Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) at Dental Sedation Ottawa

Affordable Dental Care for Eligible Canadians—Including Sedation Services

At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we proudly accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and help eligible patients access the dental care they need without financial barriers. Whether you require routine preventive care or complex procedures under sedation, we'll work with you to maximize your CDCP benefits and coordinate coverage seamlessly.

Request an Appointment(613) 482-0501
Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage at Dental Sedation Ottawa

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program designed to reduce financial barriers to oral health care for Canadians without dental insurance. Launched in 2024 and expanding through 2025, the CDCP provides coverage for a wide range of dental services for eligible Canadian residents with household incomes under $90,000 per year.

This is not 'free' dental care—it's a government benefit that covers part or all of the cost depending on your family income. The program is administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada, and approximately 98% of dental providers across Canada now participate, including our practice.

Key features of the CDCP include coverage for preventive, restorative, and some surgical dental services; an annual benefit maximum of $3,000 per person (increased from $2,500 in January 2025); co-payment based on family income; coordination with existing provincial/territorial dental programs; coverage for all ages as of June 2025; and annual renewal requirements to maintain eligibility.

Am I Eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

To qualify for CDCP coverage, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Canadian Resident

You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person living in Canada.

No Private Dental Insurance

You cannot have access to dental insurance through employment, family member's employer benefits, pension benefits, professional or student organization group plans, or privately purchased dental insurance plans. If you have the option to enroll but choose not to, you're not eligible for CDCP.

Adjusted Family Net Income Under $90,000

Your household's adjusted family net income for the previous tax year must be below $90,000. This is calculated based on your tax return and your spouse's/common-law partner's return if applicable.

Tax Return Filed

You and your spouse/common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your Canadian tax returns for the previous year. For 2025-2026 coverage, you must have filed your 2024 tax return and received your Notice of Assessment before applying or renewing.

Provincial/Territorial Dental Programs

If you already receive dental benefits through provincial or territorial programs (like Ontario's Healthy Smiles Ontario, ODSP, or Ontario Works), you can still qualify for CDCP. Benefits are coordinated between programs to avoid duplication and fill gaps in coverage.

Current Eligibility Timeline

As of June 1, 2025, all eligible Canadians aged 18-64 can apply. Seniors (65+) have been eligible since May 2023, children under 18 since December 2023, and adults with Disability Tax Credit since March 2024.

What Dental Services Does CDCP Cover?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers a comprehensive range of dental services. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we provide all of the following CDCP-covered treatments:

Preventive Services

Dental examinations and checkups, professional teeth cleaning and hygiene appointments, fluoride treatments, dental sealants for children, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screening.

Restorative Services

Tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, root canal therapy, complete and partial dentures, and denture relines and repairs.

Periodontal (Gum) Services

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), periodontal maintenance, and treatment for gum disease.

Oral Surgery

Tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and emergency dental procedures.

Pediatric Services

Children's dental examinations, stainless steel crowns for children, pulpotomy and pulpectomy, and space maintainers.

New in 2025

Limited orthodontic services and increased coverage for major restorative work (65% coverage for dentures and crowns for patients 23+).

Important Note About Sedation Coverage

The CDCP does cover medically necessary sedation and anesthesia when required for dental procedures. If your anxiety, medical condition, or the complexity of treatment necessitates sedation, we document this medical necessity and submit for coverage.

Many of our CDCP patients successfully receive coverage for oral sedation, IV sedation, and even general anesthesia when clinically indicated. Coverage is determined case-by-case based on clinical documentation, and we advocate strongly for our patients to ensure they receive the sedation support they need.

How Much Will I Pay?

CDCP coverage is based on your adjusted family net income. Depending on your income level, you may pay nothing, or you may be responsible for a co-payment (a percentage of the treatment cost).

Co-Payment Structure:

Family Income Under $70,000

0% co-payment. CDCP covers 100% of eligible treatment costs up to your annual maximum. You pay nothing out-of-pocket for covered services.

Family Income $70,000 - $79,999

40% co-payment. You pay 40% of costs, CDCP covers 60%. Example: $500 procedure = you pay $200, CDCP pays $300.

Family Income $80,000 - $89,999

60% co-payment. You pay 60% of costs, CDCP covers 40%. Example: $500 procedure = you pay $300, CDCP pays $200.

Annual Maximum Benefit

Each CDCP member has an annual benefit maximum of $3,000 per year. The plan will pay up to $3,000 toward covered services within a 12-month period. Once reached, you're responsible for additional costs until your coverage renews.

Applying for Coverage

Eligible Canadians can apply for CDCP coverage through three methods: Online Application (visit canada.ca/dental, create/log into My Service Canada Account, complete the online form; processing typically takes 2-4 weeks), Phone Application (call 1-833-537-4342 toll-free, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM local time), or In-Person Application (visit any Service Canada Centre with required documents).

You'll need your Social Insurance Number, 2024 Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, proof of Canadian residency, and information about any existing dental coverage. Applications for the 2025-2026 benefit year opened in May 2025, and coverage can begin as early as June 1, 2025. Processing takes approximately 2-4 weeks after submission, and you'll receive a determination letter confirming eligibility and coverage details.

If you're unsure about your eligibility or need assistance, our administrative team can answer questions and point you toward resources. While we cannot submit applications on your behalf (only Service Canada can process applications), we're here to support you through the process.

Renewing Your CDCP Coverage

CDCP coverage must be renewed annually to confirm continued eligibility. This is a critical requirement—if you don't renew, your coverage ends, and any dental care received during a gap will not be covered or reimbursed retroactively.

The renewal process involves three steps: First, file your tax return and receive your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. Second, submit your renewal application by visiting canada.ca/dental, logging into your MSCA account, and completing the renewal form (deadline: June 1 for 2025-2026 coverage). Third, receive your updated determination letter confirming renewed eligibility, any changes to your co-payment level based on updated income, and your coverage dates (effective July 1 - June 30).

Important reminders: Failure to renew by June 1 means your coverage ends June 30. There is no retroactive coverage for care received during a gap. Your co-payment level may change based on your updated income. Any preauthorized treatments are paid at the co-payment level at the time of treatment. Always confirm your CDCP coverage is active before seeking dental treatment.

How We Make CDCP Easy for You

At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we handle all CDCP coordination on your behalf:

Pre-Treatment Verification

Before your appointment, we verify your active CDCP coverage and confirm your co-payment level with Sun Life.

Preauthorization Submission

For major treatments requiring preauthorization (crowns, dentures, extensive restorative work), we submit detailed treatment plans, X-rays, and clinical notes electronically. Most decisions are returned within 7-10 business days.

Direct Billing

We bill the CDCP directly for covered services. You only pay your co-payment portion at the time of service—no waiting months for reimbursement.

Coordination with Provincial Programs

If you have Healthy Smiles Ontario, ODSP, or other provincial coverage, we coordinate benefits between programs to maximize your total coverage.

What You Need to Bring

Your CDCP determination letter showing your coverage dates, government-issued photo ID, and information about any other coverage (provincial programs, etc.).

Preauthorization for Major Treatment

CDCP requires preauthorization for crowns and bridges, complete or partial dentures, root canals on certain teeth, extensive restorative work, and sedation and anesthesia when medically necessary. We submit all requests electronically and follow up to ensure approval.

Sedation and Anesthesia Coverage

One of the most valuable aspects of CDCP coverage at our clinic is potential coverage for sedation services. When sedation is medically necessary—due to severe dental anxiety, complex medical conditions, extensive treatment needs, or special needs requiring safe treatment delivery—we document this necessity and submit for coverage.

Many of our CDCP patients have successfully received coverage for oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia administered by our board-certified anesthesiologists. Coverage is determined case-by-case based on clinical documentation, and we advocate strongly for our patients to ensure they receive the sedation support they need.

Real-World Cost Examples

Understanding what you'll actually pay helps you plan. Here are typical scenarios for CDCP patients at our clinic:

Example 1: Routine Preventive Care

Services: Comprehensive exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, X-rays. Total Cost: $350.

Example 2: Filling for Cavity

Services: Tooth-colored filling. Total Cost: $200.

Example 3: Wisdom Tooth Extraction Under Sedation

Services: Extraction + oral sedation. Total Cost: $450 (extraction $250 + sedation $200).

Example 4: Crown Restoration

Services: Dental crown (after preauthorization). Total Cost: $1,200. Coverage at 65% for major services (ages 23+).

Why CDCP Patients Choose Our Practice

CDCP-Friendly Care with Sedation Expertise

CDCP Experts: Experienced in navigating federal dental benefits and maximizing coverage
Direct Billing: We handle all claims—you only pay your co-payment portion
Preauthorization Support: We submit and follow up on all major treatment requests
Sedation Specialists: Board-certified anesthesiologists available for CDCP patients with complex needs
Provincial Coordination: We coordinate CDCP with Healthy Smiles Ontario and other provincial programs
Transparent Pricing: No surprises—we explain costs upfront and verify coverage before treatment
Award-Winning Service: 5-star rated for compassionate, anxiety-free care
Local Expertise: Serving Ottawa families for decades with affordable sedation dentistry

CDCP Patient Experiences

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 stars · 300+ reviews

Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.

View All Reviews on Google

Ready to Access CDCP Coverage Today?

Dental Sedation Ottawa makes it easy to maximize your Canadian Dental Care Plan benefits. From coverage verification to direct billing to sedation services—we handle it all so you can focus on your health.

Request a ConsultationCall (613) 482-0501
Call Now Directions