Does CDCP cover every dental hygiene service?

No. Coverage depends on your individual CDCP plan, service category, frequency limits and any preauthorization requirements. Always verify your own coverage.

Can I get a cost estimate before my appointment?

Yes, ask our team in advance and we will help you understand likely costs based on the information available, though final amounts depend on your confirmed coverage.

What if I am not sure whether I am eligible for CDCP?

Eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada based on income, residency and insurance status. Check the official CDCP program pages or contact Sun Life directly.

What happens if a service is not covered?

You will be informed of any portion not covered before treatment where possible, so you can decide how to proceed.

CDCP and Dental Hygiene in Vancouver: What Patients Should Know

April 7, 2026 · 7 min read · Vancouver Airwave Dental Hygiene

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program administered by Health Canada and Sun Life that helps eligible Canadian residents with the cost of oral health care.

Coverage under CDCP is individual. Eligibility, the services covered and the portion paid depend on your own confirmation of coverage — not on the clinic you attend.

What CDCP is

CDCP is designed to reduce financial barriers to oral health care for eligible residents who do not have access to private dental insurance and who meet the program's income and residency criteria. Applicants receive a member number and a coverage start date, along with details of what their plan includes.

Dental hygiene services that may be eligible

Preventive dental hygiene services such as scaling, polishing and oral hygiene instruction are among the categories the program may cover, subject to your individual plan, established frequency limits and any preauthorization requirements.

Because plan details differ between members, we never assume a service is covered. Some services may be partially covered, and some may not be covered at all.

How to prepare for your visit

Have your CDCP member number and coverage start date available when you book.
Note the date of your most recent dental hygiene appointment — frequency limits are common.
Tell us about any other benefits plan you hold so coordination can be considered.
Ask us in advance if you would like an estimate before treatment.

Verifying your own coverage

The most reliable source of information about your coverage is your CDCP confirmation from Sun Life and the official Government of Canada program pages. If you have questions about how coverage may apply to a planned dental hygiene appointment, contact us and we will help you work through it before your visit.

What this means for you in plain language

In short, CDCP can help with costs, but exactly how much depends on your personal plan details, not on general assumptions about the program. The safest approach is always to check your own confirmation letter or the Sun Life member portal before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Myth vs fact

Myth: CDCP covers 100% of every dental hygiene visit. Fact: coverage amounts and frequency limits vary by individual plan.
Myth: any clinic can guarantee what CDCP will pay. Fact: only your official confirmation from Sun Life reflects your actual coverage.
Myth: if you have private insurance, you are automatically ineligible forever. Fact: eligibility rules are set by the program and can change; check the official criteria for your situation.

A simple checklist before your appointment

Locate your CDCP member number and coverage start date.
Check the date of your last dental hygiene visit.
Gather details of any other insurance plan you hold.
Ask our front desk for a cost estimate if you would like one in advance.

Key takeaways

CDCP coverage is personal and depends on your confirmed plan details.
Preventive dental hygiene services may be eligible, but limits and preauthorization can apply.
Bring your member number and recent visit history to your appointment.
Verify coverage through Sun Life or the Government of Canada, not assumptions.

Frequently asked

Does CDCP cover every dental hygiene service?: No. Coverage depends on your individual CDCP plan, service category, frequency limits and any preauthorization requirements. Always verify your own coverage.
Can I get a cost estimate before my appointment?: Yes, ask our team in advance and we will help you understand likely costs based on the information available, though final amounts depend on your confirmed coverage.
What if I am not sure whether I am eligible for CDCP?: Eligibility is determined by the Government of Canada based on income, residency and insurance status. Check the official CDCP program pages or contact Sun Life directly.
What happens if a service is not covered?: You will be informed of any portion not covered before treatment where possible, so you can decide how to proceed.