Direct Answer
No — CDCP does not always cover 100% of your dental treatment costs. Coverage depends on two separate factors: your adjusted family net income, which determines your co-payment (0%, 40%, or 60% of CDCP-established fees), and the gap between what your dentist charges and what CDCP’s fee schedule allows. Even patients with incomes below $70,000 — who pay 0% co-payment — may still owe additional amounts if their dentist’s fees exceed the CDCP-established rate. Always ask your clinic for a breakdown before treatment begins.
What Patients Commonly Ask About CDCP Costs
Patients across Canada ask many of the same questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — especially when they receive a bill they didn’t expect. Most confusion falls into four main areas:
Coverage Confusion
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Co-payments & Income
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Dentist Fees vs CDCP Fees
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What’s Not Covered
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Below, we answer these questions clearly and explain exactly how CDCP coverage works, where patient costs come from, and what to confirm with your dentist before treatment.
Understanding What CDCP Is — and What It Isn’t
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal benefit program that helps eligible Canadians pay for a range of oral health care services. It is not free universal dental coverage, and it is not a blanket promise to pay your entire dental bill. The Government of Canada itself describes it as a plan that will “help pay a portion of the cost” — and that phrasing is deliberate.
The confusion most patients experience stems from two separate cost mechanisms that can both apply to the same visit. The first is the co-payment, which depends on your family income. The second is the difference between what CDCP’s established fee schedule allows and what your dentist actually charges. Understanding both is essential to avoiding surprise costs.
Verified Source — Canada.ca
All coverage information in this article is verified from the Government of Canada’s official CDCP coverage page at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html. Programme details are subject to change — always confirm current coverage with Canada.ca or your CDCP-enrolled dentist before treatment.
The Two Reasons You May Still Owe Money With CDCP
This is the most important section to understand before your appointment. Even if you are fully enrolled in CDCP and your dentist participates, you may still owe out-of-pocket costs — and they can arise from two entirely separate sources at the same time.
Reason 1: Your Income-Based Co-Payment
CDCP uses your adjusted family net income (AFNI) — as reported on your most recent tax return — to determine your co-payment. A co-payment is the percentage of eligible fees you are responsible for paying directly to your dentist. As the Government of Canada states: “The CDCP will reimburse a portion of the cost of your treatment, but it may not pay the full amount.”
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Pays | You Pay | Level |
| Under $70,000 | 100% of CDCP fees | 0% | Full CDCP Rate |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of CDCP fees | 40% co-pay | Partial Coverage |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of CDCP fees | 60% co-pay | Reduced Coverage |
Patients with a family income of $90,000 or above do not qualify for CDCP at all. The programme was designed specifically to help low- and middle-income Canadians who lack private dental insurance.
Reason 2: The Gap Between CDCP Fees and Ontario Dental Association Fees
This is the cost that catches many patients off guard — and it can apply even to patients who qualify for 100% CDCP coverage.
CDCP reimburses dental services based on its own established fee schedule. This schedule sets the maximum amount CDCP will pay for each procedure. If your dental clinic charges more than the CDCP rate for a service, you are responsible for paying the difference directly to your dentist.
| Example A — Income Under $70K
No co-payment, but possible gap CDCP pays 100% of its fee ($120). Dentist charges $155. You pay the $35 difference — even though your co-payment is 0%. |
Example B — Income $70K–$79,999
Co-payment AND possible gap CDCP pays 60% of its fee ($72 of $120). You pay 40% co-payment ($48) + $35 gap = $83 total out of pocket. |
| Example C — Fees Match CDCP Rate
No gap, co-payment only Dentist charges $120 (matches CDCP rate). Income under $70K → you pay $0. This is the best-case scenario. |
Example D — Income $80K–$89,999
Large co-payment AND gap CDCP pays 40% ($48 of $120). You pay 60% co-payment ($72) + $35 gap = $107 total out of pocket on a $155 service. |
“The CDCP will reimburse a portion of the cost of your treatment, but it may not pay the full amount. You may have to pay additional charges directly to the oral health provider if the cost of your oral health care services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse for these services.”
— Government of Canada, Canadian Dental Care Plan: What Services Are Covered (Canada.ca)
When Does CDCP Cover 100% of Dental Treatment Costs?
CDCP covers 100% of the eligible cost — at CDCP-established rates — for patients whose adjusted family net income is below $70,000. However, this is “100% of the CDCP fee,” not necessarily “100% of what your dentist charges.” Whether the two amounts match depends on the individual clinic’s fee structure.
A patient earning under $70,000 who visits a dental clinic that charges at or below the CDCP fee schedule for all services performed will leave owing nothing for those covered services. This is the ideal scenario, and it does happen. However, it is not guaranteed simply by being enrolled in CDCP.
When CDCP Is Effectively Free for You
If your adjusted family net income is under $70,000 AND your dental clinic does not charge fees above the CDCP-established rate for your specific treatment, you will owe nothing for covered services. Before your appointment, ask the clinic: “Do you charge above CDCP rates, and if so, for which services?” A transparent practice will give you this answer upfront.
What Dental Services Are Not Covered by CDCP?
Understanding the exclusions is as important as understanding the inclusions. CDCP covers a broad range of necessary dental care, but it does not cover everything. Based on the Government of Canada’s official coverage documentation, the following categories are either excluded or not yet available:
• Cosmetic dentistry: Teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, and other elective aesthetic treatments are not covered under CDCP.
• Orthodontics: Braces and orthodontic treatment are not yet available under the plan. According to Canada.ca, these will be added at a future date, and preauthorization will be required.
• Dental implants: Implant fixtures and implant-supported restorations are not included in the current CDCP coverage categories.
• Services exceeding frequency limits without preauthorization: Some dental services have usage limits. If those limits are exceeded without prior approval, the additional treatment is not covered and becomes the patient’s responsibility.
• Services not recommended by your provider: CDCP covers services recommended by an oral health provider. Treatments you request outside of professional recommendation are your financial responsibility.
For a full list of covered and excluded services, consult the CDCP coverage page on Canada.ca.
What Does CDCP Actually Cover?
Within its scope, CDCP covers a meaningful range of services. The following are included when recommended by your oral health provider:
• Diagnostic and preventive care: Dental exams (routine, complete, emergency), X-rays, teeth cleaning (scaling), fluoride applications, and sealants.
• Basic restorative services: Permanent and temporary fillings, pain control for diseased teeth, root canal treatments and pulpectomies, abscess treatment, and non-surgical gum disease management.
•Major restorative services: Crown repairs, posts, dentures and denture repairs, and oral surgery including extractions, surgical incisions, and drainage.
•Sedation: Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are covered without preauthorization. Conscious sedation and deep sedation require prior approval.
Many dental services are covered without requiring preauthorization. However, certain procedures — such as crowns, complex root canal retreatments, partial dentures, and some sedation options — do require prior approval before treatment can proceed. Your dentist will advise you if preauthorization is needed.
At Yazdani Family Dentistry, our team provides routine dental cleanings and exams, as well as a full range of restorative and preventive care. We accept CDCP for eligible patients and can walk you through what is and is not covered at your specific income level before any treatment begins.
How CDCP Billing Actually Works at the Dentist
CDCP reimburses participating dental clinics directly, not patients. You should not be required to pay the full cost upfront and wait for reimbursement. When you visit a CDCPparticipating clinic, the process typically works as follows:
1. Your dentist assesses your oral health and recommends appropriate treatment.
2. The clinic submits a claim on your behalf for the covered services.
3. CDCP pays the clinic the approved amount based on its fee schedule, minus any applicable copayment.
4. You pay your copayment (if applicable) and any portion of the fee that exceeds the CDCPapproved amount directly to the clinic.
Before treatment begins, a responsible dental clinic will provide a written estimate outlining both the CDCPcovered portion and your expected outofpocket cost. You should never proceed with treatment without understanding what you will owe. As advised by the Government of Canada, patients are encouraged to ask their oral health provider about any costs that may not be covered before accepting treatment.
!Important — Not All Clinics Participate
CDCP participation by dental clinics is voluntary. Not every dental office in Ontario has enrolled. If you attend a non-participating clinic, CDCP cannot reimburse them and you will be responsible for the full cost of care. Always confirm that your clinic is CDCP-enrolled before booking an appointment. You can search for participating providers through the Sun Life CDCP provider directory.
Three Questions to Ask Before Your Appointment
The best way to avoid a surprise dental bill under CDCP is to ask the right questions before your treatment begins. Here are the three most important:
1. “Is this clinic enrolled in CDCP?” Confirm participation before booking. Yazdani Family Dentistry accepts CDCP for eligible patients at our Kanata and Kemptville locations.
2. “Do you charge above the CDCP-established fee schedule for any of my planned treatments?” This reveals whether a fee gap will apply, separate from your co-payment.
3. “What is my total estimated out-of-pocket cost for today’s treatment, after CDCP coverage?” A clear, written answer to this question before treatment is your best protection against unexpected costs.
CDCP does not automatically cover 100% of dental treatment costs. Coverage depends on two factors: an income-based co-payment (0% for incomes under $70,000; 40% for $70,000–$79,999; 60% for $80,000–$89,999) and any gap between the CDCP-established fee schedule and the dental clinic’s actual fees. A patient earning under $70,000 may still owe money if their dentist charges above CDCP rates. Cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and dental implants are not currently covered. Always confirm costs with your CDCP-participating dentist before treatment. Source: Government of Canada, Canada.ca.
For more information on how Yazdani Family Dentistry handles insurance and direct billing, visit our direct billing page. If you have questions about coverage for a specific procedure, our front desk team can provide a pre-treatment cost estimate before you commit to any treatment. For general dental questions, our patient FAQ page covers many common concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CDCP cover 100% of dental treatment costs?
Not always. CDCP covers 100% of eligible services at CDCP rates only for families earning under $70,000; higher incomes have co‑payments, and fee differences may still apply.
Why do I still have to pay with CDCP?
You may owe money due to a co‑payment based on income or because your dentist’s fee is higher than the CDCP rate. Both can apply to the same visit.
What dental services are NOT covered by CDCP?
CDCP does not cover cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or veneers. Braces and dental implants are also not included under current coverage.
Do dentists charge more than CDCP rates?
Some clinics do. CDCP reimburses only its own fee schedule, so patients pay any difference plus applicable co‑payments.
Note: This article is for general information purposes only, based on CDCP coverage details published on Canada.ca as of 2025. Program eligibility, fee schedules, and coverage details may change. This is not legal or financial advice. Verify current coverage with Canada.ca, Sun Life, or your enrolled dental provider before making treatment decisions.
