Making Dental Care Accessible in Milton
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and Your Milton Dentist
What services are covered?
The CDCP covers routine care and more complex procedures. Services are divided into categories, some of which require pre‑authorization. Here is an overview of what the plan may cover:
- Diagnostic and Preventive Services: Dental exams, complete and specific exams, routine and emergency X‑rays, cleanings (scaling and polishing), fluoride treatments and sealants. These services help maintain healthy teeth and gums and detect problems early.
- Basic Services: Restorative treatments such as permanent and temporary fillings and other cavity treatments; endodontic treatments like root canals and pulpectomies; and periodontal care like cleaning under the gumline, treating abscesses and other gum‑disease management.
- Major Services: Crowns, posts and core restorations (with pre‑authorization) and removable prosthodontic services such as complete or partial dentures and denture repairs.
- Oral Surgery: Removal of teeth and roots, surgical treatment of tumours and cysts, incisions and drainage of infections and jaw‑fracture management.
- Anesthesia and Sedation: Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, conscious sedation and general anesthesia. Deep sedation and general anesthesia require pre‑authorization.
- Orthodontic Services (coming soon): A limited selection of orthodontic treatments will be added based on strict medical‑need criteria sometime in 2025.
Not every service is automatically covered. Some procedures need pre‑authorization, and there are frequency limits—for example, a filling may only be replaced every 24 months. Ask our team to verify coverage before proceeding.
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
The Government of Canada lists four requirements to join the CDCP. You must meet all of them:
- No access to dental insurance: You cannot have coverage through an employer, pension plan, professional association or a privately purchased plan. Choosing to opt out of available insurance still counts as having access.
- Adjusted family net income below $90,000: Calculate this by taking your family net income (line 23600 of your tax return plus your spouse’s if applicable) and subtracting universal child care benefits and registered disability savings plan income, then adding any amounts repaid.
- Canadian resident for tax purposes: You must be considered a resident for tax purposes.
- Tax return filed for the previous year: Both you and your spouse or common‑law partner (if applicable) must have filed your tax returns so that your income can be assessed.
If you have coverage through a government social program (such as provincial or territorial assistance), your benefits will be coordinated to avoid duplication. Providing false information during enrollment can lead to removal from the plan and repayment of claims, so honesty is essential.
How much does the plan pay?
Coverage is based on your adjusted family net income. The Government of Canada’s grid determines what percentage of the approved fee is paid. The CDCP reimburses oral health providers directly, but you may still owe a co‑payment or additional charges depending on your income or service choice. The government lists three co‑payment levels
| Adjusted family net income | CDCP pays | You pay |
|---|---|---|
|
Adjusted family net income CDCP pays You pay
Less than $70,000 |
100 % of the CDCP fee |
0 % of the CDCP fee (additional charges may apply) |
|
$70,000 – $79,999 |
60 % of the CDCP fee |
40 % of the CDCP fee |
|
$80,000 – $89,999 |
40 % of the CDCP fee |
60 % of the CDCP fee |
Even if the CDCP pays the maximum percentage, you might owe extra if a procedure costs more than the plan’s fee schedule or if you choose a service that isn’t covered. Before any treatment begins, ask for an estimate so you know what costs to expect. Our Milton dental team will provide clear information and help you make informed decisions.
How to apply
Applications for the current benefit year are open to all eligible Canadians. The Government of Canada expects applicants to provide:
Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant (if available for children)
Date of birth, full name and home and mailing addresses
Details of dental coverage through government programs (if any)
Confirmation that you and your spouse/common‑law partner have filed your tax returns and received your Notice of Assessment
The simplest way to apply is online through the My Service Canada Account (MSCA); once logged in, select “Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan” and follow the instructions. If you cannot use MSCA, you can apply through Service Canada’s website or call 1‑833‑537‑4342. Applications for the next benefit year (2026–2027) open on June 2, 2026.
After your application is processed, you will receive a letter confirming eligibility, member ID, coverage start date and co‑payment level. Bring this letter to your first dental appointment and ensure your appointment date is on or after the coverage start date so your services are covered.
Renewing your coverage
The CDCP runs on a benefit year that starts July 1 and ends June 30. You must renew your coverage every year by June 1; otherwise your benefits will expire and there will be a gap in coverage. Renew online, by phone, in person or by mail as soon as you receive your Notice of Assessment. Our office can answer questions about renewal and help you understand the timelines.
Why choose our Milton dental clinic?
Local expertise and comprehensive care
Our dental team in Milton welcomes all CDCP members. We offer a full spectrum of treatments – from preventive checkups and cleanings to fillings, root canals, dentures, crowns and oral surgery. Our providers are licensed and in good standing; we will help you access sedation or anesthesia services when needed, following CDCP guidelines. Our clinic also keeps up with updates to the plan, including future orthodontic coverage.
Help with paperwork and claims
Navigating government programs can be confusing, but our team is here to assist. We will verify your eligibility, explain your coverage and any potential co‑payments, and submit claims to Sun Life (the CDCP’s plan administrator) on your behalf. If pre‑authorization is required, we’ll help you gather the necessary information.
Convenient location and flexible scheduling
Situated in the heart of Milton, our clinic is easily accessible by car or public transit. We offer extended hours to accommodate working families and students. You can request appointments online or by calling our reception. We recommend scheduling your visit soon after receiving your CDCP approval letter to ensure your coverage is active.
Community focus
We are proud to serve the Milton community. By participating in the CDCP, we aim to reduce oral health disparities and improve overall well‑being. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where patients of all ages feel comfortable.
FAQ
You can book an appointment once you have received your CDCP approval letter and your coverage start date has arrived. Arranging treatment before your start date means the services will not be covered.
Some services require pre‑authorization or have frequency limits. If a procedure exceeds the CDCP fee schedule or is not covered, you will be responsible for the difference. We provide transparent estimates so you can make informed decisions.
Yes. The benefit year runs from July 1 to June 30. Renew by June 1 each year to avoid coverage gaps.
You may still be eligible, but your benefits will be coordinated to avoid duplication. Our administrative team can check your coverage details.
Orthodontic services are expected to be added in 2025 for cases meeting strict criteria. Check with us for updates.
The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) was an interim measure launched in December 2022 to provide direct payments to parents of uninsured children under 12. Families earning less than $90,000 per year could receive tax‑free payments of $260, $390 or $650 per child to help pay for dental care. This program ended June 30, 2024. Unlike the CDB, the CDCP is a comprehensive public dental plan. Instead of direct payments to families, the CDCP reimburses dental providers directly and covers a broader range of services for eligible Canadians.
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