Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) does cover crowns as a major dental service.
- Preauthorization is required before any crown treatment starts.
- Coverage limits include up to 4 crowns every 10 years and 1 crown per tooth every 8 years.
- Your co-payment depends on your household income.
- Implant-supported crowns and cosmetic crowns are not covered.
What You Need to Know About Crown Coverage
If you have a damaged or broken tooth, the last thing you want to worry about is a surprise dental bill. At Hometown Dental, we know that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has helped many families across the country access dental care that might have felt out of reach before. However, it can be hard to know exactly what the CDCP covers.
Yes, the CDCP can cover dental crowns, but there are eligibility rules, frequency limits, and income-based co-payments you should know about before booking your appointment.
What the Canadian Dental Care Plan Covers
The CDCP covers more than just cleanings and checkups. It also includes a range of basic and major dental services, and crowns fall under the major services category, alongside dentures and oral surgery.
Both basic and major services may come with a co-payment, depending on your household income. The good news is that many families qualify for full or partial coverage, which can make a real difference when a crown is needed to save a tooth.
Crown Coverage Under the CDCP
Crowns Can Be Covered
Cast metal, porcelain, and ceramic-fused-to-metal crowns are all eligible under the CDCP. Coverage is available for adults 18 years and older, so if your child needs a crown, this particular benefit would not apply to them.
One important step before any crown treatment begins is preauthorization. Your dentist in Okotoks submits a request to the CDCP on your behalf, and approval needs to come through before the work starts. Skipping this step could mean the cost falls entirely on you.
Frequency Limits to Know
The CDCP sets limits on how often crown coverage can be used. You can receive coverage for up to 4 crowns every 10 years, and for 1 crown on any given tooth every 8 years. This means that, if a previously crowned tooth needs to be redone, the timing matters.
It’s also worth knowing that implant-supported crowns are not covered under the CDCP at all. If your crown sits on a dental implant rather than a natural tooth, that cost will be out-of-pocket.
When the CDCP Won’t Cover a Crown
Not every crown qualifies for coverage. The CDCP focuses on dental health rather than appearance, so crowns that are purely cosmetic are excluded. If a tooth is functional but you want a crown to improve its look, that would not be covered.
Teeth with active or untreated gum disease may also not qualify. Any existing decay or gum concerns typically need to be treated first before a crown can be approved. Plus, as mentioned above, crowns placed on implants are excluded under the plan.
How Much You’ll Pay & Income-Based Co-Payments
Co-Payment Breakdown by Income
Your household income determines how much of the eligible crown cost the CDCP covers. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Under $70,000: the CDCP covers 100% of eligible fees
- $70,000 to $79,999: you pay 40% of eligible fees
- $80,000 to $89,999: you pay 60% of eligible fees
Extra Costs to Watch For
Even with coverage, your final bill could be higher than expected. Dental office fees sometimes exceed the rates set by the CDCP, meaning there may be a gap between what the plan pays and what the office charges. It’s always a good idea to ask about any potential out-of-pocket costs before your treatment begins.
For a deeper look at how dental coverage works and what questions to ask, our insurance policy information page can help you feel more prepared before you walk in.
What to Do If You Need a Crown & Have CDCP Coverage
Start by confirming your CDCP eligibility before booking any treatment. Once you know you’re enrolled and active, reach out to a dentist in Okotoks to discuss your tooth and get the preauthorization process started. Our dental team can submit the request on your behalf so that everything is in order before your appointment.
At Hometown Dental, we’re happy to walk you through each step of the process. Reach out today to book a consultation and find out what your CDCP coverage can do for your smile.
