Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for Vancouver Residents
Aug 21, 2025
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The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now available to eligible Canadians who don’t have private dental insurance. If you’re in Vancouver, this guide explains:
Who qualifies
What the plan covers
How much you may pay
How Aqua Blue Dental supports CDCP patients
Who Is Eligible for CDCP?
To qualify, you must meet all four requirements:
No access to private dental insurance (through employer, student plan, pension, or individual plan)
Filed your tax return last year
Adjusted family net income under $90,000
Be a Canadian resident for tax purposes
Current status: Applications are open. If your coverage ended June 30, 2025 (because you didn’t renew), you can re-apply now.
What’s Covered by CDCP?
The CDCP helps pay for various dental services, including:
Diagnostics & preventive care (exams, x-rays, cleanings, scaling, fluoride)
Basic care (fillings, extractions)
Major services (crowns, bridges, dentures — some require preauthorization)
Prosthodontics (partial/complete dentures, with preauthorization)
Co-Pay Tiers Based on Income
Your portion depends on your adjusted family net income:
<$70,000 → No co-pay (CDCP pays 100% of its fees)
$70–79,999 → 40% co-pay (CDCP pays 60%)
$80–89,999 → 60% co-pay (CDCP pays 40%)
💡 Important: CDCP pays according to its own fee schedule (not BCDA’s). If your dentist’s usual fees are higher, you may owe the difference, even after CDCP’s share.
What’s Not Covered by CDCP?
While CDCP provides extensive coverage, some services are excluded:
Cosmetic treatments: Whitening, veneers, and Invisalign® are not covered.
Most elective services that are not deemed medically necessary.
Future orthodontics: These will be very limited, requiring medical justification and preauthorization.
How Payments Work with CDCP
Dentists bill Sun Life directly under CDCP.
Patients do not pay upfront for covered care.
You only pay:
- Any co-pay (based on income)
- Any fee difference between CDCP’s fee and the BCDA/clinic fee.
Renewal & Timelines for CDCP
Start date: You can only use CDCP after your welcome package arrives with a confirmed start date.
Renewal: You must renew every year. If you missed renewal (coverage ended June 30, 2025), you must apply again.
Aqua Blue Dental & CDCP Support
Here’s how we support CDCP patients at Aqua Blue Dental:
✅ Direct billing: We bill Sun Life, so you only pay your portion.
✅ Transparent estimates: You’ll always know if our fees differ from CDCP’s schedule.
✅ Preauthorization help: We handle paperwork for crowns, prosthodontics, sedation, etc.
✅ Family-friendly focus: Convenient Mount Pleasant/Broadway location with modern tech.
✅ Proven trust: Hundreds of 5-star reviews.
Practical Examples of CDCP Coverage
Routine cleaning, AFNI < $70k → $0 co-pay at CDCP fee; if clinic fee is higher, you only pay the difference.
Crown, AFNI $75k → 40% co-pay + any difference between CDCP’s fee and BCDA’s fee.
How BCDA & CDA View CDCP
BCDA: Reminds patients that the program is not free, dentist participation is voluntary, and co-pays + fee differences may apply.
CDA: Emphasizes that CDCP expands access but highlights preauthorization and fee schedule differences.
Both organizations align with the federal government’s position: CDCP improves access but isn’t a blank cheque.
What to Do Next
Taking the next steps is simple:
Check eligibility → If you meet the 4 requirements, apply online now.
Bring your card → Once you receive your start date.
Choose a participating clinic → Aqua Blue Dental participates and bills directly.
Get a cost estimate → We provide this upfront for every CDCP patient.
Renew annually → Keep your coverage active without lapses.
Why Choose Aqua Blue Dental for Your Dental Care?
Choosing Aqua Blue Dental means you will benefit from:
Transparent billing under CDCP.
No-surprise estimates.
Hands-on help with preauthorizations.
Top-rated trust.
Modern care in a central Vancouver location.
Conclusion: Your Path to Affordable Dental Care
Bottom line: The CDCP makes dental care more affordable, but it’s important to understand that it may not always be free. Aqua Blue Dental is here to help you navigate the fine print, ensuring you receive the care you need without financial surprises.
With our commitment to providing a comprehensive, comfortable dental experience, we aim to be your top choice for dental care in Vancouver. Let us support you on your journey to a healthier smile!
