Last Updated: September 2026
Quick Answer: The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures for eligible patients, with crowns and partial dentures requiring prior approval from Sun Life. Braces and dental implants are not currently covered. Your share of the cost — 0%, 40%, or 60% of Health Canada’s set “established fee” — depends on your adjusted family net income; households earning under $70,000 pay nothing beyond the established fee for most basic services.
If you’re covered by CDCP, here’s what that actually pays for: exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, and most extractions in full or in part, dentures outright, crowns and partial dentures with prior approval, and — as of 2026 — nothing toward braces or dental implants.
How CDCP Coverage Works
CDCP isn’t like a typical dental insurance plan you might have through an employer. For every covered procedure, Health Canada sets an “established fee” — a fixed amount CDCP contributes, no matter what an individual dentist in Guelph or anywhere else in Canada charges. Your co-payment tier decides what share of that established fee CDCP picks up, and anything a dentist bills above it comes out of your pocket regardless of income.
Some treatments also need preauthorization. That means your dentist sends your treatment plan, and sometimes x-rays, to Sun Life for approval before starting work. Crowns, partial dentures, and deep sedation or general anesthesia all require this step. It can take a little longer, but it means you know your coverage before treatment begins, not after.
Applications for the 2026–2027 CDCP benefit year are open now. Every dentist in Ontario, including our team at Dentistry on Guelph, is licensed and regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), and Dr. Reza Shahhaidari is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) — so whether or not a service is CDCP-eligible, you’re being treated to the same provincial standard of care either way.
Coverage by Treatment
Exams, X-Rays and Cleanings — Covered in full for most patients. This is CDCP’s broadest category, including complete, routine, and emergency dental exams, x-rays, scaling (cleaning), fluoride treatments, and sealants for children. Most Guelph patients can book these appointments without any special approval process.
Fillings — Covered. Permanent and temporary fillings are included, along with pain control for a diseased or infected tooth, under CDCP’s basic restorative category. This is one of the most commonly used benefits for adult patients.
Root Canals — Covered, no preauthorization required. Root canal treatment and pulpectomies fall under basic endodontic services, alongside other procedures used to relieve pain or reduce infection in an affected tooth. This makes root canals one of the more straightforward major treatments to schedule under CDCP.
Gum Treatment (Periodontal Care) — Covered for non-surgical treatment. CDCP pays for cleaning below the gumline and treatment of gum abscesses, which is typically sufficient for early-to-moderate gum disease. More advanced surgical periodontal treatment falls outside the current CDCP fee schedule.
Crowns — Covered, but only with preauthorization. Crowns and the cores that support them are classified as major restorative services. Our team submits the case to Sun Life for approval before any preparation work begins, so patients know their coverage ahead of the appointment.
Dentures — Covered. Complete dentures, along with repairs, relines, and rebases, are covered outright with no approval step. Partial dentures are covered too, but like crowns, they require preauthorization first.
Extractions and Wisdom Teeth — Covered. Oral surgery benefits include removal of teeth and roots — including most wisdom teeth extractions — plus surgical removal of tumours or cysts. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are included; deep sedation or general anesthesia require preauthorization based on medical necessity.
Braces (Orthodontics) — Not covered. Health Canada has stated plainly that orthodontic services are not currently available under CDCP. Patients in Guelph considering braces or clear aligners will need to budget separately or use a private payment plan through our office.
Dental Implants — Not currently covered. Implants are not listed among CDCP’s published covered categories, which means dentures and bridges remain the CDCP-supported options for replacing missing teeth. Coverage can change between benefit years, so confirm current status with our team or Sun Life before committing to an implant plan.
Children’s Dental Care — Covered under the same categories as adults. In practice, that means exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings are the CDCP benefits Guelph families use most for kids.
CDCP Co-Payment Tiers
| Adjusted Family Net Income | Your Co-Payment | CDCP Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Under $70,000 | 0% | 100% of the established fee |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 40% | 60% of the established fee |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 60% | 40% of the established fee |
| $90,000 or more | Not eligible for CDCP | — |
Two details matter here. Your co-payment applies to CDCP’s established fee, not to whatever a dentist actually charges — and if that charge is higher than the established fee, which is common, you owe the difference no matter your income tier. Health Canada’s own example illustrates this clearly: for a routine cleaning with a $134 established fee, a patient in the 0% tier billed $145 by their provider still owes the $11 gap, even though CDCP covers the rest of that service completely.
What CDCP Doesn’t Cover
Beyond braces and implants, a few other services sit outside CDCP entirely: cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding; any amount a dentist charges above the established fee; services performed without required preauthorization; and elective procedures with no functional or medically necessary basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CDCP cover crowns?
Yes, but crowns need preauthorization from Sun Life before treatment starts. Once approved, CDCP contributes its established fee toward the crown and supporting core, and you cover your co-payment plus anything charged above that fee.
Does CDCP cover dentures?
Yes. Complete dentures, repairs, relines, and rebases are covered outright. Partial dentures are covered too, but require the same preauthorization step as crowns.
Does CDCP cover braces?
No. Health Canada confirms orthodontic services, including braces and clear aligners, are not currently available under CDCP, so this treatment must be paid for privately.
Does CDCP cover root canals?
Yes. Root canal treatment and pulpectomies are covered as basic endodontic services, without the preauthorization step required for crowns or partial dentures.
Does CDCP cover dental implants?
Not currently. Implants aren’t part of CDCP’s published covered-services list, so dentures remain the plan’s supported option for tooth replacement. This can change between benefit years, so it’s worth confirming before you plan around it.
Does CDCP cover children’s dental care?
Yes. Kids enrolled in CDCP are covered under the same categories as adults, with exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and fillings being the services Guelph families rely on most.
Conclusion
If you’re enrolled in CDCP, start with a covered exam and cleaning — for most income tiers it costs you nothing beyond the established fee, and it gives our team the chance to flag anything that needs preauthorization, like a crown or root canal, well before it becomes urgent. Book online or call our Guelph office, and we’ll confirm your specific coverage, co-payment tier, and any approval steps before your appointment.
Book Your Appointment Online or call (226) 541-5050.
As a registered CDCP provider, Dentistry on Guelph offers a free first appointment for eligible patients, evening hours Monday to Friday until 7:00 PM, Saturday hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, walk-in and same-day emergency appointments, and direct electronic billing to most major insurers.
About the Author — Dr. Reza Shahhaidari, DDS, Lead Dentist at Dentistry on Guelph. A dedicated member of the Ontario Dental Association with over 25 years of global dental experience. Known for his calm, patient-first approach — combining clinical efficiency with a gentle touch for a stress-free experience.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dentistryonguelph/ | Facebook: https://facebook.com/DentistryonGuelph | https://dentistryonguelph.com/about-us/
Produced by: CiCon Marketing in collaboration with Dentistry on Guelph.
This article is intended strictly for general informational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for professional dental advice or diagnosis. It is imperative that you consult with your qualified dentist or dental healthcare provider to obtain precise cost estimates, discuss your specific treatment options, and receive personalised care tailored to your individual needs and oral health condition.
Coverage details may vary. Contact your dental office or visit Canada.ca/dental for the most current information.
