Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal program that covers dental care for Canadian residents who don’t have access to dental insurance. Howe Dental accepts CDCP patients, and we will confirm your coverage before any treatment begins.
CDCP patients welcome
Who qualifies
You can qualify for CDCP if you meet all four conditions:
- You have no access to dental insurance through work, a pension, an association or a private plan
- You and your spouse or partner (if you have one) filed a Canadian tax return for last year
- Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
- You are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
Apply or check your status on Canada.ca.
What CDCP covers
- Preventive and diagnostic: exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, sealants
- Basic treatment: fillings, root canals, gum treatment
- Major dental services: Certain crowns, dentures and oral surgery procedures may be covered, depending on eligibility and CDCP requirements.
- Sedation services: Certain types of sedation may be covered when medically necessary and subject to applicable CDCP conditions and preauthorization requirements.
Certain dental procedures require CDCP preauthorization before treatment. Our team can help determine whether approval is required and assist with the necessary paperwork. Coverage is subject to the plan's eligibility rules, service limitations and approval requirements.
Your co-payment
Under $70,000
100%of CDCP established fees
0%CDCP co-payment (additional patient costs may apply)
$70,000–$79,999
60%
40%
$80,000–$89,999
40%
60%
Even with 100% CDCP coverage, there may still be a portion for patients to pay, depending on the treatment and applicable fees. Our team will gladly review your coverage, explain any additional costs and make sure you know what to expect before treatment begins.
What to expect as a CDCP patient
Bring your CDCP member ID to your first appointment.
Review your dental coverage and help explain any applicable co-payments or additional out-of-pocket costs before treatment.
You get a written plan showing what CDCP pays and what you pay.
We handle preauthorization for services that need it.
BC Income & Disability Assistance Dental Coverage
If you receive income or disability assistance from the Province of British Columbia, you may have dental coverage through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
- Eligible adults receiving BC income or disability assistance may qualify for basic dental benefits, subject to current provincial coverage limits, eligibility requirements and applicable benefit periods. Our team can help review your coverage before treatment.
- Eligible children under 19 may qualify for dental benefits through BC assistance programs. Coverage amounts, eligible treatments and benefit periods depend on current provincial guidelines.
- Emergency dental care to relieve pain is available to anyone on assistance
- Basic services include fillings, extractions, preventive care, and in some cases dentures, crowns and bridges
The ministry pays the dental office directly. Bring your assistance details and we will confirm what is covered. Learn more on gov.bc.ca.
Private Dental Insurance
Most employer and individual dental plans cover part of your preventive, basic and major treatment. Send us your plan details before your visit and we will:
- Help review your plan's available benefits, annual limits and estimated coverage, subject to confirmation by your insurance provider.
- Submit predeterminations for larger treatments such as crowns, implants or orthodontics
- Offer direct billing to participating insurance providers when supported by your plan, helping simplify the payment process.
- Give you an itemized estimate of any balance
No insurance? Ask about payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Howe Dental in downtown Vancouver welcomes CDCP patients. Bring your member ID and we will confirm your coverage and any co-payment before treatment.
Not at this time. Orthodontic services are not currently available under the CDCP.
Patients with an adjusted family net income under $70,000 have no co-payment for covered services at CDCP rates. However, even with 100% CDCP coverage, there may still be a patient portion to pay. Additional costs depend on the treatment and applicable fees. Our team will review your coverage and explain any costs before treatment begins.
Yes. Share your plan details when you book and our team will check what is covered.
Sources (checked Oct 2026):CDCP eligibilityCDCP coverageBC dental supplements
If you are looking for a reliable dentist in Vancouver, our team of dentists is here to help.
Schedule your visit and take the next step toward better oral health.