Navigating dental coverage options in British Columbia can feel overwhelming, especially with recent changes to national healthcare programs. If you or your family rely on provincial assistance or are considering applying for the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), understanding how these two benefits work together is essential for getting the care you need without unexpected costs.
As a participating CDCP plan dentist in Surrey, Strive Dental is here to help clear up the confusion so you can make the most of your benefits.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The CDCP is a federal government initiative designed to make essential dental care affordable for Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have private dental insurance.
Administered by Sun Life on behalf of Health Canada, the CDCP covers a broad spectrum of preventative, diagnostic, and restorative dental services:
- Preventative Care: Cleanings (scaling), fluoride applications, and sealants.
- Diagnostic Services: Routine exams and diagnostic X-rays.
- Restorative & Major Care: Fillings, root canals, extractions, and partial or full dentures.
How CDCP Coordinates With BC Provincial Dental Benefits
Many British Columbians already receive oral health coverage through provincial social assistance, such as the BC Healthy Kids Program, BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA), or provincial disability supports.
If you are currently enrolled in a BC provincial dental program, you can still qualify for and apply to the CDCP. The two programs work together through a structured coordination of benefits to ensure you get optimal care without duplication:
1. CDCP Acts as the Primary Payer
When you receive treatment at a dental clinic, the CDCP is billed first. It pays its designated portion based on federal coverage rules and fee schedules.
2. BC Provincial Benefits Act as the Secondary Payer
Once the CDCP processes the claim, any remaining eligible balances are submitted to your BC provincial plan. Depending on your specific provincial coverage, this secondary step can help absorb remaining out-of-pocket expenses or co-payments.
3. No Double-Dipping, Just Streamlined Care
Benefit coordination ensures you don’t lose your existing provincial coverage. Instead, CDCP helps close gaps—such as annual spending caps or restricted frequency limits under provincial plans—giving you access to more comprehensive care throughout the year.
Understanding Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
While the CDCP significantly reduces treatment costs, it is a government benefit program rather than a completely free service. Your co-payment responsibility depends on your family’s adjusted net income:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Fee Coverage | Patient Co-Payment |
| Under $70,000 | 100% of CDCP fees | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% of CDCP fees | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% of CDCP fees | 60% |
Note: CDCP established fees are generally lower than the standard BC provincial dental fee guides. Most clinics charge the difference between their standard rate and the CDCP established reimbursement rate.
Why Choose Strive Dental in Surrey?
To begin with, Strive Dental fees are 20% lower than those recommended by the BC Dental Fee Guide, and those that are routinely charged by other clinics.
For CDCP patients who receive 100% coverage from the CDCP, Strive dental does not charge any co-payments
For those patients covered by the CDCP at a lower percentage, any co-payments are based on our 20% lower fees. As a result, the payments will be much less than they would be at other clinics.
Finding a dentist who accepts federal and provincial benefit plans shouldn’t be stressful. As a CDCP plan dentist in Surrey, Strive Dental accepts CDCP coverage alongside BC provincial benefit plans. Our administrative team handles the direct billing paperwork for both primary and secondary claims, minimizing hassle and out-of-pocket complexity for you.
Ready to schedule your visit? Contact Strive Dental today with your CDCP welcome card and provincial ID, and let us help you on your dental health journey.