If you live in Canada and get disability benefits, paying for dental care can be hard. Many provincial dental plans only cover basic or emergency treatment. They may limit how often you can see a dentist or leave you with bills you can’t afford.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a new federal program that can help. Even if you already get dental coverage through your province or territory, you may still qualify. When both plans are used together, they can cover more services and lower your costs.
This guide explains how the Canadian Dental Care Plan works with disability dental benefits. It describes who can apply and what dental care is covered. The guide also explains how having both plans can help you get the care you need. You will not experience stress or surprise costs.
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- What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
- The Big Choice: One Plan or Two Plans?
- Why Adding the CDCP is a Smart Move: 4 Big Benefits
- Real Examples: How Coverage Changes Your Options
- How to Sign Up for the CDCP: Easy Steps
- Your Action Plan: Next Steps
- Helpful Links and Phone Numbers
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
- The CDCP is a new dental plan from the Government of Canada. It was created to help people who do not have dental insurance through a job. It also supports those who have a lower family income.
- The most important thing to know is this: You can have the CDCP. This applies even if you already get dental help from your province. The two plans are designed to work together as a team to help you more.
The Big Choice: One Plan or Two Plans?
Think of dental care like maintaining your overall health. You need regular check-ups and sometimes bigger treatments.
Having Only Provincial Benefits:
This is like only having help for a big health emergency. Your province covers basic and emergency care. However, it often has strict limits. There are very low spending maximums. Additionally, there are long waits between allowed visits. It keeps you out of extreme pain but may not help you maintain long-term health.
Having Provincial Benefits AND the CDCP:
This is like having full health support. You get help for emergencies and for regular, preventive care. Together, they cover a wider range of services more often. This team approach is the best way to keep your mouth healthy, prevent painful problems, and save money.
Why Adding the CDCP is a Smart Move: 4 Big Benefits
1. You Get More Types of Dental Care Covered
Your provincial plan covers essentials.
The CDCP adds more important services that your provincial plan might refuse or make very difficult to get approved.
With CDCP, you can also get coverage for: Deep cleanings for gum disease. Root canals can save an infected tooth. You can also get coverage for crowns (caps) to repair a broken tooth, and partial or complete dentures. This means more options to save your natural teeth and stay comfortable.
2. You Can See the Dentist When You Need To
Provincial plans often have very long waiting periods between covered services.
- Example Problem: Some provinces only pay for a cleaning every 3 years or new dentures only every 8-10 years. If you have pain or broken dentures after 2 years, you might have to pay for everything yourself.
- CDCP Solution: The CDCP follows standard dental practice. This usually means you can get preventive cleanings every 6 to 9 months. You can also get replacements when your dentist says you need them. You are not restricted by an old rule.
3. You Will Almost Always Pay Less Money
This is the most important benefit. The two plans coordinate benefits.
- How it Works: For a dental procedure, the CDCP pays its share first. Then, your provincial plan pays second, often covering most or all of the remaining cost up to its limits.
- The Result: For many basic services, you may pay $0. For major work, your share will be much, much smaller than if you only had one plan. This protects your budget from surprise bills.
4. You Have More Freedom and Fewer Surprises
Provincial plans use fixed, often outdated fee guides. If your dentist charges the current standard rate, you pay the difference.
- The Problem: With only a provincial plan, a simple filling could lead to unexpected costs. You might receive a surprise bill for hundreds of dollars.
- The CDCP Help: The CDCP uses a more modern fee guide. When combined with provincial payments, it covers a larger part of the cost. This means fewer unexpected charges and more dentists can afford to accept your coverage.
Real Examples: How Coverage Changes Your Options
Let’s follow “Alex,” who receives provincial disability benefits.
Situation 1: A Severe Tooth Infection
With ONLY Provincial Plan:
The plan will likely only pay to extract (pull) the tooth. Saving it with a root canal is often not covered.
With BOTH Plans:
The CDCP helps pay for the root canal and crown. The provincial plan helps with the remaining cost. Alex keeps their natural tooth and pays very little.
Situation 2: Old, Broken Dentures
With ONLY Provincial Plan:
The plan may cover only the cheapest, basic dentures, and only once every 10 years. A repair before then may not be covered.
With BOTH Plans:
The CDCP covers repairs, relines, and new dentures. Combined with provincial help, Alex can get safe and comfortable dentures when needed. This can be done without a decade of struggle or a massive bill.
How to Sign Up for the CDCP: Easy Steps
Applying is free. If you receive provincial disability benefits, you very likely meet the income and eligibility requirements.
Here’s what to do:
- Get Ready: Have your Social Insurance Number (SIN), your date of birth, and your home address ready.
- Apply (Choose One Way):
- Online (Easiest): Use the official Government of Canada website: Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- By Phone: Call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342. For TTY service, call 1-833-677-6262.
A family member, friend, or support worker can help you make the call. They can also help you with completing the online form.
Your Action Plan: Next Steps to a Healthier Smile
- Apply for the CDCP. This is the most powerful step you can take. It unlocks all the benefits described above.
- Tell Your Dentist. When you book an appointment, say, “I have both the Canadian Dental Care Plan and [Your Province] disability dental benefits.” Ask them to coordinate the two plans for you.
- Always Ask. Before any treatment, ask your dentist: “After both of my plans pay, what will my final cost be?” You have a right to know.
You deserve access to full, affordable dental care. Combine the Canadian Dental Care Plan with your existing provincial benefits. It is the best way to protect your smile. It also safeguards your health and finances.
Helpful Links and Phone Numbers
- Main CDCP Application Portal: canada.ca/dental
- Full CDCP Information Page: Canada.ca Dental Care Plan
- Phone Number to Apply or Ask Questions: 1-833-537-4342 (Service Canada)
- TTY Phone Line for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: 1-833-677-6262
- Sun Life (to Find a Dentist who takes CDCP): 1-888-888-8110
