By Dr. Richa Bhatnagar & the Jacksonport Dental team, NE Calgary
If you or a family member has been putting off dental care because of cost, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can make treatment more accessible. Below is a practical, Calgary-focused guide that explains who qualifies, what’s covered, how much you may pay, and exactly how to apply—plus how our team at Jacksonport Dental helps you use your benefits with confidence.
What is the CDCP?
The CDCP is a federal program that helps eligible Canadians pay for routine and urgent oral health care. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada. Providers who participate bill Sun Life directly for covered services; patients pay only their required share, if any. Canada.ca
Who qualifies?
You may qualify if you meet all of the following:
- No access to private dental insurance (through an employer, pension or purchased individually).
- Canadian resident who filed your taxes for the most recent year.
- Adjusted family net income is below $90,000. Canada.ca
Your cost share (co-payment)
Your income determines how much the government pays versus what you pay at the visit:
- $0–$69,999: Federal plan pays 100% of eligible fees. You may face additional charges as described below.
- $70,000–$79,999: Federal plan pays 60%; you pay 40%. You may face additional charges as described below.
- $80,000–$89,999: Federal plan pays 40%; you pay 60%. You may face additional charges as described below.
- $90,000+: Not eligible. Canada.ca
Additional Charges
The CDCP fees may not be the same as what providers charge. You may have to pay fees in addition to the potential co-payment if:
- the cost of your oral health care services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse for these services
- you and your oral health provider agree to services that the CDCP doesn’t cover
Before receiving oral health care, you should always ask your oral health provider about any costs that won’t be covered by the plan. Make sure you know what you’ll have to pay directly to your oral health provider before accepting and receiving treatment.
Examples of co-payments and additional charges
For detailed examples, refer to the Examples of co‑payments and additional charges factsheet.
Important: Some services have frequency limits or require prior approval. If a clinic does not accept CDCP fees, you could also owe the difference between their price and the CDCP maximums. Always confirm details before treatment. Canada.ca
What services are covered?
The CDCP covers a broad range of preventive, diagnostic, restorative and surgical services when they are clinically necessary, including (examples):
- Exams & X-rays (including comprehensive exams and recall exams)
- Cleanings, polishing, fluoride and scaling
- Sealants for children and teens
- Fillings, root canal treatment (based on tooth and clinical need), and extractions
- Partial and complete dentures (some services require pre-determination)
- Periodontal care (gum therapy) and oral surgery when indicated
Cosmetic care (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers), most orthodontics, and other elective services are not covered. Frequency limits and prior approvals may apply. Canada.ca
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Check eligibility on Canada.ca and gather your information (SIN, date of birth, and consent to use tax info). Canada.ca
- Apply online through My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or by phone if you need assistance. Canada.ca
- Watch for your approval letter from the Government of Canada. It includes your CDCP member ID, coverage start date, and your co-payment level. You can also view this in MSCA. Canada.ca
- Sun Life enrollment: After approval, Sun Life mails your welcome package and member card. You do not need to wait for the card to book care—as long as you bring the approval letter with the ID and start date. Canada.ca
- Book your appointment on or after your benefit effective date. Services before that date are not reimbursed. Canada.ca
Tip: Never pre-pay the full amount expecting reimbursement. Sun Life does not reimburse patients directly for self-paid services. Providers must bill Sun Life. Canada.ca
Using your CDCP benefits at Jacksonport Dental (NE Calgary)
At Jacksonport Dental (124-3730 104 Ave NE, Calgary), our admin team confirms your CDCP eligibility, start date, and co-pay before your visit so there are no surprises. We:
- Verify your member ID and effective date
- Explain any frequency limits or pre-authorizations
- Provide written estimates that show your CDCP portion and any patient copay
- Bill Sun Life directly for covered services
Popular CDCP-covered visits we provide
- Comprehensive dental exam & X-rays for new patients
- Teeth cleaning & gum therapy based on your periodontal needs
- Children’s care: exams, cleanings, sealants, fluoride
- Urgent care: painful cavities, infections, extractions
- Restorative: tooth-coloured fillings, medically necessary root canals
- Dentures: complete and partial (where eligible, subject to approvals)
If a treatment you want is not covered by the CDCP (e.g., whitening or cosmetic upgrades), we’ll discuss options and costs in advance so you can choose what’s right for you.
What to bring to your first CDCP visit
- CDCP approval letter (or your Sun Life card) showing member ID and start date
- Photo ID
- Medication list and relevant medical history
- Questions you’d like us to answer—especially about treatment choices and home care
Frequently asked questions (Calgary edition)
Can the CDCP work with other government programs?
Yes. If you’re eligible for another public oral health program, the CDCP may coordinate benefits. The provider will help determine which plan pays first and what, if anything, you owe. Canada.ca
Do I have to renew?
Yes. Coverage is renewed annually to confirm you still meet the requirements. Renew before the deadline to avoid a gap. Canada.ca
What if my clinic doesn’t accept CDCP fees?
Ask before your visit. If a clinic won’t bill Sun Life or won’t accept CDCP fee guides, you could be responsible for the difference between their fees and the CDCP maximums, plus any co-pay. At Jacksonport Dental we review this up front so you can make an informed choice. Canada.ca
Is whitening covered?
No. Cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and veneers are not covered. Canada.ca
How soon can I be seen after I’m approved?
You can book for on or after the benefit effective date listed in your approval letter. Services before that date are not covered. Canada.ca
How Jacksonport Dental makes CDCP simple
- Local, family-friendly hours: Open 7 days a week, including Sundays.
- Clear estimates: We show your CDCP coverage, any co-pay, and any non-covered choices.
- Pre-determinations handled: When prior approval is recommended, we submit on your behalf.
- Comfort-first care: Gentle techniques for kids, seniors and anxious patients.
- Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi & Urdu.
Ready to use your CDCP benefits?
If you live in Saddle Ridge, Savanna, Martindale, Redstone, Cityscape, Cornerstone, Skyview Ranch, or throughout NE Calgary, we’re close by and ready to help.
Call 403-815-3040 or visit jacksonportdental.ca to request an appointment. Please have your CDCP member ID and start date handy.
