Ask five people in Kitchener what the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers and you might get five different answers. Some of that confusion is understandable. The program arrived in phases, the rules were adjusted along the way, and an earlier benefit for children used similar language. At Fairway Dental we hear a handful of misunderstandings over and over, so we’ve collected the common ones here and put the facts beside them. We’ll keep it general, because the government sets the details and they do change. The official word on eligibility and coverage is always on canada.ca.
Already enrolled and looking for a CDCP dentist in Kitchener? Our Canadian Dental Care Plan page explains how we bill the plan, what it helps pay for and what to bring to your visit.
First, a quick picture of the plan
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, usually shortened to CDCP, is a federal program. It helps cover the cost of dental care for people living in Canada who can’t get dental insurance elsewhere and whose family income is below a limit the government sets. There’s no premium. You apply through the government, and if you’re approved you receive a letter with your member details and the date your coverage begins.
That’s the core of it. Most of the confusion is in the details, so let’s go through them.
Myth: the CDCP sends you a cheque for each child
The fact: that description belongs to the interim Canada Dental Benefit, a temporary program that gave tax free payments to some parents of young children while the full plan was being built. The interim benefit has ended. The CDCP works differently. Instead of paying you money up front, it pays toward dental services after they’re provided, through a claims system, a bit like a regular insurance plan.
If you’ve found an article that talks about payment amounts per child and application periods with set dates, check when it was written. There’s a good chance it describes the older benefit.
Myth: it’s only for seniors
The fact: seniors were the first group invited to apply, which is why so many people associate the plan with them. It was designed to open up to other age groups over time, including children and working age adults who meet the criteria. Where things stand right now for each age group is listed on canada.ca. Each person in a household has to qualify and be enrolled on their own.
Myth: if I’m approved, everything is free
The fact: for some people there’s nothing to pay for covered services, but not for everyone. A few things can affect what comes out of your pocket:
- Co payments. Depending on your family income, the plan may pay a percentage of the set fee and you pay the remainder.
- Fee differences. The plan pays its own fixed amounts for each service. If an office’s regular fee is higher, there can be a balance.
- Services outside the plan. Cosmetic work, and anything the plan doesn’t list, isn’t covered.
- Frequency limits. Some services are covered only a certain number of times in a period.
None of this is meant to scare anyone off. It just means it’s worth asking what a visit will cost before treatment, which is good advice with any plan.
Myth: every dental office takes the plan the same way
The fact: taking part is a choice each dental provider makes, and offices can handle billing in different ways. Some send claims to the plan directly, others may ask you to submit them. The most reliable way to find out how it would work for you at Fairway Dental is to call us and ask. Our front desk can explain how we handle CDCP patients and what to bring.
Myth: I can book treatment the day my application goes in
The fact: coverage starts on a specific date, which comes after you’re approved and enrolled. Your welcome letter tells you what that date is. Treatment before it isn’t covered. If you’re dealing with a sore tooth while you wait, call us anyway. We’d rather see you and talk about options than have you put off something that’s getting worse.
Myth: once I’m in, I’m in for good
The fact: eligibility is reviewed regularly, and it relies on your tax return. If you or your spouse or partner don’t file, the plan can’t confirm your income and your coverage could lapse. Changes in your situation matter too. Getting a job with dental benefits, or being added to a spouse’s plan, would normally change your eligibility.
Simple habits help:
- File your taxes every year, even if your income is low or zero.
- Keep your mailing address current with the government.
- Read any letters about the plan when they arrive, rather than putting them in a drawer.
- Tell our office if your coverage or insurance changes.
Myth: the plan covers anything a dentist recommends
The fact: the CDCP focuses on care that keeps your mouth healthy. That broadly includes things like exams, cleanings, X rays, fillings, gum treatment, root canal treatment, extractions and dentures. Some treatments need approval from the plan before they’re done. Cosmetic procedures such as whitening generally aren’t included.
When we put together a treatment plan for a CDCP patient, we’ll explain what we think you need and why. If something needs approval first, we’ll tell you so you know there may be a short wait before booking.
Myth: having some coverage means I can’t use the CDCP for anything
The fact: this one depends on what kind of coverage you have, and it’s exactly the sort of question canada.ca answers better than we can. The plan is meant for people who don’t have access to dental insurance, and the government defines what counts as access. A health spending account, coverage you could get through work but declined, or a plan that ended last year can all be treated differently. Don’t guess. Read the definitions, and if you’re still unsure, contact the government through the options listed there.
What we can tell you is that our front desk deals with all sorts of insurance situations every week. If you’re covered by the CDCP and also have another plan, let us know at booking so we can sort out which one should be billed and in what order.
What families in Kitchener can do now
If you think the plan might apply to you or your kids, here’s a practical way to approach it:
- Read the eligibility section on canada.ca and use the application information there
- Gather your social insurance number and recent tax details before applying
- Once approved, note your coverage start date somewhere you’ll see it
- Call Fairway Dental to ask how we work with the plan and to book a checkup
For children, early checkups are worth a lot. Small cavities in baby teeth can be treated simply when they’re caught early, and a relaxed first visit helps kids feel comfortable in the chair for years to come.
A few quick questions
Does the plan cover adults who are working?
It can, if they meet the criteria, including not having access to dental insurance. Check canada.ca for the current rules for your age group.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your CDCP member information or welcome letter, photo ID and a list of any medications you take. If you have other insurance as well, bring those details too.
Who do I contact about a problem with my application?
The government handles applications, so contact them through the options listed on canada.ca. We can help with questions about your visits and treatment here.
Talk to Fairway Dental in Kitchener
The Canadian Dental Care Plan has made dental care more reachable for a lot of people, and it’s worth taking the time to understand how it works for you. Confirm the details on canada.ca, then give us a call. We can let you know how our office works with the plan, answer questions about a first visit and find a time that suits you. Reach Fairway Dental at 519-893-9494, or visit us at 385 Fairway Road South, Unit 203, in Kitchener.
For details on using your coverage with us, see our Canadian Dental Care Plan in Kitchener page or call us at 519-893-9494.