If you have been searching for a CDCP-accepting dentist in Saskatoon, you are not alone. Since the federal government opened the Canadian Dental Care Plan to all eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 in May 2025, the number of patients asking about coverage, co-payments, and qualifying services has grown significantly at our McOrmond Drive clinic.
This guide answers the most common CDCP questions we hear from Saskatoon families, explains exactly what the plan covers, and tells you what to expect when you book an appointment at Willowgreen Dental as a CDCP patient.
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal government dental insurance program for Canadian residents who do not have access to private dental coverage. It is administered by Sun Life Financial on behalf of Health Canada.
The plan was launched for seniors aged 65 and older in December 2023. Children under 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate were added in June 2024. Starting May 2025, all remaining eligible adults aged 18 to 64 without private dental insurance became eligible to apply, with coverage beginning as early as June 1, 2025.
Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year are currently open. If you had CDCP coverage in 2025-2026 and missed the June 1, 2026, renewal deadline, you may reapply, but you could have a gap in coverage during the period you were not enrolled.
Do You Qualify for the CDCP?
To be eligible, you must meet all four of the following requirements:
• You do not have access to private dental insurance through an employer, pension plan, or purchased group plan
• You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes
• You filed a tax return for the previous calendar year
• Your adjusted family net income is under $90,000
An important note: if your employer offers dental coverage and you decline it, you are still considered to have access to dental insurance and will not qualify for the CDCP. The plan is designed for Canadians who genuinely have no private coverage available to them.
How Much Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP does not cover 100 percent of costs for all patients. Coverage is income-based:
| Adjusted Family Net Income | CDCP Covers | Your Co-payment |
| Under $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 to $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 to $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
| $90,000 and above | Not eligible | N/A |
Keep in mind that the CDCP reimburses based on its own fee schedule. If the cost of a procedure at our Saskatoon clinic exceeds the CDCP reimbursement rate, you will pay the difference directly to the clinic in addition to any applicable co-payment.
What Services Does the CDCP Cover?
The CDCP covers a wide range of treatments when they are clinically necessary. Services are grouped into the following categories:
Preventive Care: Dental exams, routine dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. These services generally do not require preauthorization and can be scheduled up to twice per year.
Diagnostic Services: Digital X-rays and dental imaging. At Willowgreen Dental, our digital X-ray technology produces high-quality images with significantly reduced radiation exposure.
Restorative Treatment: Fillings for cavities and treatment of broken teeth.
Endodontics: Root canal therapy and retreatments. Retreatments may require preauthorization through Sun Life.
Periodontal Care: Treatments for gum and bone issues, including scaling and root planing, as part of our preventative dentistry services.
Prosthodontics: Dental crowns, complete and partial dentures. These complex services require preauthorization, effective November 1, 2024.
Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions and other oral surgery procedures. Our team performs both simple and surgical extractions.
Sedation: Sedation dentistry and pain management during procedures, subject to eligibility criteria.
Orthodontic services such as SureSmile aligners and Invisalign are not yet covered under the CDCP. The government has indicated that limited orthodontic coverage for medically necessary cases will be introduced at a future date, but no confirmed timeline exists as of June 2026.
What Is Preauthorization and When Do You Need It?
Preauthorization is the process by which your dentist submits a request to Sun Life before proceeding with certain treatments. It confirms that the CDCP will cover the service before work begins.
At Willowgreen Dental, our administrative team handles the preauthorization submission on your behalf. We recommend booking a consultation before any major procedure so we can confirm coverage and give you a clear picture of any out-of-pocket costs. You can also review our dental services overview to see the full range of treatments we provide.
Booking a CDCP Appointment at Willowgreen Dental
Willowgreen Dental accepts CDCP patients at our clinic at #104 – 1848 McOrmond Drive in Saskatoon. We serve patients from Willowgrove, Rosewood, Brighton, Hampton Village, Lakewood, and surrounding northeast Saskatoon neighbourhoods. You can view our office tour and meet our dentists before your first visit.
When you call to book, let us know you have CDCP coverage. Bring your CDCP Welcome Package or confirmation of coverage. Our team will verify your eligibility directly with Sun Life before your appointment and direct bill Sun Life for all covered services. To book, call us at (306) 955-2400 or visit our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CDCP at Willowgreen Dental
Q: Does Willowgreen Dental accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
A: Yes. Willowgreen Dental is a CDCP-participating provider in Saskatoon. We direct bill Sun Life Financial for all CDCP-covered services. You only pay any applicable co-payment. See our CDCP page for more details.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a dentist under the CDCP?
A: No referral is needed. You can book directly with Willowgreen Dental by calling (306) 955-2400.
Q: Does the CDCP cover dental implants?
A: No. Dental implants are not currently covered under the CDCP. If you are missing teeth, the CDCP may cover dentures as an alternative tooth replacement option, subject to eligibility and preauthorization.
Q: Does the CDCP cover Invisalign, SureSmile or braces in Saskatchewan?
A: Orthodontic services, including Invisalign and traditional braces, are not yet covered. Limited orthodontic coverage for medically necessary cases is planned, but no start date has been confirmed as of June 2026.
Q: I missed the renewal deadline. Can I still get CDCP coverage?
A: Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year remain open. If you did not renew by June 1, 2026, you can reapply, but you may have a gap in coverage. Apply through your My Service Canada Account or call 1-833-537-4342.
Q: What if my dentist charges more than the CDCP fee?
A: The CDCP reimburses based on its own fee schedule. If the procedure cost exceeds the CDCP reimbursement rate, you pay the difference directly. We always provide a treatment cost estimate before proceeding. Visit our FAQ page for additional billing questions.
If you have further questions about CDCP coverage, contact the Willowgreen Dental team at (306) 955-2400 or info@willowgreendental.com. We are open Monday through Friday at our McOrmond Drive location in Saskatoon.