Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Calgary

Affordable Dental Care for Eligible Canadians

Accessing quality dental care should not be out of reach because of cost. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.

At Mt. Pleasant Dental Care in Calgary, we understand that navigating a government dental program can sometimes feel confusing. Our team can help you understand your dental treatment options and discuss what may be covered under your CDCP benefits.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government program designed to help reduce financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance.

The CDCP covers a range of eligible oral health services, subject to the plan's rules, established fees, frequency limitations and any applicable preauthorization requirements. The current CDCP Dental Benefits Guide is effective April 1, 2026.

CDCP coverage does not necessarily mean that all dental treatment is completely free. Depending on your family income, the treatment you receive and the difference between your dentist's fees and the CDCP established fees, you may have an amount to pay.

Before treatment, our dental team can discuss the expected costs with you so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Who May Be Eligible for CDCP?

To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, applicants must meet all four current eligibility requirements:

• You do not have access to private dental insurance or dental coverage.

• You and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, have filed your Canadian tax return for the previous year.

• Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.

• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

Having access to private dental insurance through your employer, pension plan, spouse or family member can make you ineligible, even if you do not currently use the insurance or it does not cover the full cost of your dental treatment. There are limited exceptions for certain individuals who opted out of pension dental coverage before December 11, 2023.

If you receive dental benefits through a government social program, you may still qualify for the CDCP. In these situations, the programs may coordinate benefits according to their applicable rules.

What Does the CDCP Cover?

The CDCP can provide coverage for a variety of eligible oral health services. Depending on your individual coverage and the plan's requirements, services may include diagnostic, preventive and restorative dental care.

The Government of Canada's current Dental Benefits Guide outlines eligible services, limitations and requirements. Some treatments require preauthorization before they can be covered.

Because coverage can vary based on your individual circumstances and the specific procedure, it is important to confirm your benefits before beginning treatment.

Will I Have to Pay Anything?

Possibly. The amount you pay depends on your adjusted family net income and the applicable CDCP coverage rules.

Even when the CDCP covers a portion of the established fee, you may have a co-payment or additional amount to pay. For example, the Government of Canada explains that patients may have costs when a provider's fees are higher than the CDCP established fees or when a service is not fully covered under the plan.

For this reason, we recommend discussing your treatment plan and expected out-of-pocket costs with our team before receiving care.

CDCP Dental Care at Mt. Pleasant Dental Care

Choosing a dentist is an important part of maintaining your oral health. At Mt. Pleasant Dental Care, our Calgary dental team is committed to providing comfortable, personalized dental care while helping eligible CDCP patients better understand their available benefits.

Before your appointment, we can help you understand the treatment being recommended, discuss applicable costs and determine what information is needed to process your CDCP claim.

The Government of Canada recommends that CDCP patients confirm that their dental provider accepts CDCP patients and will bill Sun Life directly before booking an appointment. Patients should also confirm that their CDCP coverage is active and ask about any costs that may not be covered.

How to Use Your CDCP Benefits

If you are already enrolled in the CDCP, make sure your coverage is active before your appointment. Your benefit start date can be found in your CDCP welcome information.

You should not pay the full cost of a covered dental service upfront expecting reimbursement from Sun Life. Under the CDCP, Sun Life reimburses eligible oral health providers directly. Patients are responsible for applicable costs that are not covered by the plan.

Applications for the 2026–2027 CDCP benefit year are currently open. This benefit period covers July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Oral Health

If you are eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan and are looking for a dental clinic in Calgary, Mt. Pleasant Dental Care is here to help.

Contact our team to discuss your dental needs, ask about CDCP appointments and learn more about the costs associated with your recommended treatment.

Mt. Pleasant Dental Care: Unit 201, 602 16th Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0J7

Phone: (403) 289-4411

CDCP coverage is subject to eligibility requirements, plan limitations, established fees, preauthorization requirements and other applicable Government of Canada rules. Coverage and patient costs should be confirmed before treatment.