Last updated: October 2026
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers most everyday dental care: exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, extractions and complete dentures. Crowns and partial dentures are covered with preauthorization. Dental implants, bridges, veneers, whitening and orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) are not covered.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered, what needs approval first, the limits on how often you can get each service, and what you might still pay.
CDCP Coverage at a Glance
| Service | Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up exams | ✅ Yes | Frequency limits apply |
| X-rays | ✅ Yes | Panoramic x-ray once every 5 years |
| Cleaning (scaling) and polishing | ✅ Yes | Limited units per year |
| Fluoride and sealants | ✅ Yes | |
| Fillings | ✅ Yes | |
| Root canal treatment | ✅ Yes | Re-treatment needs preauthorization |
| Gum (periodontal) treatment | ✅ Yes | Cleaning below the gumline |
| Extractions, including wisdom teeth | ✅ Yes | |
| Complete dentures | ✅ Yes | Once per arch every 8 years |
| Denture relines and repairs | ✅ Yes | |
| Crowns | ⚠️ With preauthorization | Adults 18+, badly damaged teeth only |
| Partial dentures | ⚠️ With preauthorization | |
| Immediate dentures | ⚠️ With preauthorization | |
| Nitrous oxide or oral sedation | ✅ Yes | Limits and conditions apply |
| IV sedation or general anaesthesia | ⚠️ With preauthorization | |
| Dental implants | ❌ No | Including implant crowns and implant dentures |
| Bridges | ❌ No | |
| Veneers, whitening, cosmetic bonding | ❌ No | |
| Braces and Invisalign | ❌ Not currently available | |
| Night guards and sports mouthguards | ❌ No |
Does CDCP Cover Implants?
No. Dental implants and everything related to them (the implant post, implant crown, implant-supported bridges and implant-retained “snap-on” dentures) are not covered. Bone grafts aren’t covered either.
What you can do instead: CDCP covers complete dentures, and partial dentures with preauthorization. These are covered ways to replace missing teeth. If you’d still prefer an implant, you’d pay for it yourself or through private insurance. See dental implant costs →
Does CDCP Cover Crowns?
Yes, with preauthorization, for adults 18 and older when a tooth is badly damaged. For example:
- A front tooth that has lost its whole biting edge
- A back tooth with extensive damage across many surfaces
- A back tooth after a root canal with three or more damaged surfaces
Not covered: crowns for cosmetic reasons, for sensitivity alone, or for small chips. Crown lengthening isn’t covered.
Limit: 4 crowns every 10 years, and one crown per tooth every 8 years. See crown costs →
Does CDCP Cover Dentures?
Yes. Here’s how it works:
| Denture type | Preauthorization? | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Complete (standard) denture | No | Once per arch every 8 years |
| Immediate denture | Yes | Once per arch in your lifetime |
| Cast metal partial denture | Yes | Once every 8 years |
| Acrylic partial denture | Yes | Once every 5 years |
| Reline or rebase | No | Once per arch every 2 years |
| Repair | No | Once per arch per year |
| Implant-retained denture | Not covered |
See denture costs in Ontario →
Does CDCP Cover Root Canals?
Yes. Root canal treatment is covered. Re-treating a previous root canal and root canals on wisdom teeth need preauthorization. See root canal costs →
How Many Cleanings and Check-Ups Does CDCP Cover?
CDCP covers cleanings and check-ups with limits counted over rolling 12-month periods:
| Service | Limit |
|---|---|
| Recall (check-up) exam | 1 per 12 months |
| Complete exam | 1 per 5 years |
| Scaling (cleaning), age 17+ | 4 units per 12 months (combined with root planing) |
| Scaling, age 12–16 | 1 unit per 12 months |
| Scaling, age 0–11 | ½ unit per 12 months |
| Polishing | ½ unit per 12 months |
| Fluoride | Every 6 months to age 16; every 12 months from 17 |
| Panoramic x-ray | 1 per 5 years |
A “unit” is 15 minutes of scaling. Many adults need 1 to 2 units at a routine cleaning, so 4 units usually covers regular cleanings. If you need more, we can request preauthorization.
Does CDCP Cover Sedation?
Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are covered, up to 4 sessions per 12 months. For patients 12 and older, there needs to be a clinical reason (for example, treatment couldn’t be done without it). IV sedation and general anaesthesia need preauthorization and are limited to once per 12 months for complex treatment.
At Bells Corners Dental Studio we offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for patients who feel anxious. Sedation dentistry →
Does CDCP Cover 100% of the Cost?
Not always. Two things can leave you with a bill:
1. Your co-payment, based on income:
| Adjusted family net income | You pay |
|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 40% of the CDCP fee |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 60% of the CDCP fee |
2. Extra charges. CDCP pays a set fee for each service. If your dentist’s fee is higher, or you choose something the plan doesn’t cover, you pay the difference. Your dental office should tell you before treatment.
What Is Preauthorization?
Preauthorization means your dentist sends a treatment plan to the CDCP before doing the work, and the plan confirms it will pay. It’s required for crowns, partial and immediate dentures, root canal re-treatment, some surgery, IV sedation and general anaesthesia, and anything beyond the normal frequency limits.
You don’t have to do anything. We submit the request and let you know the result before we start.
Using Your CDCP Coverage at Bells Corners Dental Studio
We accept CDCP and bill Sun Life directly, so you don’t pay the full cost up front. Before every treatment we check your coverage and limits, handle any preauthorization, and tell you about any co-payment or extra charge.
Not enrolled yet? Check if you qualify for CDCP →
Have CDCP? Book your visit in Nepean.
Bring your member ID and coverage start date, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Book Online Call or Text (613) 421-2222 New Patients2150 Robertson Rd, Unit 9, Nepean, ON K2H 9S1 · CDCP accepted · Direct billing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CDCP cover?
Exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, root canals, gum treatment, extractions, complete dentures, and sedation. Crowns and partial dentures are covered with preauthorization.
What is not covered by the CDCP?
Dental implants, bridges, veneers, whitening, cosmetic treatments, night guards, mouthguards, and orthodontics such as braces and Invisalign.
Does CDCP cover dental implants?
No. Implants, implant crowns and implant-supported dentures are not covered.
Does CDCP cover crowns?
Yes, with preauthorization, for adults 18 and older when a tooth is extensively damaged. Cosmetic crowns aren’t covered.
Does CDCP cover dentures?
Yes. Complete dentures are covered without preauthorization. Partial and immediate dentures need preauthorization.
Does the CDCP cover 100%?
Only if your adjusted family net income is under $70,000 and your dentist’s fee matches the CDCP fee. Otherwise you may pay a co-payment or an extra charge.
How many fillings does CDCP cover?
Fillings are covered as needed, subject to the plan’s rules for each tooth. We’ll tell you if anything falls outside the plan before we start.
Does every dentist accept CDCP?
No. Each dental office decides whether to bill the plan directly. Bells Corners Dental Studio accepts CDCP and bills Sun Life directly.
Sources
- Government of Canada, What services are covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Government of Canada, CDCP Dental Benefits Guide
- Government of Canada, Do you qualify for the CDCP
Coverage details come from Canada.ca and the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide, and can change. We confirm your coverage before every treatment. This article is general information, not financial or dental advice.
