What the CDCP Covers (And What It Doesn’t) at Our Calgary Dental Clinic

The launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has been exciting, but let’s be honest: it’s also been confusing. Patients are asking great questions like:

• Does the CDCP cover everything?
• What services still come out-of-pocket?
• Can I use the CDCP at Glenmore Park Dental?

The truth is, while the CDCP does provide meaningful coverage for many preventive and basic dental services, it doesn’t cover everything, and in most cases, it doesn’t cover 100%. That’s why our team is here to help Calgary patients understand exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how to plan for their next visit. 

CDCP Coverage — What’s In, What’s Out, and What You’ll Pay

What’s Covered by the CDCP

Here’s what most patients can expect to be covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan:

• Routine exams
• Cleanings (scaling, polishing, fluoride)
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Root canals (limited)
• Denture services (full or partial)

These are considered essential services, and most fall under the preventive or basic care umbrella. However, coverage levels still depend on your income bracket, and that determines your co-payment amount.

What the CDCP Doesn’t Cover

There are several procedures that aren’t covered by the CDCP, including:

• Cosmetic dentistry (e.g., teeth whitening, veneers, Bioclear)
• Orthodontics (e.g., braces or Invisalign®)
• Dental implants
• Crown & bridge work (except in certain medically necessary cases)
• Sedation or nitrous oxide in most cases
• Occlusal guards or night guards

If you're unsure whether a service you need is cosmetic, elective, or medically necessary, our front desk team can check your plan details and help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Co-Payments: What You Might Still Owe

Even if a procedure is covered under the CDCP, you may still be responsible for part of the cost. The plan uses a sliding scale based on income:

• No co-pay: Household income under $70,000
• 40% co-pay: Household income $70,000–$79,999
• 60% co-pay: Household income $80,000–$89,999

For example, if a filling costs $200 and your household income is $75,000, you may be expected to pay $80 (40%) out of pocket.

We’ll always provide a pre-treatment estimate so you know what to expect before you agree to anything.

Helping You Use Your CDCP Benefits Wisely

At Glenmore Park Dental, we’re happy to work with CDCP-approved patients. Our front desk team will help verify your eligibility, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and make sure your treatment plan aligns with what’s covered.  

Whether you’re coming in for a cleaning, filling, or denture care, we’ll guide you through the process and keep things transparent. If you're new to the CDCP or not sure if you're eligible yet, we can help point you in the right direction.

Contact Glenmore Park Dental today to book your visit, ask questions, and get the dental care you deserve, without the guesswork.