Having CDCP coverage is one thing; finding a dentist near you who accepts it is the next step. The good news is that participation has grown steadily since the plan launched, so in an area like Scarborough there are usually several offices to choose from. This guide covers how to find them and what to ask before you book.
As always, CDCP eligibility and coverage are set by the federal government, and this article is general guidance rather than a promise about your specific plan. Confirm your own details through the official CDCP channels, then use the steps below to choose an office.
How dentist participation in CDCP works
The CDCP is administered on the benefits side by Sun Life, and dental offices choose to accept it and submit claims for their patients. Some offices bill CDCP directly, meaning the plan's portion is handled between the office and the plan so you are not left paying the full amount up front and chasing a reimbursement. Others may handle it differently, which is exactly why it is worth asking before you book.
Because participation is a choice each office makes, the most reliable way to know is simply to ask an office whether they accept CDCP and submit claims directly. A quick phone call answers it faster than guessing from a website.
Ways to find a CDCP dentist near you
Start with the official CDCP provider search, which lists participating oral health providers and is the most authoritative source since it reflects current participation. You can also search online for a CDCP dentist in your area and then confirm by phone, or ask friends and neighbours, since word of mouth is common for coverage-related questions.
When you find an office that looks convenient, call and confirm three things: that they accept CDCP, that they are taking new patients, and whether they submit claims directly. Those three answers tell you almost everything you need to know before booking.
What to ask before you book
A few simple questions save time later. Ask whether the office bills CDCP directly, what to bring to your first visit, and whether they will confirm your coverage details before treatment and give you a written estimate. A good office will happily walk through all of this with you.
It is also fair to ask about scheduling. Offices with evening or weekend hours can make covered care far easier to fit around work, school, or a caregiver's routine, which matters more than people expect when using a plan for the first time.
CDCP dentistry in Scarborough
If you are in Scarborough or the east end of Toronto, Cedarbrae Dental Center is a CDCP dentist on Lawrence Avenue East, just east of Markham Road, welcoming new CDCP patients seven days a week including Sundays. We bill CDCP directly where applicable, confirm what we know about your coverage before treatment, and give you a written estimate so there are no surprises.
We can also help patients covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for refugees and protected persons, and our team offers care in nine languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Arabic, and Spanish, so coverage conversations are easier to follow. If you would like to get started, our front desk is glad to walk you through what CDCP means for your situation and book a time that fits.
