Canadian Dental Care Plan in Vancouver
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a dental program launched by the Government of Canada to help Canadians access quality dental services. If you qualify, the CDCP reduces the cost of dental treatments, easing financial burdens, for example, through preventive care, fillings, root canal treatments, dentures, etc. This plan is available to people who meet certain criteria and for services that CDCP approves.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP
- Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year.
- Have no access to dental insurance through employer, pension, student organization, or private plan.
- Your adjusted family net income must be less than CAD 90,000.
What Services Are Covered
Being a registered CDCP dental clinic, we offer a broad range of services covered by the CDCP program.
We aim to provide the care you need with clarity about what we offer. Below are services we provide that are covered (or generally eligible) under the CDCP, along with notes where preauthorization or eligibility may apply.
- Diagnostic & Preventive Care
We provide regular dental checkups (routine and specific), professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments. - Basic Restorative Care
Cavities are treated with permanent or temporary fillings, and we manage pain for diseased teeth when required. - Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy is available. (In some cases, further preauthorization may be needed for certain endodontic procedures.) - Endodontic Treatment
Root canal therapy is available. (In some cases, further preauthorization may be needed for certain endodontic procedures.)
- Periodontal Care
Treatment for gum disease, including deep cleaning under the gumline, and techniques for gum recession (e.g. the pinhole technique), are available. - Major Restorative & Prosthodontic Care
We provide crowns, full and partial dentures, and denture repairs. Consultation will determine if additional preapproval is needed, depending on the treatment. - Oral Surgery & Extractions
Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth, are offered. Our clinic also offers aftercare tips to care for your teeth. - Sedation Dentistry
Sedation is available for patients undergoing treatments such as root canal therapy to improve comfort. The level of sedation required may need assessment or preauthorization.
What Services Are Not Covered (or Limited)
- Cosmetic dentistry: teeth whitening, veneers, and elective aesthetic upgrades are typically excluded.
- Orthodontic treatment: not yet generally covered. Only medically necessary orthodontic services under strict criteria will be added mid-2025.
- Services exceeding frequency limits without preauthorization.
- Costs above CDCP established fees (“balance billing”) will be your responsibility.
- Treatments by providers not registered or recognized under the CDCP.
How Costs & Co-Payments Work
The amount CDCP covers depends on your adjusted family net income, in tiers:
| Income Tier (Adjusted Net) | % Covered by CDCP | Your Co-Payment % |
Under CAD 70,000 | 100% | 0% |
CAD 70,000 – CAD 79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| CAD 80,000 – CAD 89,999 | 40% | 60% |
If your dentist charges more than CDCP’s fee schedule, you’ll pay that extra.
Applying & Using CDCP
- Check if you meet eligibility (no insurance, income limit, tax filing, residency).
- Apply through the official Canadian Dental Care Plan website or via your My Service Canada Account.
- After approval, you’ll receive confirmation (welcome package) with your coverage start date.
- As soon as the coverage start date begins, you should schedule an appointment with a CDCP dentist in Vancouver who will bill your provider directly.
Latest Updates & Important Notes
- As of Nov 1, 2024, other services (crowns, dentures, deep sedation) require preauthorization by Sun Life Dental (an insurance company for CDCP).
- Orthodontic care is coming in at some time around mid-2025 for medical necessity.
- CDCP Applications apply to people of all ages who fulfill eligibility conditions.
Why Choose Lighthouse Dental & Implant Centre?
Lighthouse Dental & Implant Centre is a CDCP dentist in Vancouver, located at 1055 W Broadway #101, Vancouver, BC V6H 1E2, and accepts the CDCP program to help patients access quality care.
What you can expect at Lighthouse:
- Transparent estimates on what portion CDCP may cover and what your co-payment would be.
- Help with preauthorization for more complex or major treatments.
- Comfort and advanced technology: modern imaging, sedation options, prosthetics, and restorative services.
- Friendly team ready to answer your questions and support you.
Take action today! Use the “Book An Appointment” form or call us at (604) 900-8573 to schedule a consultation.
Let’s work together to see if you qualify under the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Vancouver and get your smile the care it deserves
Disclaimer: Coverage under the CDCP only applies to those services that the plan officially approves. Just because a treatment is recommended by your dentist doesn’t guarantee full or partial coverage. Extra charges or co-payments may apply if the service is outside CDCP’s coverage, above fee schedules, or requires preauthorization and does not receive it.
FAQs
What is the income limit for the CDCP?
Your adjusted family net income must be less than CAD 90,000. If you are over this limit, you are not eligible.
Do I qualify as a CDCP dentist in Vancouver?
If you are a dental provider registered in Vancouver who meets CDCP provider criteria, you can participate. Patients should check the official provider search (Sun Life’s CDCP provider tool) to confirm.
How much will CDCP cover for those with incomes between CAD 70,000 and 79,999?
They cover about 60% of eligible fees; you would pay about 40% of the CDCP-approved fee, plus any balance billing if applicable.
Does the plan cover root canals?
Yes. Root canal treatments and related endodontic services are covered under CDCP when recommended by your dental provider; retreatment may require preauthorization.
Is orthodontic treatment covered under the CDCP?
Not currently in general. Only medically necessary orthodontic treatments under strict criteria are expected to be added around mid-2025.
Can I use CDCP if I already have private dental insurance?
No. One of the core eligibility requirements is that you do not have access to private or group dental insurance. Having such coverage, regardless of whether you use it, can disqualify you.
