what your portion will be. You see the numbers in writing before you decide to proceed. No surprise bills.

What CDCP doesn't typically cover is the cosmetic and elective end of the spectrum — whitening, veneers, clear aligners, and most dental implants. CDCP also has frequency limits on routine care (for example, a cleaning every X months rather than unlimited) and tier-based co-pays. We coordinate any private insurance you may have alongside CDCP — many patients combine the two to reduce the patient portion further. See our CDCP FAQs page for specifics, or our seniors page for seniors-specific coverage notes.

Suncoast Dental team reviewing CDCP coverage details with a patient (placeholder)

CDCP-covered vs. not-covered procedures at Suncoast

A quick guide to what CDCP typically pays for and what it doesn't. Your specific tier may have additional limits — confirm at your visit.

Feature Typically Covered Typically Not Covered
Diagnostic exams and x-rays
Cleanings and scaling
Fillings (basic and complex)
Root canal treatment
Extractions
Dentures (complete and partial)
Emergency exams
Cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers)
Dental implants (most cases)
Sedation and general anesthesia (most cases)
Orthodontics (in most cases)
Care beyond CDCP

What if I need something CDCP doesn't cover?

Most of our patients use CDCP for routine and preventive work — cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures — and pay out of pocket or use additional insurance for cosmetic, sedation, or implant work that CDCP doesn't cover. We direct-bill most major private insurers in addition to CDCP, follow the ODA Fee Guide for any uninsured work, and offer free consultations for implants, dentures, and cosmetic treatments so you can plan ahead.

For larger non-covered cases like All-on-4 or zygomatic implants, financing options are available — talk to our team about what's possible at your consultation.

Suncoast Dental treatment plan with transparent pricing (placeholder)

What CDCP covers — frequently asked

Common questions about CDCP coverage at Suncoast Dental.

Preventive cleanings and scaling are covered services under CDCP, with frequency limits and possible co-pays depending on your enrollment tier. We confirm your specific coverage at your visit and direct-bill the program.
Yes — root canal treatment is typically covered under CDCP. Specific limits depend on tooth location and case complexity; we'll confirm before treatment begins.
Yes — complete and partial dentures are typically covered, with frequency rules on how often replacement is covered (typically every 5 years for most tiers). We'll predetermine the specific coverage.
In most cases, no — implants are typically not covered by CDCP. Some implant-adjacent services may be covered depending on the specific procedure. Patients who want implants and have CDCP typically use the program for routine care and pay separately or finance the implant work.
In most cases, sedation isn't a covered service — it's considered an additional service rather than basic dental care. If you need sedation for a CDCP-covered procedure (e.g., a complex extraction), the procedure itself is covered but the sedation fee is typically out of pocket. We can discuss options at your visit.
Yes. CDCP coordinates with private dental insurance — private coverage is typically billed first, with CDCP covering eligible remaining amounts up to the program limits. We direct-bill both and work out the coordination on your behalf.
Want to know exactly what's covered for you?

Book a visit, we'll predetermine your benefits

Bring your CDCP card and any private insurance details to your first visit. We'll predetermine the specific coverage on your treatment plan before you agree to proceed.

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