Are you wondering what the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers in 2026? As the program expands to include more eligible Canadians, understanding your benefits is crucial to maximizing your oral health without unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

At Canary Dental in Surrey, we frequently help patients navigate the complexities of government dental programs. In this guide, we will break down what you need to know about the CDCP in 2026.

What is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program designed to reduce financial barriers to oral healthcare for uninsured Canadians with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.

What Services Are Covered in 2026?

The CDCP focuses primarily on preventative and restorative dentistry. While it doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, it does cover many essential services necessary to maintain a healthy mouth.

Typically, the CDCP may cover a portion or all of the following services (subject to specific frequency limitations and pre-authorization):

• Preventative Services: Routine examinations (check-ups), professional dental cleanings (scaling and polishing), and preventative fluoride treatments.
• Diagnostic Services: Digital X-rays required to detect cavities and monitor bone health.
• Restorative Services: Basic fillings to treat cavities and repair minor tooth decay.
• Oral Surgery: Standard tooth extractions (including basic wisdom tooth removal).
• Endodontics: Root canal treatments for infected teeth (often requires pre-authorization).
• Periodontics: Deep scaling and root planing for gum disease.

Note: Complex treatments like crowns or partial dentures have strict criteria and almost always require pre-authorization from Sun Life.

Understanding Co-Payments

It is a common misconception that the CDCP is “100% free” for everyone. The CDCP operates on a co-payment structure based on your adjusted family net income:

1. Under $70,000: The CDCP covers 100% of the eligible CDCP fees. (Note: Clinic fees may differ slightly from the CDCP fee guide, resulting in a small balance).
2. $70,000 to $79,999: The CDCP covers 60% of eligible fees. The patient is responsible for a 40% co-payment.
3. $80,000 to $89,999: The CDCP covers 40% of eligible fees. The patient is responsible for a 60% co-payment.

How to Book Your CDCP Appointment

If you have received your welcome package and member card from Sun Life, you are ready to book! At Canary Dental, we are a proud CDCP provider in Surrey.

1. Bring your card: Bring your Sun Life CDCP member card and a valid piece of ID.
2. Verify Coverage: Our front desk team will submit a quick pre-determination to verify your exact coverage and co-payment before any treatment begins.
3. Get Treated: Relax and receive the high-quality care you deserve!

Need help understanding your coverage? Visit our dedicated CDCP Dentist Surrey page or contact us via LINE for assistance.

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Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Coverage details are based on current government information and may be subject to change. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition.