Many people in Canada are talking about a new program called the CDCP. You might hear neighbours or friends say that going to the dentist is now totally free. While the Canadian Dental Care Plan is a great way to help families, calling it “free” isn’t exactly accurate. It is important to understand how the government dental plan in Canada actually works, so there are no surprises when visiting a dentist in NW Calgary.
What is the CDCP?
CDCP stands for Canadian Dental Care Plan. It is a government program in Canada. The goal is to help people with lower income get basic dental services. It supports oral health and helps prevent serious dental disease. It is not full dental insurance and has limits on coverage.
What Does the Plan Cover?
The CDCP in Calgary helps pay for the most important things that keep a mouth healthy. Here are the main services:
1. Diagnostic Services
This means checking and understanding what is going on inside the mouth. It helps the dentist find dental problems early. This includes:
- Examinations: The dentist examines each tooth for decay.
- Radiographs: Dental X-rays show what is happening beneath the gums and inside the teeth.
2. Preventive Services
These services stop problems before they start.
- Prophylaxis: The professional term for cleaning. It removes plaque and tartar.
- Fluoride: A special gel that makes the enamel (the hard outer part of the tooth) stronger.
- Sealants: A plastic coating put on the chewing surface of back teeth to prevent cavities.
3. Restorative Services
When a tooth is already damaged, the plan helps fix it.
- Fillings: If a tooth has a cavity (caries), the dentist removes the decay and fills the hole.
- Crowns (in some cases): If a tooth is badly broken or weak, a crown may be used. A crown covers the tooth like a cap and helps restore its shape, strength, and chewing function.
Why Isn’t It Totally Free?
There are two main reasons why a person might still have to pay money at the dental clinic.
The Co-Payment.
The government looks at how much money a family makes in a year. If a family makes a certain amount of money, the government might only pay 40% or 60% of the bill. The patient has to pay the rest. Only families who earn less money get 100% of the government rate covered.
The Fee Gap.
Every province has a “Provincial Fee Guide.” This list suggests what dentists should charge. The CDCP often pays less than what the provincial guide suggests. Because dental clinics have to pay for expensive tools, lights, and staff, they might charge the full provincial rate. If the CDCP pays $100 for a cleaning but the clinic charges $120, the patient pays the $20 difference.
Talking to a Dentist Near You
Before sitting in the dental chair, it is smart to ask the receptionist about the CDCP. You can ask, “Do you accept the CDCP rates, or will there be an extra cost?” This helps everyone stay on the same page. Staying healthy is a team effort between the patient, the government, and the dental professional. The government dental plan Canada guide also helps patients understand what is covered and what is not under CDCP.
Visit Royal Vista Dental Today
Royal Vista Dental is a dental clinic that provides comprehensive oral care for patients of all ages. We offer services such as dental exams, teeth cleaning and other dental treatments using modern dental tools. Our dentist carefully examines teeth and helps prevent dental problems early. We aim to keep every visit calm and easy for patients. Book your visit today at Royal Vista Dental for healthy teeth and gums.
FAQ
Can I go to any dentist?
A patient can go to any dentist who has signed up to participate in the CDCP. It is a good idea to call the clinic first to make sure they are part of the program.
Do I still need to show an ID card?
Yes. Once you are accepted into the program, you get a member card from Sun Life. You must bring this card to every appointment so the clinic can send the bill to the government.
How often can I get a cleaning?
The plan has specific rules. Most people can get a cleaning (prophylaxis) once every six months or once a year, depending on what the dentist decides is necessary for their oral health.
Does the plan cover tooth extraction?
Yes. If a tooth is too broken to fix, the plan covers “extractions.” This is the medical word for removing a tooth. They also help pay for some types of dentures if many teeth are missing.