Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) at Shen Dental in Vancouver

At Shen Dental, we believe that high-quality dental care should be accessible to everyone in our community. We are pleased to announce that our Vancouver dental office officially accepts patients covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

This federal government program is designed to help lower financial barriers to oral healthcare for eligible Canadian residents. Our team is fully set up to process CDCP claims directly, helping you receive the essential dental treatments you need to maintain a healthy smile.

A metal dental mouth mirror resting on top of a printed teeth diagram chart, representing diagnostic oral examinations and check-ups.

Important Information Regarding Your CDCP Coverage

While we are incredibly proud to support this public program, it is highly important for patients to understand that the CDCP does not provide unlimited dental coverage. The plan has strict government-mandated limitations regarding what is covered, how much is paid, and how often you can receive care.

Before scheduling your treatment, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Limited Covered Procedures: The CDCP focuses primarily on basic, essential dental care (such as cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and extractions). More complex treatments or cosmetic procedures may not be covered under the plan at all, or may require a strict government pre-authorization process.

  • Frequency Restrictions: The government restricts how often you can receive certain treatments. For example, there are strict limits on how many scaling units (cleaning time) or examinations a patient can receive within a calendar year.

  • Potential Out-of-Pocket Co-Payments: Depending on your adjusted family net income, the government may only cover a percentage of your care (ranging from 40% to 100%). Additionally, because the CDCP pays according to its own specific government fee guide rather than the standard provincial dental fee guide, there may be a small remaining balance (co-payment) that you will need to pay at the office.

We highly recommend reviewing your official CDCP coverage letter or speaking with our administrative team before your appointment so there are absolutely no surprises.

What to Expect at Your CDCP Visit

  • Eligibility Verification: When booking your appointment, please provide our reception team with your CDCP member card or your government-issued client number so we can verify your coverage in our system.

  • Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Fisher will perform a thorough assessment of your oral health to determine your immediate dental needs.

  • Transparent Treatment Planning: If you require dental work, we will map out a clear treatment plan. We will explicitly highlight what is covered by the CDCP, what requires government pre-approval, and any estimated out-of-pocket costs before any work begins.

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) FAQs

Does the CDCP cover 100% of my dental bills?

Not necessarily. The government determines your coverage percentage (100%, 60%, or 40%) based on your household income. Furthermore, patients are responsible for any difference between the CDCP’s set government fee guide and standard dental clinic fees.

Can I get crowns, bridges, or veneers under the CDCP?

Cosmetic treatments like porcelain veneers are completely excluded from the plan. Major restorative work like crowns or bridges are highly restricted, require severe clinical necessity, and must go through a strict government pre-authorization process before approval.

How do I know if I am eligible for the government program?

The CDCP is managed entirely by the Government of Canada. Eligibility is based on income, residency, tax-filing status, and a lack of access to private dental insurance. You must apply directly through Health Canada.

Schedule Your CDCP Appointment

If you are an approved CDCP cardholder, our team is ready to help you navigate your benefits and maximize your oral health. Contact Shen Dental today to book your next dental examination or cleaning under the program.

Payment Information

For any portions of your treatment not covered by the CDCP (co-payments or non-eligible procedures), we accept cash, Interac, and major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard). Payment for non-covered balances is due at the time of service.