For most Alberta residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a federal dental program, may help eligible Calgary residents access dental care. hellodent can help you search for participating providers in Calgary, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment.
What Is the CDCP?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program for Canadians who do not have private dental insurance and whose household income is under $90,000 per year. It is funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life.
The CDCP may cover some or most of your dental costs, based on your income. You apply through the Government of Canada website and must meet all eligibility requirements. Once approved, you can visit a participating provider, and Sun Life pays the provider directly.
Who Qualifies for CDCP in Calgary?
You may be eligible if all of these apply to you:
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
- You filed your income tax return for the previous year
- You do not have dental insurance through a private plan, employer, or pension
- Your household income is under $90,000 per year
All ages are now eligible. Coverage needs to be renewed annually, by June 1 each year.
What Does CDCP Cover in Calgary?
The CDCP may cover a range of treatments, including:
- Checkups, exams, and X-rays (if required)
- Scaling, polishing, fluoride, and sealants for children 17 and under
- Fillings and root canals
- Extractions and other oral surgery
- Full and partial dentures
- Sedation (moderate or deep sedation needs pre-authorization)
Treatments that need to be pre-authorized by Sun Life include new crowns, moderate or deep sedation, major surgical treatments, and orthodontic services (when clinically necessary, after a date to be announced).
The above treatments are also subject to frequency limits.
Not covered: dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening, fixed bridges, mouthguards, night guards, TMJ appliances, bone grafting, inlays, onlays, and crown lengthening.
How Much Could You Pay Under CDCP in Calgary?
Your coverage depends on your household income:
| Net Family Income |
Covered by CDCP |
You Pay (co-payment) |
| Below $70,000 |
100% of the CDCP fee guide amount |
0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 |
60% |
40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 |
40% |
60% |
Since the CDCP fee guide is often lower than the provincial fee guide, some dentists may charge above it. You may also need to pay the difference between the CDCP fee guide and the practice's regular fee. This is called balanced billing and is in addition to any applicable co-payments.
Where to Find CDCP Providers in Calgary
Not all clinics choose to accept CDCP coverage, so it helps to search before you visit. hellodent can help you search for participating providers across Calgary.
- Central: Downtown, Beltline, Kensington, Mission
- Northwest: Northwest, Bridgeland
- Southeast: Inglewood, Marda Loop
Use hellodent's CDCP filter and search by location to find providers near you. You can also sort results by rating or distance.
How to Choose a CDCP Provider in Calgary
Every dentist in Alberta must be registered with the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C). Many CDCP-covered treatments can be performed by general dentists, who also handle less complicated care along with some common treatments like extractions and implants. For more complicated procedures like periodontal treatment or oral surgery, your dentist may refer you to a specialist who also accepts CDCP coverage. Specialists work within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Do you offer the treatment I need?
- Does CDCP cover a specific treatment I think I need?
- How much would my co-payment be?
- Do you charge above the CDCP fee guide (balanced billing)?
Your first visit may include X-rays if required, an exam, and a treatment plan. Your dentist may walk you through any findings. If you need further treatment, you could receive a treatment plan with costs before anything starts.
A dental hygiene appointment is usually a separate step. A longer hygiene appointment may be scheduled if more cleaning time is needed. Your dentist will recommend a schedule for follow-up visits.
Paying for Dental Care in Calgary
In Alberta, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. If you do not have private dental insurance and your household income is under $90,000, you may be eligible for coverage under the CDCP. Apply through the Government of Canada website.
If you also qualify for other provincial program coverage, ask about coordination of benefits. Your provider or Sun Life can help sort out what applies.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
