The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was made to help people get the dental work they need without paying the full price.
However, many people are surprised to find that even with “100% coverage,” they still have to pay a little bit of their own money.
If you are visiting a dentist in Chestermere today, it is important to know that the CDCP is a “help” plan, not a free government clinic. Because of how the plan works, you might see a small extra charge on your bill called “balance billing.”
Why Is There A Price Difference?
The main reason you might pay a bit extra is that the government uses its own special price list. This list is often lower than the regular prices in Alberta.
When you visit a dental clinic near you, the CDCP has to pay for the best materials, clean tools, and a great team to help you. The Alberta Dental Association sets a “price guide” every year to cover these costs.
Since the government’s list is cheaper than the regular guide, your dental team may charge you for the “gap” between what the government pays and what the service actually costs.
What Exactly Is Balance Billing?
Balance billing happens when the dental clinic bills you for the leftover balance after the insurance has paid its part.
When using the CDCP in Chestermere, this is very common. It is important to know that this isn’t a “hidden fee” or a penalty. It is simply the difference between the government’s discount price and the normal price of the work.
By charging this small difference, the clinic can keep using the best materials and tools while still helping you save a lot of money through the federal plan.
Understanding Your Share Based On Income
Another reason you might have to pay is because of the Canadian Dental Care Plan co-payment rules. The government decides how much they will help based on how much money your family makes in a year.
If your family makes a middle-range income, the government might only pay 60% or 40% of their special price list.
You then pay your part of that price, plus the balance billing gap we talked about above. This can feel confusing, but the dental team can explain the math to you before your appointment.
- Family income under $70,000: The government pays 100% of the CDCP price.
- Family income $70,000 – $79,999: The government pays 60% of the CDCP price.
- Family income $80,000 – $89,999: The government pays 40% of the CDCP price.
- Everyone: Pays the “gap” to reach the standard Alberta price.
Comparing CDCP Prices To Regular Prices
| Procedure | CDCP Price | Regular Price | Who Pays the Gap? |
| Check-up Exam | $72.00 | $143.00 | The Patient |
| Two X-Rays | $35.00 | $59.00 | The Patient |
| Cleaning (15 mins) | $55.00 | $87.00 | The Patient |
| One Filling | $135.00 | $210.00 | The Patient |
Why Do Clinics Use Balance Billing?
It takes a lot of money to run a safe and modern dental clinic. From keeping tools super clean to using the newest X-ray machines, the costs in Alberta are higher than in other places.
If a clinic only took the low government payments, it might not be able to use the best materials or the latest technology.
By using balance billing, the clinic makes sure you still get the very best care, while the government still helps you cover a large part of the bill.
How To Avoid Surprises On Your Bill
The best way to be ready is to ask for an “estimate” before your work starts.
This lets the dental team send your plan to the insurance company to see exactly what will be covered. This way, you will know the exact amount of your share and any extra costs before any work is done.
Talking to the front desk team is the best way to make sure you feel good about your dental budget.
Helping You Understand The New Dental Plan
We know that insurance can be confusing, and we are here to help you understand it all.
At East Chestermere Dental, we promise to be honest and clear about your costs so you can focus on your health. Our goal is to give the best care to our neighbors while making sure you get every benefit the government offers.
We believe everyone should have a healthy smile without any financial stress. Call us right now to book your visit, reach out today and let us help you get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I paying $100 for a cleaning if I have “100% coverage”?
Your “100% coverage” only applies to the government’s low price list, not the actual cost of the visit. You are likely paying for the “balance billing” gap and perhaps some services that aren’t on the government’s approved list.
Does the CDCP cover things like white fillings or crowns?
Yes, but many of these services now require “pre-authorization” in 2026, meaning we have to get permission first. Also, because these use more expensive materials, the balance billing gap might be a bit higher than for a simple exam.
Why do I have to renew my CDCP coverage by June 1st?
The government checks your income every year to see if you still qualify and what your co-payment should be. If you don’t renew, your coverage stops on June 30th, and you’ll have to pay the full regular price for your next visit.
Can I use the CDCP along with my Alberta Seniors Benefit?
Yes, you can often use both to help lower your costs even more! Usually, the provincial plan is billed first, and the CDCP helps cover what is left, but you should still expect a small balance billing amount.