If you have been putting off dental treatment because of cost, you are not alone. Many patients delay cleanings, fillings, denture repairs, or gum treatment because they are worried about the bill. The Canadian Dental Care Plan, often called the CDCP, was created to help make dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents.
For patients in Burnaby and the Metrotown area, the CDCP may help with the cost of common dental services such as exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, some gum treatments, dentures, root canal treatment, and certain oral surgery procedures.
The plan can be helpful, but it is important to understand one thing from the beginning: CDCP coverage does not always mean every dental cost is fully covered. Your coverage depends on your eligibility, your income level, the treatment needed, and whether the service requires preauthorization.
This guide explains the basics in plain language so you know what to ask before booking your appointment.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal dental program designed to reduce dental care costs for eligible Canadian residents who do not have access to dental insurance.
According to the Government of Canada, applications for the CDCP are open for the 2026-2027 benefit year. If you had CDCP coverage before and did not renew on time, you may need to reapply, and there may be a gap in your coverage.
The CDCP is not the same as private dental insurance. It has its own rules, covered services, fee guides, preauthorization requirements, and possible co-payments. If you are unsure how dental coverage works, our dental insurance page may also help you understand what to ask before your visit.
Who May Qualify for the CDCP?
Eligibility can change, so patients should always confirm details directly through the official Government of Canada CDCP application page. In general, applicants must meet the CDCP eligibility requirements and provide personal information during the application process.
You may need information such as:
- Your Social Insurance Number, if available
- Your date of birth
- Your full name
- Your home and mailing address
- Information about any dental coverage through government social programs
- Confirmation that you and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable, filed your previous year’s tax return and received a Notice of Assessment
You must also confirm that you do not have access to dental insurance. If incorrect information is provided, the government may review eligibility and may require repayment for claims if someone is later found to be ineligible.
What Dental Services May Be Covered?
The CDCP may help pay for a wide range of dental services when recommended by an oral health provider. The Government of Canada provides a helpful overview of what services may be covered under the CDCP. Some services may be covered without preauthorization, while others need approval before treatment begins.
Examples of services that may be covered include:
Diagnostic and preventive care
This may include dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealants. These visits are important because they help catch small issues before they become more serious. You can learn more about routine visits on our dental exam and cleaning page.
Basic restorative care
This may include permanent fillings, temporary fillings, pain control for diseased teeth, and other treatments for cavities or broken teeth. If you have a cavity or a damaged tooth, our dental fillings page explains how fillings can help restore tooth structure.
Root canal and infection-related care
Some endodontic services, including root canal treatments and procedures to reduce infection or relieve pain, may be covered. Certain retreatments may require preauthorization. If you have deep tooth pain or signs of infection, you can read more about treatment options on our root canal page.
Gum disease care
The CDCP may include some periodontal services, such as cleaning under the gumline and non-surgical gum disease management. If your gums bleed, feel swollen, or have started to pull away from your teeth, our gum disease treatment page may be a useful place to start.
Dentures and tooth replacement
Some complete dentures, temporary dentures, denture repairs, relines, and rebases may be covered. Some denture treatments may need preauthorization. If you are missing teeth or have dentures that no longer fit comfortably, visit our affordable dentures page for more information.
Oral surgery
Some tooth extractions and related oral surgery services may be covered. If you have a tooth that cannot be repaired, our tooth extractions page explains what patients can expect.
Orthodontic services are not broadly available under the CDCP yet. The Government of Canada notes that a specific range of orthodontic services is expected in the future, with preauthorization required.
Will the CDCP Cover the Full Cost?
Sometimes yes, but not always.
The CDCP reimburses a portion of eligible dental treatment costs based on the plan’s established fees. You may still need to pay something out of pocket if:
- Your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999
- The dental office fee is higher than the amount reimbursed by the CDCP
- You choose a service that is not covered by the plan
- A service requires preauthorization and is not approved
This is why it is always a good idea to ask about estimated costs before treatment starts. A dental office can help explain which parts may be billed to the CDCP and which costs may remain your responsibility. You can also review our dental insurance information before your appointment.
What Should Burnaby Patients Do Before Booking?
Before your dental appointment, take a few minutes to prepare. It can make the visit smoother and help avoid confusion about coverage.
Bring or confirm:
- Your CDCP member information
- Any private or government dental coverage details, if applicable
- A list of dental concerns you want checked
- Any recent X-rays or dental records, if you have them
- Questions about costs, co-payments, or preauthorization
If you have tooth pain, swelling, bleeding gums, a broken tooth, loose dentures, or trouble eating, do not wait too long. Even if you are unsure about coverage, it is better to ask early. Dental problems often become more expensive when they are left untreated. For urgent problems, our emergency dentistry page explains when to contact a dentist.
Common Questions Patients Ask
Can I use the CDCP for a dental cleaning?
Cleanings may be covered under preventive services, depending on your eligibility, plan rules, and frequency limits. You can learn more about preventive visits on our dental exam and cleaning page.
Are fillings covered?
The CDCP may cover permanent and temporary fillings when they are needed to treat cavities or broken teeth. If you think you may need a filling, visit our dental fillings page.
Does the CDCP cover dentures?
Some denture services may be covered, including complete dentures, repairs, relines, and rebases. Some denture treatments may need preauthorization. Our affordable dentures page has more information about denture options.
Can I get emergency dental care with CDCP coverage?
Emergency exams may be included under diagnostic services. Treatment coverage depends on what needs to be done and whether the service is covered. If you are in pain, have swelling, or broke a tooth, contact the clinic or visit our emergency dentistry page.
Will I need to pay anything at the dental office?
You may. The CDCP may not cover the full fee in every case. Ask the dental office about any co-payment or additional charge before treatment.
Can the dental office apply for me?
Applications are handled through the Government of Canada, not the dental clinic. You can apply or learn more through the official CDCP application page. However, once you are approved, the dental office can help you understand how coverage may apply to your treatment plan.
Dental Care Near Metrotown
If you live, work, or study near Metrotown, having a dental office nearby can make regular care easier. Preventive visits, small fillings, denture adjustments, gum checks, and follow-up appointments are easier to keep up with when the clinic is close to your daily routine.
At Dentists at Metrotown, our team can help patients understand their dental needs, review treatment options, and discuss cost questions before care begins. If you are using the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please contact our office before your appointment so we can let you know what information to bring.
Ready to Book?
If you have CDCP coverage, are waiting for approval, or are not sure what your next step should be, our team is happy to help you prepare for your visit.
Book an appointment with Dentists at Metrotown and let us know that you would like to discuss CDCP-related coverage questions before treatment.