Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Most dental clinics in Ontario follow the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide, which reflects the typical costs of providing dental care, including staffing, materials, equipment, and clinical time.

The CDCP uses a separate government-set fee schedule that is generally lower. When these two fee schedules differ, a portion of the cost may remain after CDCP coverage is applied.

Balance billing refers to the difference between what the CDCP covers and the standard fee for a dental service.

For example, if a procedure is billed at $130 and the CDCP covers $100 based on its fee schedule, the remaining $30 would be the patient’s responsibility, even if the CDCP coverage level is listed as 100%.

The Ontario Dental Association recommends balance billing so clinics are not required to absorb this difference and can continue to provide consistent, quality care.

When the government refers to “100% coverage,” it means 100% of the CDCP fee schedule, not 100% of the dental office’s fee.

Because the CDCP fee schedule is typically lower than standard dental fees in Ontario, a remaining balance may still apply.

Dr. Lo and the team at Lifestyle Dentistry are committed to providing ethical, quality dental care. Writing off the difference between CDCP fees and standard fees would require the clinic to absorb costs related to staffing, equipment, materials, and clinical time.

Following recommended fee guidelines allows the clinic to continue delivering safe, comprehensive care without compromising quality or sustainability.

To help avoid surprises, we encourage patients to:

• Ask whether a specific treatment may be eligible under the CDCP
• Request a cost estimate in advance
• Review whether any balance billing may apply

Our team is always happy to help explain how your coverage may apply so you can make informed decisions about your care.