Unlocking the Benefits of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) with Saberton

CDCP Update: Navigating the Delays & How Saberton Supports You

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) represents a landmark initiative in expanding access to essential dental services for up to 9 million Canadians . However, with increased enrollment, many patients face delays and uncertainty when navigating the program. At Saberton, we specialize in guiding patients through the CDCP process—ensuring faster approvals, seamless paperwork, and high-quality dental care.

This guide provides key insights into the CDCP, including eligibility, covered services, common challenges, and how Saberton supports you in getting the care you need without unnecessary stress or confusion.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

The CDCP is a federally funded initiative designed to provide dental coverage to uninsured Canadians with a household income of under $90,000. Managed by Sun Life Financial, the program helps eligible patients access preventive and restorative dental care at participating providers like Saberton.

The plan is rolling out in phases, with full implementation expected by the end of 2025. However, many patients have encountered challenges, particularly in obtaining pre-approvals for procedures like dentures, crowns, and complex restorative treatments. The growing demand for services has led to longer processing times, making it essential for patients to plan ahead and seek professional assistance where needed.

Am I Eligible for CDCP?

To qualify for the CDCP, you must:

● Be a Canadian resident

● Have an adjusted family net income of $90,000 or less

● Not have private dental insurance

If you meet these criteria, you can apply online through the government’s official CDCP portal. Need help?

Saberton offers free consultations and can assist you with your application.

Our experts walk you through the process, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation to expedite approval and avoid unnecessary delays.

What Dental Services Does CDCP Cover?

CDCP provides coverage for a range of essential dental treatments, including:

● Preventive Care – Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments

● Restorative Treatments – Fillings, extractions, and minor oral surgeries

● Dentures & Prosthetics – Full and partial dentures, crowns, and bridges

● Emergency Dental Care – Treatment for severe dental pain and infections

Some procedures, particularly those related to dentures, crowns, and bridges, require predetermination—a pre-approval process verifying coverage before treatment begins. This step ensures that patients understand their coverage and financial responsibilities before committing to a procedure.

Understanding the CDCP Predetermination Process

One of the most common points of confusion for patients is the predetermination process. This is a review conducted by Sun Life Financial to assess whether a treatment is covered before it is performed. Here’s what you need to know:

Why is predetermination necessary?

Some procedures, such as complete dentures, involve higher costs and require verification before insurance approval.

How long does it take?

Processing times vary but can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications.

How can Saberton help?

At Saberton, we ensure that all required documentation is submitted correctly, helping to minimize delays and streamline your approval process.

How Saberton Helps Deliver CDCP Coverage

At Saberton, we take the stress out of CDCP enrolment and approvals by offering:

●       Priority Appointments – Schedule your initial consultation within 48 hours

●       Hassle-Free Paperwork – Our team handles all CDCP documentation and submissions

●       Direct Billing to CDCP – No need to worry about claims—we take care of it for you

●       Fast Predetermination Processing – We ensure your documents are complete and correct to reduce approval delays

Expert Guidance – Our experienced dental professionals help you navigate the system, ensuring you maximize your benefits under CDCP

CDCP Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Despite its benefits, CDCP applicant shave reported issues such as:

●       Long wait times for approvals

●       Confusion around covered services

●       Difficulty understanding the predetermination process

●       Limited access to certain procedures due to coverage caps

Our Advice:

●       Apply early – Don’t wait until you need treatment to start your application.

●       Book a consultation now – Even if you’re waiting for approval, having a treatment plan in place helps speed up care.

●       Stay informed – CDCP policies continue to evolve. Saberton stays updated on all changes so you don’t have to.

Seek professional assistance – Dental clinics like Saberton are well-versed in CDCP policies and can help guide you through the process with minimal hassle.

How Does CDCP Compare to Private Insurance?

While CDCP is a great option for those who qualify, there are some key differences between this government-funded plan and private dental insurance:

For patients needing extensive or specialized care, a combination of CDCP coverage and private insurance (where possible) may offer the best solution. Saberton can help you explore all available options to ensure you receive the treatment you need with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

CDCP Moving Forward: What to Expect

The final stage of CDCP enrolment was expected to expand in February 2025, covering additional patient groups. While the government and Sun Life continue to work through the backlog, we encourage patients to apply early to avoid further delays.

Our recommendations for patients:

●       Start your application now – If you think you're eligible, don’t wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner your coverage begins.

●       Book a consultation early – Even if you’re waiting on approvals, getting a treatment plan in place can help you move forward faster once coverage is confirmed.

●       Stay informed – CDCP is still evolving, and coverage details may change. Saberton stays up to date on all CDCP updates, so check our blog regularly for the latest information.

Take the Next Step with Saberton

At Saberton, our goal is to ensure that every eligible patient can access the care they deserve—without confusion, stress, or unnecessary delays.

Book your free consultation today and let us guide you through the CDCP process with ease.