How to Maximize Your CDCP Benefits Before They Expire

If you’re currently enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you may have access to covered dental services, but only for a limited time. At Truecare Dentistry, we often meet patients who didn’t realize their CDCP benefits came with an expiry date. Unfortunately, by the time they try to book their appointment, it’s too late.

This blog explains why it’s critical to use your CDCP coverage before it expires, what services are typically included, and how you can ensure you don’t miss out on essential care.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a government-funded program designed to provide access to necessary dental care for uninsured Canadians with qualifying income levels. Based on your eligibility, the plan may fully or partially cover a variety of treatments, including:

• Dental exams and assessments
• Teeth Cleanings and scaling
• Dental X-rays and diagnostic imaging
• Fillings and basic restorative procedures
• Extractions

Each patient’s level of coverage is determined by income and individual need. However, every patient has a coverage period, and once it ends, unused services are not carried forward.

CDCP benefits come with a clear condition: they are valid only within a specific time frame, often based on the calendar year or a rolling 12-month window from enrollment.
If you fail to use your eligible services before the deadline, you will lose access to them permanently. That means missed opportunities for:

• Preventive care, such as cleanings and exams
• Early treatment of dental issues before they worsen
• Covered services that could otherwise save you money

The unfortunate reality is that many patients delay scheduling dental visits due to work, family obligations, or the assumption that they can “do it later.” But with CDCP, later often means never, because the benefits simply expire.

As coverage deadlines approach, dental offices across Canada experience a significant rise in last-minute appointment requests. This surge often leads to:

• Fully booked schedules
• Longer wait times
• Inability to complete care before the expiration date

At Truecare Dentistry, we do our best to accommodate every patient, but our calendar fills up quickly, especially in the final months of the year or leading up to a benefit expiry period.

Booking early ensures not only that you’ll be seen in time but that there’s enough availability to complete any required treatments.

Many CDCP patients assume the plan only covers basic services like a check-up or a cleaning. In reality, you may also be eligible for:

• More frequent cleanings if gum disease is present
• X-rays or diagnostics if symptoms arise
• Fillings for untreated decay
• Preventive fluoride treatments or polishing

If you haven’t had a dental exam in the past year, now is the time. Minor issues can escalate if ignored, and once your coverage expires, you may be responsible for the full cost of care that could have been covered.

At Truecare Dentistry, we do our best to accommodate every patient, but our schedule fills up fast, especially toward the end of the year or before dental insurance benefits expire. Booking early not only secures your spot but also ensures there’s enough time to complete any necessary treatments.

Whether you’re looking for a general dental checkup or need an emergency dentist near Mississauga Road, we’re here to help.

Here’s how we support CDCP-covered patients:

• We help confirm your eligibility and coverage window
• Our team outlines which services are included and what’s remaining
• We schedule appointments in a way that fits your deadline
• We provide transparent communication so there are no billing surprises

Our dental clinic offers a welcoming environment with flexible appointment times to accommodate your needs. If your current provider does not accept CDCP or cannot accommodate you before the deadline, we encourage you to reach out. We are accepting new patients under the program.

Even if you’re not experiencing discomfort, it’s essential to maintain regular check-ups and cleanings. These visits can help identify:

• Cavities that haven’t yet caused symptoms
• Signs of gum disease
• Cracks, wear, or other structural issues in your teeth
• Conditions that may worsen if left untreated

Delaying care puts you at risk of needing more complex (and often more expensive) procedures down the road. When you have active benefits available now, using them protects not only your oral health but also your financial well-being.

If you’re covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), the clock is ticking. Many patients wait too long and end up paying out of pocket for services they were once eligible for. At Truecare Dentistry, we encourage you to take full advantage of your current coverage while it’s still active.

Whether you need a routine check-up, a cleaning, or specific dental treatment, Dr. Sandeep Hooda and the team at Truecare Dentistry are here to help. Early bookings are strongly recommended, as appointments fill up quickly during benefit deadlines.

To confirm your eligibility and schedule your visit, contact Truecare Dentistry in Brampton, Ontario. You can reach us by phone at 905-455-7771, by email at info@truecaredentistry.ca