What dental services are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Understanding what dental services are covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can help you plan your oral health care and avoid unexpected costs. While coverage details may change over time as the program continues to roll out, there are some core categories of treatment the CDCP is designed to support.

Below is an overview of the types of services that may be covered, what to expect at the dentist, and how a participating clinic can help you understand your specific eligibility.

Overview of CDCP dental coverage

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program designed to help eligible Canadians access essential dental care. It focuses on:

Preventive services (to keep your mouth healthy and avoid problems)
Basic restorative care (to treat cavities and common issues)
Some additional procedures when medically necessary

Not every service is fully covered, and some may only be partially covered, with a co‑payment (an amount you pay out of pocket). Coverage can also vary based on your household income, your age, and the specific service.

Your dentist can help you understand which treatments are eligible and what portion the CDCP will pay.

Preventive dental services

Preventive care is a major focus of the CDCP because it helps reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. Depending on your eligibility and the current program rules, coverage may include services such as:

Dental examinations
- New patient exams
- Recall (check‑up) exams at recommended intervals
- Specific or limited exams for a particular concern
Dental cleanings and hygiene care
- Scaling and root planing (removal of plaque and tartar)
- Polishing (where covered)
- Oral hygiene instruction and home‑care guidance
Diagnostic services
- X‑rays (bitewing, periapical, or panoramic as needed)
- Diagnostic tests related to your oral health

Preventive services help detect concerns early, monitor gum health, and maintain a clean, healthy smile.

Restorative dental treatments (fillings and more)

When a tooth has decay, fracture, or other damage, restorative treatment may be needed. Under the CDCP, certain basic restorative services may be covered, such as:

Dental fillings
- Tooth‑coloured (composite) fillings in many cases
- Replacement of old or failing fillings when necessary
Recontouring or minor repairs
- Smoothing or reshaping a tooth that has chipped or worn edges, when appropriate

Coverage of restorative procedures typically depends on clinical necessity. Your dentist will assess your teeth, explain your options, and submit treatment codes in line with CDCP rules so you understand any potential costs.

Root canal (endodontic) treatment

In some cases, saving a damaged or infected tooth requires root canal therapy. Depending on eligibility and current CDCP guidelines, coverage may include:

Root canal treatment on certain teeth
- Usually for teeth that can be predictably restored and maintained
- May include single‑rooted or multi‑rooted teeth based on program criteria
Related procedures
- Emergency treatment to relieve pain or infection
- Follow‑up X‑rays as required

Your dentist will discuss whether a root canal is appropriate, if the tooth is restorable, and how CDCP coverage applies compared to other options like extraction.

Tooth removal (extractions)

When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. The CDCP typically includes coverage for:

Simple extractions
- Removal of teeth that can be taken out without surgical procedures
Some surgical extractions
- Removal of broken or impacted teeth, where covered by the plan
Management of infection or pain
- Treatment for dental infections, including prescriptions or drainage, as medically appropriate

Your dental team will outline the type of extraction you need and confirm what portion of the service will be covered.

Periodontal (gum) treatments

Gum health is essential for keeping your teeth long term. For patients with gum disease, the CDCP may cover certain periodontal services, such as:

Scaling and root planing beyond standard cleanings
- Deep cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus
Periodontal assessments
- Detailed measurements and evaluations of gum health

The type and frequency of periodontal treatments covered can vary, and ongoing maintenance is often necessary. Your dentist or hygienist will help you plan care that aligns with CDCP limits while supporting your long‑term oral health.

Crowns, dentures, and other major services

The CDCP focuses primarily on essential and basic care, but some more extensive treatments might be partially covered when clinically necessary. These can include:

Dentures (removable prosthetics)
- Full dentures (to replace all teeth in an arch)
- Partial dentures (to replace several missing teeth)
- Relines or adjustments in certain situations
Crowns and other major restorations
- Sometimes covered when a tooth is severely broken down but still restorable
- Coverage may be limited to specific teeth or clinical scenarios
Other prosthetic or restorative options
- Depending on the most current CDCP rules and fee schedules

Because these services are more complex, your dentist will often submit a pre‑determination (estimate) to confirm what the CDCP will pay before treatment begins.

Children’s dental services under the CDCP

For eligible children and youth, the Canadian Dental Care Plan is designed to support healthy development and prevent problems that can affect adult teeth. Covered services for children may include:

Regular check‑ups and cleanings
Fluoride treatments and sealants (to help prevent cavities)
Fillings and basic restorative care
Extractions when necessary
X‑rays and other diagnostic assessments

Your dentist will tailor care to your child’s age and oral health needs while working within the CDCP guidelines.

What may not be covered or only partially covered

It is important to understand that not every dental procedure is covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Some services may:

Not be eligible for any CDCP coverage
Be covered only up to a maximum fee, leaving you to pay the difference
Require a co‑payment based on your household income

Common examples that may have limited or no coverage can include:

Certain cosmetic procedures (for example, purely aesthetic veneers or whitening)
Some complex restorative or prosthetic treatments beyond basic needs
Elective upgrades (such as choosing a more expensive material than the plan allows)

Before you commit to any treatment, ask your dental office for an estimate that shows how much the CDCP will contribute and what your portion will be.

How your dental office helps you use the Canadian Dental Care Plan

If your clinic accepts CDCP patients, the team can help you navigate the plan and make the most of your benefits. This may include:

Confirming your eligibility and CDCP enrolment status
Reviewing your treatment options and explaining what is likely covered
Submitting claims and estimates to the CDCP on your behalf
Helping you understand co‑payments or non‑covered services before you proceed

Bringing your CDCP information to your appointment and sharing any letters or documentation you receive from the federal government can help ensure accurate billing and fewer surprises.

Getting answers about your specific coverage

While this overview explains the types of dental services commonly covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, your exact coverage depends on:

Your eligibility status and household income
The specific treatment recommended
The most current CDCP guidelines and fee schedules
Whether your dentist participates in the program

The best way to confirm your coverage is to contact your dental office directly. They can review your treatment plan, check current CDCP rules, and provide a cost estimate that clearly shows what the plan pays and what, if anything, you will be responsible for.

If you are considering treatment and are enrolled in the CDCP, let your dental team know so they can help you plan care that fits both your health needs and your budget.