Canadian Dental Care Plan

Canadian Dental Care Plan for Saskatoon Families

This federal benefit program helps residents access essential dental care if they do not have private dental insurance and their adjusted family net income is under CAD 90,000.

The CDCP program covers services from exams to dentures and helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Before applying for CDCP, you should learn about eligibility, coverage, application, and how a dental clinic in Saskatoon can assist patients in accessing the benefits of this Canadian dental program.

Eligibility Requirements for the Canadian Dental Care Plan

To qualify for CDCP, Canadians must satisfy all four requirements:

No access to dental insurance for seniors or other private dental coverage

Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes

Have filed a recent tax return

Have an adjusted family net income under CAD 90,000

The program launched for seniors in late 2023. By May 2025, all uninsured adults were eligible, with coverage starting as soon as June 1, 2025.

Income-Based Coverage for CDCP

Here’s how the CDCP for seniors works based on income:

Responsive Table

Adjusted Family Net Income	Government Covers	Your Co-Payment	Extra Balance Billing
Under CAD 70,000	100% of the fee schedule	0%	Any amount above the CDCP fee guide
CAD 70,000–79,999	60% of the fee schedule	40%	Any excess fee above the CDCP rates
CAD 80,000–89,999	40% of the fee schedule	60%	Any excess fee above the CDCP rates

Example: For a scaling procedure with a CDCP fee of CAD 134, if the dentist in Saskatoon charges CAD 145:

Under CAD 70K → you pay $11

CAD 70K–79,999 → you pay $64.60 (40% co-payment + $11 balance)

This helps seniors plan for any possible out-of-pocket costs, especially when providers charge more than CDCP rates.

What Services Are Covered Under the Canada Dental Program

CDCP covers a wide range of treatments when clinically necessary:

Examinations, cleanings, X‑rays, fluoride, sealants

Fillings, extractions, root canals

Periodontal treatments and wound care

Crowns, dentures, and implants (preauthorization often required)

Oral surgery and sedation/anesthesia

It also covers a limited orthodontic care for medical necessity (starting mid‑2025)

Effective since Nov 1, 2024, complex services must be preauthorized through Sun Life Financial.

How to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Steps to apply:

Confirm eligibility using the four criteria above.

Apply online through your MSCA account or by using your phone MSCA (1‑833‑537‑4342) or by mail.

Provide your SIN, address, income proof, and tax return, and confirm lack of private insurance.

Once approved, you’ll receive a welcome letter with your start date and member ID.

Once you receive the mail and the date, visit a dentist in Saskatoon that is registered with the CDCP program; they will bill Sun Life directly.

This helps seniors plan for any possible out-of-pocket costs, especially when providers charge more than CDCP rates.

Tips for Seniors Using CDCP

Seniors with income under CAD 70,000 often qualify for full coverage (0% co‑payment)

Schedule routine cleanings and exams twice yearly; these typically do not need preauthorization.

Ask the clinic to submit preauthorization for major treatments ahead of time.

Confirm whether the clinic charges above the CDCP fee guide to avoid surprises.

We recommend that you renew your CDCP eligibility to access uninterrupted coverage.

Services Offered With CDCP Coverage:

Dental Exams

Root Canals

Dental Crowns

Dentures

Sedation Dentistry

Oral Surgery

Emergency CareOral Surgery

How Canada Building Dental Group Helps

Located in downtown Saskatoon, our dental clinic, Canada Building Dental Group, a recognized CDCP provider in Saskatoon, supports patient access to CDCP by:

Directly billing Sun Life, so you don’t handle insurance claims

Verifying eligibility before booking appointments

Submitting preauthorization requests for crowns, dentures, and sedation

Offering clear estimates of your share based on income and fee differences

We believe dental care should not feel stressful, which is why we simplify the process to access the Canadian Dental Care Plan in Saskatoon by guiding seniors and uninsured patients by checking their eligibility, billing, preauthorization, and high-quality treatment in a modern, welcoming environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for Canada’s dental benefit?

Adjusted family net income must be below CAD 90,000.

Is there a government dental plan for seniors in Canada?

Yes, the program includes seniors over 65, with a possible 0% co‑payment if income is under CAD 70,000.

What dental services are covered under the CDCP?

CDCP-covered services include preventive, restorative (like root canals), periodontal, crowns, dentures, oral surgery, and sedation; some services may require preauthorization.

Is orthodontic treatment covered?

Not yet; only limited orthodontic care for medical necessity is set to begin by mid‑2025.

Does CDCP cover root canals?

Yes, root canal therapy and retreatments are included; retreatments may require preauthorization.

Can I use CDCP if I already have private dental insurance?

No, CDCP is only for those without access to private dental insurance, even if it’s unused.