The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is designed to make dental care more accessible for eligible Canadians by helping with the cost of approved services. If you are exploring the Canadian dental plan for seniors, you may be surprised by the range of care included. Coverage may extend from routine preventive visits to fillings, gum care, root canal treatment, dentures, and certain oral surgery procedures.
What Types of Dental Care Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a range of services intended to prevent and treat oral disease. The exact services available to you depend on your dental needs, eligibility, frequency limits, and other coverage requirements.
Some treatments also require preauthorization before the CDCP will confirm coverage.
Diagnostic and Preventive Care
Regular examinations can help identify dental concerns before they become more complicated.
Under the CDCP, eligible diagnostic and preventive services may include:
- Dental examinations
- Certain X-rays
- Dental cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
Frequency limits may apply to some services, so it is important to confirm your individual coverage before treatment.
Restorative Dental Treatment
Restorative treatment focuses on repairing teeth that have been weakened or damaged by decay, wear, or injury.
The CDCP may help cover certain treatments, such as fillings and eligible crowns. Some procedures require prior approval, and specific requirements must be met before coverage can be confirmed.
If you are looking for a dentist near you, ask the dental team to check your CDCP coverage before beginning treatment, particularly when more extensive care is recommended.
Root Canal and Gum Treatment
The CDCP also includes eligible endodontic services, such as certain root canal treatments. Coverage depends on the tooth involved and whether the treatment meets the plan’s clinical requirements.
Periodontal services for gum health may also be covered. These can include scaling and root planing when appropriate. Frequency limits apply, and additional treatment beyond those limits may require preauthorization.
Dentures and Tooth Replacement
The CDCP may help cover the cost of certain removable tooth replacement options for people missing several or all of their natural teeth. Coverage depends on the type of treatment needed and whether it meets the plan’s requirements. Eligible services may include:
- Complete dentures
- Partial dentures
- Denture repairs
- Denture adjustments or relining
Some denture services require preauthorization before treatment begins.
It is important to note that dental implants and implant-related procedures are excluded from CDCP coverage.
Oral Surgery and Sedation Services
Certain oral surgery procedures are included under the CDCP. Depending on the treatment, preauthorization and supporting clinical information may be required.
The plan also includes certain sedation and other adjunctive services when eligibility requirements are met. Some of these services require approval in advance.
Does CDCP Pay the Full Cost of Dental Treatment?
Not necessarily. Being covered by the CDCP does not always mean your dental treatment will have no out-of-pocket cost.
The amount the CDCP pays is based on its established fees and your adjusted family net income. You may have a co-payment and could also be responsible for additional charges if your provider’s fee exceeds the amount covered by the CDCP.
Before receiving care, ask your dental provider to confirm your coverage and discuss any expected costs with you.
Why Is Preauthorization Important?
Some procedures cannot be covered automatically. Your oral health provider must submit information to the CDCP for approval before certain treatments begin.
Preauthorization does not guarantee payment at the time of treatment. Your eligibility and coverage must remain active when the service is provided.
Understanding these requirements beforehand can help prevent unexpected costs.
Get Help Understanding Your CDCP Coverage
Knowing what your dental coverage includes can make planning your care much simpler. At Piper Creek Dental Choice, our team can help you understand your treatment needs and discuss your available dental care options. Contact Piper Creek Dental Choice today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward caring for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the CDCP cover regular dental checkups?
Yes, eligible diagnostic services include certain dental examinations, subject to the plan’s applicable frequency limitations.
2. Are dental cleanings covered by the CDCP?
Yes, certain dental cleanings may be covered, depending on your eligibility and the plan’s frequency limits.
3. Does the CDCP cover dental fillings?
Yes, certain fillings may be covered when the treatment meets the CDCP’s requirements for eligible care.
4. Are dentures included under CDCP coverage?
Yes, certain full and partial dentures may be covered when they meet the plan’s eligibility requirements.
5. Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
No. Dental implants and services directly related to implants are not currently covered under the CDCP.
6. Do some treatments require approval before starting?
Yes. Some dental treatments need preauthorization from the CDCP before coverage can be confirmed.
