The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now fully available, giving millions of Canadians access to the preventive and restorative treatment they need. St. Andrew’s Dental Centre is proud to welcome new and existing patients in Aurora who qualify for this landmark program. Below you will find clear answers to common questions about eligibility, coverage, and what to expect when you book your CDCP visit with our team.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a federally funded benefit that helps cover a wide range of dental services. It was created to reduce financial barriers for families without private insurance whose adjusted family net income is under $90,000. The plan pays all or part of the cost for exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, dentures, crowns, and more.
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
You must meet all four federal criteria to enrol:
- No access to private or employer-sponsored dental insurance
- Canadian residency for tax purposes
- Filed a tax return for the most recent year (spouse or partner must have filed as well, if applicable)
- Adjusted family net income below $90,000
If your household income is under $70,000, the plan covers eligible services at 100 percent of the CDCP fee grid. Households between $70,000 and $79,999 pay a 40 percent co-pay; those between $80,000 and $89,999 pay a 60 percent co-pay.
What treatments are covered?
The program groups services into four main categories:
| Category | Examples of Procedures |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic & Preventive | Exams, bite-wing and panoramic X-rays, fluoride, sealants, scaling |
| Basic Restorative | Permanent or temporary fillings, pain control for cavities |
| Endodontic & Periodontal | Root canals, cleaning under the gumline, abscess treatment |
| Major & Surgical | Crown repairs, denture services, extractions, minor oral surgery |
Orthodontic coverage will be added later in 2025 for cases of medical need. Some higher-cost items such as crowns and partial dentures require preauthorization before treatment begins.
How does billing work at St. Andrew’s Dental Centre?
Provider participation in the CDCP is voluntary. Our clinic has chosen to sign the Sun Life billing agreement, which means:
- No up-front payment for covered services. We send the claim directly to the insurance company on your behalf Government of Canada.
- Transparent estimates. Before treatment we review the CDCP fee grid, any co-pay based on your income, and any cost difference if our usual fee exceeds the grid amount.
- Coordination with other public programs. If you also receive coverage through Ontario Seniors Dental Care, Healthy Smiles, or NIHB, we will submit claims in the correct order to minimize out-of-pocket expense Government of Canada.
Preparing for your first CDCP appointment
- Confirm your approval letter: Bring the Sun Life plan number and your CDCP client ID.
- Bring recent dental records if you have moved from another office. They help avoid duplicate X-rays.
- Update medical history: Certain conditions affect treatment choices and preauthorization.
- Ask about co-pays: We will give you a written estimate so there are no surprises at checkout.
Why choose St. Andrew’s Dental Centre for CDCP care?
- Comprehensive services under one roof – From routine cleanings to crowns and dentures, most CDCP-covered items can be completed in-house, which saves time and travel.
- Modern technology – Digital X-rays, intra-oral cameras, same-day crowns, and soft-tissue lasers deliver faster, gentler appointments.
- Flexible scheduling – Early morning, evening, and same-day emergency slots make it easy to fit oral health into busy lives.
- Multilingual team – English and Spanish are spoken fluently. Clear communication helps every patient understand their coverage and treatment plan.
- Community commitment – Our office has served Aurora families for more than twenty years and supports local outreach events that promote oral health for all ages.
Frequently asked questions from CDCP patients
Will the CDCP cover the full cost of my visit?
If your adjusted family net income is under $70,000 and the treatment is on the CDCP grid, the plan pays 100 percent of the grid fee. Higher income brackets require a co-pay. Additional charges apply when you choose services the plan does not cover or when a provider’s usual fee is higher than the grid amount.
Can I still come if my current dentist does not participate?
Yes. You are free to visit any clinic willing to accept CDCP billing. Simply call us, provide your client ID, and we will handle the rest.
Do I need a preauthorization?
Routine exams, X-rays, cleanings, and simple fillings are automatically covered. Crowns, partial dentures, and certain periodontal treatments need Sun Life approval first. We submit requests electronically and discuss timing before booking.
How often can I book cleanings?
The CDCP follows frequency limits similar to other plans. Adults are generally covered for scaling every nine months, though medical need can allow earlier care. We will check your eligibility before each hygiene visit.
What if I gain private insurance later?
If you become eligible for an employer or student plan, you must inform Sun Life. CDCP coverage will end, but you can continue care with us under your new insurer.
Steps to book your CDCP visit in Aurora
- Apply and receive approval on the Government of Canada website.
- Call St. Andrew’s Dental Centre at 905-727-4243 and tell us you are a CDCP client.
- Email or bring your approval details so we can verify eligibility and prepare any required preauthorization.
- Attend your assessment where we create a personalized treatment plan that maximizes CDCP benefits.
- Schedule follow-up visits for any restorative or preventive care, confident that billing will be handled directly with Sun Life.
Ready to get started?
Dental health is essential to overall wellness, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan makes it easier than ever to keep your smile strong. If you live in Aurora and qualify for the CDCP, St. Andrew’s Dental Centre is ready to provide the respectful, high-quality care you deserve.
Call us today at 905-727-4243 or visit 2 Orchard Heights Blvd #33 to book your CDCP appointment. Let our experienced team guide you smoothly through the process so you can enjoy worry-free dental care and a healthier, brighter smile.