Federal Dental Coverage Program
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) & NIHB at Miller Dental Care
$0 Out Of Pocket For Qualifying CDCP & NIHB Patients!
CDCP Dental Care at Miller Dental Care
In this video, Dr. Bob MacInnis explains how the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) works and what patients can expect when receiving care through the program at Miller Dental Care in Orillia. He walks through what's included in CDCP exams and X-rays, how treatment options are reviewed, and how our clinic focuses on making CDCP dental care accessible, comfortable, and affordable.
Canadian Dental Care Plan & NIHB Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a national dental coverage program administered by the Federal Government of Canada through Health Canada and Service Canada. Its goal is to improve access to essential oral health services for Canadians who don't have private dental insurance and meet the CDCP eligibility requirements.
The primary goal of the CDCP is to make dental care more affordable, accessible, and easier to maintain. By offering government-supported dental benefits, the program helps eligible Canadians receive preventive care, checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other standard dental services, often at a significantly reduced cost.
Once you apply for the CDCP and your dental coverage is approved, you can use your benefits at participating dental clinics, including Miller Dental Care. For qualifying CDCP patients approved for 100% coverage, this means no out-of-pocket costs at Miller Dental Care.
What Is the Non-Insured Health Benefits for First Nations and Inuit (NIHB)?
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is administered by Indigenous Services Canada and provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit with coverage for a nationally consistent range of medically necessary health benefits that are not otherwise covered through provincial or territorial health insurance, private insurance plans, or other publicly-funded programs.
Covered benefit areas include pharmacy, vision care, dental care, mental health counselling, medical supplies and equipment, and medical transportation to reach medically required services not available in the community. Health benefits are listed as eligible based on medical evidence for their effectiveness.
For dental care specifically, the NIHB program covers diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, oral surgery, orthodontic, and adjunctive services. Providers enrolled with the program, like Miller Dental Care, generally bill NIHB directly, so eligible clients don't have to pay upfront. Some services may need predetermination (prior approval), which we handle for you. Learn more about NIHB dental benefits.
Who Qualifies for the CDCP & NIHB
The two programs have different eligibility rules. The CDCP is based on income and insurance status, while the NIHB is based on First Nations or Inuit status. Here's how each one works.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Income Requirements
Eligibility is based on your adjusted family net income, confirmed through income verification with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Canadian Residency
To be eligible, you must be a Canadian resident with valid government identification. The CDCP is intended for Canadians who need additional support accessing dental care.
Age Categories
The CDCP is now open to Canadians of all ages, including:
- Children (Under 18)
- Adults (18 – 64)
- Seniors (65+)
Insurance Status
To qualify, you must not have access to any private dental insurance. This includes dental coverage offered through:
- •Employment benefits (yours or a family member's)
- •Health and wellness accounts
- •Professional or student organizations
- •Pension benefits (including federal, provincial, or territorial government employer pension plans)
- •Privately purchased dental insurance or group plans
Even if you choose not to enroll, pay a premium, or do not use the coverage, you are still not eligible for CDCP if you have access to it.
Exception for Retired Canadians
You may still qualify for the CDCP if you are retired, opted out of pension-related dental benefits before December 11, 2023, and cannot opt back in under your pension plan's rules. If your private dental coverage has ended or you cancelled it, you may become eligible once that coverage is no longer active.
Official Eligibility Details
For the most accurate, up-to-date information, please refer to the Government of Canada's official CDCP eligibility requirements.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
The NIHB program provides registered First Nations and recognized Inuit with coverage for medically necessary dental care. Eligibility is based on status, so there is no income test to qualify.
- First Nations & Inuit status
- Coverage is for registered First Nations people (status under the Indian Act) and recognized Inuit.
- Canadian resident
- You must be a resident of Canada and able to show client identification to access your benefits.
- No income test
- Unlike the CDCP, NIHB eligibility is based on First Nations or Inuit status, not on household income.
- Coordinates with other coverage
- NIHB covers medically necessary benefits not available through provincial, territorial, private, or other public plans, and acts as the payer of last resort.
What the CDCP & NIHB Cover at Miller Dental Care
Both programs help cover the cost of dental care at our Orillia clinic. The exact amount covered depends on your plan and approval, and we'll always confirm your coverage and any co-payment before treatment begins.
Covered under the CDCP
Coverage is based on your income band and the official CDCP fee guide, so the amount covered can vary.
Diagnostic & Preventive
- Exams and X-rays
- Cleanings, scaling, polishing, and fluoride
Restorative, Endodontic & Periodontal
- Fillings and crowns
- Root canal treatment
- Deep scaling
Prosthodontic, Surgical & Adjunctive
- Partial and complete dentures
- Extractions
- Sedation and general anesthesia
Some services may be fully covered, partially covered, or require a co-payment depending on your approved income level and the federal fee guide.
Covered under the NIHB
The NIHB program covers a broad range of dental services for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients. As an enrolled provider, Miller Dental Care bills NIHB directly.
Diagnostic & Preventive
- Exams and X-rays
- Scaling, polishing, sealants, and fluoride
Restorative, Endodontic & Periodontal
- Fillings and crowns
- Root canal treatments
- Deep scaling
Prosthodontic, Surgical & Adjunctive
- Partial and complete dentures
- Extractions and braces
- Sedation and general anesthesia
Certain services may require predetermination (prior approval), which we handle for you before treatment.
Coverage depends on your plan and approval. Some services may be fully covered, partially covered, or require a co-payment. Miller Dental Care will always outline costs and coverage before starting any treatment.
How to Apply for the CDCP & NIHB
Both programs are set up directly through the Government of Canada. Here's how to get started with each one.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Apply online, by phone, or by mail.
Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements
Before starting your application, confirm you are a Canadian resident with no private dental insurance, meet the CDCP income thresholds, and have filed your most recent tax return. Full eligibility details are on the Government of Canada website.
Apply online, by phone, or by mail
The easiest way is through the Government of Canada's online portal. You'll provide personal information, proof of Canadian residency, confirmation of insurance status, and consent for income verification. Or call 1-833-537-4342.
Wait for your application to be reviewed
The government will review your eligibility, income level, and coverage approval. You can track your CDCP application status online. Processing times vary.
Receive your benefit confirmation and book your visit
If approved, you'll receive your CDCP start date, coverage level details, and information from Sun Life, the company that administers CDCP claims and billing. Call us or book online and bring your card.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
Coverage is tied to your First Nations or Inuit registration, so there is no separate enrolment.
Confirm you are eligible
NIHB is for registered First Nations (status under the Indian Act) and recognized Inuit who are residents of Canada. There is no income test. See the NIHB eligible clients page for details.
Get your status or enrolment identification
If you are not already registered, apply for Indian status (a Secure Certificate of Indian Status) through Indigenous Services Canada, or obtain your Inuit enrolment identification (N-number) from your land claim organization.
No separate NIHB enrolment needed
There is no separate NIHB sign-up. Once you have your client identification, your benefits are ready to use, since coverage is tied to your registration or enrolment.
Book with an enrolled provider
Choose a dental provider enrolled with NIHB, like Miller Dental Care, so claims are billed to the program directly. Bring your client identification to your visit.
How to Check Your Application Status
Each program has its own way to check where your application or coverage stands.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Check Your Status Online
Visit the Government of Canada's CDCP application status page and sign in using your personal information. This is the fastest and most accurate way to see updates.
When to Contact Service Canada
If you're unable to access the online status tool or you notice a delay beyond the normal processing time, you can contact Service Canada for support. They can help with sign-in issues, missing documents, application delays, or eligibility questions.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
Call the Client Call Centre
To check your status, contact the Express Scripts Canada client call centre at 1-888-441-4777. They can confirm your coverage and answer benefit questions.
Contact Your Regional Office
You can also reach out to your local NIHB regional office to check the status of your coverage or benefits.
Using Your CDCP or NIHB Benefits at Miller Dental Care
Once your coverage is active, getting started at Miller Dental Care is simple. Our team is here to help you understand your benefits and make the process as smooth as possible.
How to Book an Appointment
Schedule a visit using whichever option works best for you. Just let us know whether you are a CDCP or NIHB patient when booking.
With the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your CDCP coverage card (issued by Sun Life)
- Any confirmation letters or approval paperwork you received
- A piece of government-issued ID
How Our Team Supports CDCP Patients
- Confirm your CDCP coverage before treatment
- Review your coverage level and any possible co-payments
- Explain recommended treatments in clear, easy-to-understand language
- Help you plan your visits based on your CDCP benefits
With Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your NIHB client identification: your Secure Certificate of Indian Status (status card) or registration number, or your Inuit enrolment (N-number) identification
- Any predetermination or approval paperwork you received
- A piece of government-issued ID
How Our Team Supports NIHB Patients
- Confirm your NIHB eligibility and client identification before treatment
- Bill NIHB directly so you do not pay upfront for covered services
- Handle predetermination (prior approval) with the program when a service requires it
- Explain recommended treatments and any coverage limits in clear, easy-to-understand language
We're here to ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your care.
Ready to use your Canadian Dental Care Benefits or NIHB benefits?
Our team is here to help you make the most of your CDCP or NIHB coverage. We'll guide you through each step and ensure you feel informed and supported.