Canada Dental Care Plan in Kitsilano

Arbutus Station Dental is a participating CDCP provider in Kitsilano. If you are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you can book with Dr. Christopher Low and our team, and we bill Sun Life directly for covered services.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that pays for dental care for Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance and whose family income is under $90,000. It is administered by Sun Life on behalf of the Government of Canada and covers preventive, diagnostic, restorative and surgical care at a participating dental office.

We follow the BC Dental Association Fee Guide, which keeps any difference between the CDCP's fee rates and our fees as small as possible. Before any treatment, we tell you exactly what the plan covers and what, if anything, you will pay.

Who Qualifies for the CDCP

You must meet all four requirements set by the Government of Canada:

1. No access to private dental insurance. This includes coverage through your employer, a pension plan, a spouse's or parent's plan, a student or professional association, or insurance you purchased yourself. If you have access to a plan but chose not to enrol, you are still considered to have coverage and are not eligible.
2. You filed a Canadian tax return for the previous year. Your spouse or common-law partner must have filed as well.
3. Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000. This is the combined net income of you and your spouse or partner, from line 23600 of your tax returns.
4. You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes. This applies to your spouse or partner too.

If you receive dental coverage through a provincial or federal social program, such as the BC Healthy Kids Program or income assistance, you may still qualify. The two plans coordinate so there is no duplication.

Coverage is confirmed each year. You must renew your enrolment annually and confirm you still have no access to private insurance.

UBC students: if you are enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, you have access to dental insurance and are not eligible for the CDCP. If you have opted out of the AMS/GSS plan and have no other coverage, you may qualify.

What the CDCP Covers and What You Pay

The CDCP covers the core services most patients need at Arbutus Station Dental:

• Exams, x-rays and diagnostic services
• Dental cleanings and preventive care, including fluoride and sealants
• Dental fillings
• Emergency dental care and pain control
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal
• Deep scaling and non-surgical gum disease treatment
• Crowns, dentures and other major restorative work (some services require preapproval from Sun Life before treatment)
• Sedation when clinically required

Cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and veneers are not covered. Dental implants are not covered.

There is no deductible. Whether you pay a co-payment depends on your adjusted family net income:

The CDCP pays according to its own fee schedule, which can be lower than the BCDA Fee Guide for some services. If there is a difference between the CDCP rate and our fee, you are responsible for that amount. We will tell you the exact figure before treatment so there are no surprises.

How to Use Your CDCP Coverage at Arbutus Station Dental

1. Apply through Service Canada. Apply online at canada.ca/dental or by phone at 1-833-537-4342. You cannot apply through our office.
2. Wait for your welcome package from Sun Life. It includes your member card, your member ID and your coverage start date. Services received before that date are not covered.
3. Book your appointment. Call us at (604) 738-4223 or use the booking form on this page. Let us know you are a CDCP member.
4. Bring your Sun Life member card to your first visit, along with a piece of ID.
5. We bill Sun Life directly. You pay only your co-payment (if any) and any difference between the CDCP fee and our fee, which we confirm with you before treatment.

CDCP Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay upfront and get reimbursed? No. As a participating provider, we bill Sun Life directly. You pay only your share at the visit.

Can I use the CDCP for my children? Yes. Children under 18 are covered under a parent's or guardian's enrolment, as long as the family meets the eligibility requirements.

I'm a senior. Do I qualify? Seniors were the first group enrolled. If you are 65 or older, have no private dental insurance and your family income is under $90,000, you likely qualify.

I have insurance through work but it doesn't cover much. Can I use the CDCP instead? No. If you have access to any private dental plan, even one you did not enrol in, you are not eligible.

What if I need a crown or dentures? Some major services require preapproval from Sun Life before treatment. We submit the request on your behalf and let you know once it is approved.

Will I pay anything beyond the co-payment? Possibly. The CDCP pays based on its own fee schedule rather than the BC Dental Association Fee Guide. If a service costs more than what the plan pays, you cover the difference. We quote this before treatment starts.

Do I need to renew every year? Yes. The Government of Canada requires annual renewal to confirm your income and insurance status. If you do not renew, your coverage lapses.

Book Your CDCP Appointment in Kitsilano

Arbutus Station Dental welcomes CDCP patients and their families. Call (604) 738-4223 or book online to schedule your visit with Dr. Christopher Low.

Arbutus Station Dental #560, 2184 W Broadway Vancouver, BC V6K 2E1 Tel: (604) 738-4223

Hours Mon: Closed Tues: 11 am to 7 pm Wed to Fri: 9 am to 5 pm Sat: 8 am to 3 pm Sun: Closed