Does CDCP Cover Teeth Cleaning?
The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is changing how many people can access essential oral health services. If you’re one of the many Canadians who qualify, you may have questions about what is included.
Yes, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers teeth cleanings and other preventive services for eligible Canadians. This coverage is designed to help you maintain your oral health and prevent more complex issues.
What to Know About the Canadian Dental Care Plan
The CDCP is a federal government program created to help ease financial barriers to oral health care. It is specifically for Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental insurance. The plan’s goal is to help people get the care they need.
Eligibility for the CDCP is based on a few factors, including your household income and whether you have filed a tax return. The program is rolling out in phases to different age groups. Once enrolled, you can access a range of dental services from participating providers, with coverage depending partially on your income.
Your Dental Clean & Exam Explained
Before exploring coverage, it helps to understand what happens during a typical dental visit. These appointments, often called recall exams or checkups, are more than just a polish. They are a key part of your long-term oral health strategy.
The Professional Teeth Cleaning
Your appointment usually starts with a dental hygienist. They carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth—something that brushing alone cannot do. This process helps reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
The Dental Recall Exam
After your teeth are clean, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination. This part of the visit is about checking the overall health of your mouth. It can involve several steps.
- A visual check of each tooth for signs of decay
- An inspection of your gums for any health issues
- A screening for oral cancer
- A review of X-rays to see what is happening below the surface
CDCP Coverage for Preventive Care
Preventive care is a cornerstone of the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The program focuses on services that help you maintain a healthy mouth and avoid future problems. This includes the cleanings and exams that make up your routine checkups.
The CDCP covers cleanings based on your oral health needs. For many people, this can mean one or two cleanings a year. Your dentist can help you understand the frequency that is right for you and is covered by the plan.
Regular checkups are important for your health. Using your CDCP benefits for these visits can help you:
- Detect problems before they become serious
- Prevent the need for more costly procedures in the future
- Support your overall health and well-being
What the CDCP Covers & What It Does Not
The CDCP extends beyond just cleanings and exams. The plan is designed to help with many common dental procedures. It helps make restorative treatments more accessible.
Some of the other services the CDCP may help cover include:
- Fillings to treat cavities
- Root canal treatments
- Crowns to protect damaged teeth
- Dentures
- Tooth extractions
It’s also important to know what the plan does not include. Services that are purely for cosmetic purposes, like teeth whitening, are not covered. Orthodontic treatments such as braces are also generally not included in the plan.
How to Use Your CDCP Benefits in Calgary
Once you’re enrolled in the CDCP, using your benefits is a straightforward process. The first step is to confirm that your dental office is a participating provider.
When you book your appointment, let our office know that you are covered by the plan. We can then manage the claims process for you.
The CDCP may also involve a co-payment. A co-payment is the percentage of the cost that you are responsible for paying. This amount depends on your adjusted family net income, and the plan covers the rest.
At Vitality Oral Health, we believe in compassionate care and are committed to helping our community access the services they need. We are a participating provider with the CDCP and are ready to answer your questions. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.