Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Toronto | Coverage, Eligibility & Dental Hygiene Services

How to Use CDCP for Dental Hygiene Care in Toronto

This guide is designed for Toronto residents who want to use their Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) benefits for professional dental hygiene services. Whether you are looking for a dental cleaning, scaling, fluoride treatment, or an oral health assessment, understanding your coverage can help you make informed decisions about your care.

On this page, you'll learn who qualifies for the CDCP, which dental hygiene services may be covered, how much you may need to pay out of pocket based on your income level, and how direct billing works at Krystal Dental Hygiene. We also explain the differences between CDCP and private dental insurance, answer common eligibility questions, and provide practical information for patients seeking care from an independent dental hygienist in Toronto.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal dental benefit program administered by Health Canada. The program helps eligible Canadian residents access preventive and essential oral health care services when they do not have access to private dental insurance. Originally introduced in phases, the CDCP has now been expanded to eligible Canadians of all ages.

For Toronto residents, the CDCP may help reduce the cost of professional dental hygiene services such as dental cleanings, scaling, fluoride treatments, and oral health assessments through participating providers. Depending on your adjusted family net income, the plan may cover up to 100% of eligible services at CDCP fee rates. Eligible patients can present their CDCP member card at their appointment, and participating providers may bill the plan directly.

Who Qualifies For The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

To be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), you must meet all four of the following eligibility criteria. Failing to meet even one requirement will result in your application being denied. Review this complete CDCP eligibility checklist before applying:

CDCP Eligibility Requirement	Details
No Private Dental Insurance	You must not have access to any dental insurance through an employer, a pension plan, or a privately purchased plan. If you or your spouse or common-law partner have access to any dental benefits — even if unused — you do not qualify.
Adjusted Family Net Income Under $90,000	Your adjusted family net income, as reported on your most recent filed tax return, must be below $90,000. Benefit coverage decreases incrementally as income rises (see coverage tiers below).
Canadian Tax Resident with a Valid SIN	You must be a resident of Canada for tax purposes and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) issued by the Government of Canada.
Tax Return Filed for the Previous Year	You — and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable — must have filed an income tax return for the previous calendar year and received a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Common Reasons CDCP Applications Are Denied

Understanding why CDCP applications get rejected can save you time and frustration. The most frequent reasons for denial include:

❌ Access to employer or pension dental benefits — Even if you have never used your dental coverage, simply having access to it disqualifies you from the Plan.
❌ Unfiled or late tax return — If your income tax return was not filed for the required year, the CRA cannot verify your eligibility and your application will not be processed.
❌ Family net income at or above $90,000 — Exceeding the income threshold by even one dollar renders you ineligible for any CDCP benefits.
❌ Incorrect SIN or mismatched personal information — Any discrepancy between the information on your application and the records held by the CRA will result in delays or outright rejection of your application.

How Much Does The CDCP Actually Cover?

The amount covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) depends directly on your adjusted family net income (AFNI), as reported on your most recently filed tax return. The Plan reimburses dental services based on its own established CDCP fee schedule — which may be lower than your dental provider’s actual fees. This means that even if your income qualifies you for 100% coverage, you may still be responsible for any difference between the CDCP fee guide rate and your provider’s actual fees.

At Krystal Dental Hygiene in Toronto, we believe in full transparency. Before your appointment begins, we will clearly outline any costs that fall outside CDCP coverage — so you are never faced with unexpected charges.

Adjusted Family Net Income	CDCP Covers	Your Co-Payment
Under $70,000	100%	0%
$70,000 – $79,999	60%	40%
$80,000 – $89,999	40%	60%
$90,000 or more	0%	100% — Not Eligible

Income thresholds are based on the adjusted family net income reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the previous tax year.

Understanding Out-Of-Pocket Charges Under The CDCP

It is important to understand that the CDCP does not reimburse based on your dental provider’s actual fees. Instead, reimbursement is calculated using the government’s established CDCP fee schedule. If your provider’s fees exceed the rates set out in that schedule, you are responsible for paying the difference — regardless of your income tier or coverage percentage.

For example, a patient with a family income under $70,000 may qualify for 100% CDCP coverage, yet still owe a balance if the procedure fee charged by their provider is higher than the CDCP-approved rate for that service.

At Krystal Dental Hygiene, we take the guesswork out of your visit. We will provide you with a detailed cost estimate prior to any treatment, so you know exactly what CDCP will cover and what — if anything — remains your responsibility. We encourage all CDCP patients to request a pre-treatment estimate at the time of booking.

What Dental Hygiene Services Are Covered Under The CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government dental benefit program administered by Health Canada. The CDCP places a strong emphasis on preventive oral health care — the very foundation of what an independent dental hygienist provides. At Krystal Dental Hygiene in Toronto, the following preventive and diagnostic services may be covered under CDCP when clinically recommended by your oral health provider:

🦷 Dental Exams

Comprehensive, routine, specific, and emergency oral examinations are covered under the CDCP. Your initial visit includes a complete oral health assessment — at no out-of-pocket cost for patients in the lowest eligible income tier.

🧱 Scaling (Professional Dental Cleaning)

Professional removal of plaque, calculus (tartar), and biofilm — both above and below the gumline — is a core CDCP-covered service. At Krystal Dental Hygiene, we perform scaling using advanced Airflow GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) technology for a more comfortable and effective clean.

💧 Fluoride Applications

Topical fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities are covered under CDCP preventive services for both adults and children.

🛡 Dental Sealants

Protective resin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent decay are covered under the CDCP — particularly for children and adolescents at higher risk of cavities.

🔬 Diagnostic X-Rays

Dental radiographs — including bitewing and periapical X-rays — are covered without preauthorization when clinically recommended by your oral health provider as part of your assessment.

🩺 Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing (Cleaning Below The Gumline)

For patients diagnosed with gum disease, periodontal scaling and root planing is covered under CDCP periodontal services. Note: Extensive periodontal treatment may require preauthorization prior to proceeding.

⚠ Important: Preauthorization Requirements

Some services covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan require prior authorization before treatment can be performed. As your dental hygiene provider, we submit preauthorization requests on your behalf, await confirmation of approval, and only then proceed with your treatment.

Services that exceed the frequency limits established under the federal CDCP benefit schedule will also require preauthorization. Please note that not all preauthorization requests are approved by the plan administrator, and approval cannot be guaranteed in advance.

At Krystal Dental Hygiene, we will always inform you of any costs not covered by the CDCP — including co-payments or fees exceeding the government-approved rate — before any treatment begins.

Professional Dental Cleaning Under The CDCP In Toronto

A professional dental cleaning is the most frequently requested service among Toronto residents seeking care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) — and it is fully covered as a preventive service under the federal program. At Krystal Dental Hygiene, your CDCP cleaning appointment is performed by Krystyna Korolchuk, RDH — an independent, CDHO-registered Registered Dental Hygienist with over 8 years of clinical experience and EMS Airflow GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) certification — 6-hr professional training covering AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW® and PIEZON® protocols.

Here is what to expect at your CDCP cleaning appointment:

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Step 1 — Present Your CDCP Member Card

Bring your CDCP member card and plan number to your appointment. We will verify your eligibility and coverage directly with Sun Life Financial (the CDCP plan administrator) before your treatment begins.

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Step 2 — Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment

Your appointment begins with a full oral health examination, including periodontal (gum) measurements, biofilm detection, and the development of a personalized care plan tailored to your clinical needs.

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Step 3 — Airflow GBT Professional Cleaning

We use EMS Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy — a clinically proven, minimally invasive approach to professional biofilm removal. This advanced technique is comfortable, virtually pain-free, and safe for patients with dental implants, veneers, orthodontic braces, and sensitive teeth.

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Step 4 — Direct CDCP Billing

We bill Sun Life Financial directly on your behalf as the CDCP plan administrator. You are responsible only for any applicable co-payment based on your adjusted family net income tier — no upfront payment for covered services is required.

Why Choose An Independent Dental Hygienist For Your CDCP Cleaning In Toronto?

At Krystal Dental Hygiene, your CDCP cleaning appointment is never rushed or delegated. Here is what sets us apart:

⏱ 60–90 minute appointments — one-on-one with Krystyna, not a 30-minute slot in a high-volume clinic
🌀 Advanced Airflow GBT technology — clinically proven for complete biofilm removal without uncomfortable scraping or scaling instruments
🚫 No upselling — as an independent hygiene practice, we do not perform or recommend fillings, crowns, or restorative procedures; our sole focus is your preventive oral health
🦷 No dentist referral required — you can book directly with a Registered Dental Hygienist under Ontario law
✅ CDHO-registered provider — fully authorized to provide and bill CDCP-covered services as an independent oral health professional

Can You Visit A Dental Hygienist Without Seeing A Dentist Under The CDCP?

Yes — and this is one of the most important advantages Krystal Dental Hygiene offers CDCP patients in Toronto.

Under the Dental Hygienists Act, 1991 (Ontario), Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) have the legal authority to practice independently through the "self-initiating" scope of practice. This means you can book a CDCP-covered cleaning, scaling, or fluoride treatment directly with an independent RDH — without a dentist referral, without being an existing patient at any dental office, and without any prior authorization from the CDCP program itself.

Many CDCP recipients mistakenly assume they must visit a traditional dental clinic to access their benefits. This is not the case. As a registered CDCP provider, Krystal Dental Hygiene submits claims to the federal plan the same way a dental office does — the difference is the quality and nature of the experience. No assembly-line appointments. No upselling for fillings, crowns, or restorative procedures. No rushed 30-minute slots. Just focused, personalized, preventive oral health care.

Your Rights As A CDCP Patient At An Independent Hygiene Practice

✅ Same CDCP Coverage

Your federal CDCP benefits apply to visits at an independent registered hygiene practice exactly the same as at a traditional dental office. There is no reduction in coverage based on the type of provider — provided the provider is a registered CDCP participant.

✅ Direct CDCP Billing

We submit your claim electronically to Sun Life Financial (the CDCP plan administrator) on your behalf. You are responsible only for any applicable co-payment based on your adjusted family net income tier. No upfront payment for covered services is required.

✅ No Dentist Referral Required

You may book directly with Krystyna Korolchuk, RDH. Under Ontario’s Dental Hygienists Act, 1991, self-initiating Registered Dental Hygienists are fully authorized to assess and treat patients independently. No referral, no authorization, no gatekeeping.

✅ More Time for Your Care

CDCP appointments at Krystal Dental Hygiene are 60–90 minutes — significantly longer than the 30–45 minute slots typical at high-volume dental offices. This allows for a thorough oral health assessment, complete biofilm removal using Airflow GBT technology, and a personalized discussion of your oral health needs.

CDCP Vs. Private Dental Insurance: What Is The Difference?

If you are weighing the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) against a private dental insurance plan — or wondering why you cannot hold both at the same time — the comparison below will help clarify your options.

The fundamental distinction is this: the CDCP is a federal government dental benefit program specifically designed for Canadians who do not have access to any private dental insurance. Holding private dental coverage — whether through an employer, a pension plan, a spouse, or a parent — disqualifies you from CDCP enrollment. The two cannot be combined.

Feature	🇨🇦 CDCP (Federal Government)	🏢 Private Dental Insurance
Eligibility	Income-based; no access to private dental insurance	Anyone who purchases or gets through employer
Coverage Level	40% – 100% based on adjusted family net income	Typically 50–80% fixed
Annual Maximum	No stated annual maximum	Usually $1,000–$2,500/year
Monthly Premium	$0 — no premiums	$30–$150/month
Waiting Period	None once enrolled	Often 3–12 months for major services
Preventive Coverage	✓ Exams, cleanings, fluoride, x-rays	✓ Same preventive services
Cosmetic Coverage	❌ Not covered (whitening, veneers)	❌ Not covered
Can Use at Independent Hygienist	✓ Yes — if the provider is a registered CDCP participant	✓ Yes — most plans cover RDH services

💡 Good To Know

If you currently hold any private dental insurance — including coverage through a spouse, common-law partner, or parent — you are not eligible for the CDCP for the duration of that coverage. However, if you lose your private dental coverage (e.g., due to job loss, retirement, or aging off a parent’s plan), you may apply for the CDCP at that time.

At Krystal Dental Hygiene, we accept both CDCP and most private dental insurance plans, with direct electronic billing for both. Regardless of your coverage type, we can help you make the most of your dental benefits — with no referral required and no hidden fees.

What Is Not Covered By The CDCP?

Understanding the limitations of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is just as important as knowing what it covers. The federal program is specifically designed to support functional and preventive dental care — cosmetic, elective, and aesthetic procedures are expressly excluded from coverage. Below are the most common services that the CDCP will not pay for:

❌ Teeth Whitening

All forms of professional whitening — including in-office treatments, take-home kits, and touch-ups — are expressly excluded from the CDCP benefit schedule. The plan classifies whitening as a cosmetic procedure regardless of the method used. See our teeth whitening page for affordable self-pay options starting at $280.

❌ Tooth Gems

Cosmetic tooth gems and jewellery are expressly excluded from CDCP coverage. These are classified as aesthetic procedures. Available at Krystal Dental Hygiene from $75. See our tooth gems page.

❌ Dental Implants

Implant placement and restoration are expressly excluded from CDCP coverage. Implant procedures require a dentist or oral surgeon and fall outside the scope of dental hygiene services covered by the plan.

❌ Porcelain & Composite Veneers

Cosmetic veneers — whether porcelain or composite — are expressly excluded from CDCP coverage. The plan does not reimburse any portion of veneer placement as it is classified as an aesthetic procedure.

❌ Orthodontics (Not Yet Available)

As of the date of this publication, orthodontic services are not covered by the CDCP. The plan administrator has indicated that a specific range of orthodontic services may become available in future phases, but no timeline has been confirmed. Preauthorization will be required when and if coverage is added. Monitor Canada.ca/dental-care-plan for updates.

❌ TMJ Therapy & Appliances

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy, including occlusal splints and related appliances, is not covered under the CDCP benefit schedule.

💰 Self-Pay Options At Krystal Dental Hygiene

Even though the CDCP does not cover cosmetic or aesthetic services, Krystal Dental Hygiene offers affordable self-pay pricing for whitening, tooth gems, and other non-covered treatments. Because you are already visiting for your CDCP-covered cleaning, you can add these services in the same appointment — no separate trip required. View our self-pay pricing →

CDCP And Teeth Whitening: What You Need To Know

Teeth whitening is the most commonly requested service that the CDCP does not cover. All forms of whitening — including in-office treatments, take-home kits, and touch-ups — are expressly excluded from the CDCP benefit schedule. The plan classifies whitening as a cosmetic procedure regardless of method, and will not reimburse any portion of the cost, even if your income tier qualifies for 100% preventive coverage.

Professional Whitening At Krystal Dental Hygiene (Self-Pay)

Whitening Service	CDCP Covered?	Self-Pay Price
Philips ZOOM! Full Session	No	$450
Philips ZOOM! Touch-Up	No	$280

Combine Your CDCP Cleaning + Whitening In One Visit

Clinically the optimal time to whiten teeth is immediately after a professional cleaning, when surface stains and biofilm have been removed and enamel is at its cleanest. Many of our CDCP patients add a whitening session to their covered cleaning appointment for this reason:

Your CDCP-covered cleaning removes stains and biofilm first
Whitening gel penetrates cleaner enamel more effectively
One appointment saves you a separate trip and time
You only pay the self-pay whitening portion — the cleaning is covered by CDCP

Why Preventive Dental Care Matters — And Why The CDCP Covers It First

The CDCP's strong emphasis on preventive services is not arbitrary — it is based on decades of clinical evidence showing that regular professional cleanings prevent far more expensive and complex dental problems down the road. The federal government designed the CDCP benefit schedule to prioritize prevention because it reduces the long-term cost burden on both patients and the health-care system.

According to the Canadian Academy of Periodontology, patients who receive regular professional cleanings every 6 months are significantly less likely to develop periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in Canadian adults. A single professional dental cleaning costs a fraction of what treating advanced gum disease costs — scaling and root planing, surgical intervention, or tooth replacement with implants.

For CDCP patients, this is especially important: the plan may cover preventive cleanings at 40–100% depending on your adjusted family net income, but treatment for advanced periodontal disease may require preauthorization and could exceed frequency limits. Investing your CDCP benefits in regular preventive care is the single most effective way to protect both your oral health and your wallet.

Hi, I'm Krystyna Korolchuk, RDH — your CDCP provider at Krystal Dental Hygiene. I am a registered dental hygienist licensed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO), and I am an approved CDCP provider registered with Sun Life Financial as plan administrator. I opened my independent practice because I believe preventive care should be personal, unhurried, and accessible — whether you pay privately, through insurance, or through the CDCP.

Credentials & CDCP Qualifications

✅ Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)	Licensed by the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO)
✅ Approved CDCP Provider	Registered with Sun Life Financial as plan administrator
🎓 EMS GBT Certified	Advanced biofilm management technology
🌎 Languages	English, French, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish

"The CDCP is a significant step forward for Canadians who previously could not access dental care. My advice: use your benefits for regular preventive cleanings — every 6 months — rather than waiting until a problem becomes expensive to treat. Prevention is always more affordable than restoration."

— Krystyna Korolchuk, RDH

CDCP Annual Renewal Guide: How To Keep Your Coverage Active

Your CDCP coverage is not permanent — it must be renewed each year to confirm you still meet the eligibility criteria. Failing to renew on time can result in a coverage gap, during which any dental services you receive will not be reimbursed by the plan administrator. The renewal window will not be extended for individual circumstances. Here is what you need to know:

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1. File Your Taxes

File your income tax return and receive your Notice of Assessment from the CRA before the renewal period

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2. Renew On Time

Complete your renewal during the annual renewal period (typically opens in spring). Do not miss the deadline.

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3. Confirm Eligibility

Your adjusted family net income and insurance status will be re-verified. If your situation changed, your coverage tier may change.

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4. Continue Coverage

Once renewed, your CDCP coverage continues without interruption. Book your next cleaning at Krystal Dental Hygiene.

⚠ Warning: Coverage Gap Consequences

If you do not renew by the deadline, your CDCP coverage will end and the following applies:

Any dental services received during a coverage gap will not be reimbursed — even if treatment was previously approved or pre-authorized
The renewal window will not be extended for individual circumstances
You would need to re-apply and wait for approval before booking CDCP-covered appointments again

Frequently Asked Questions About CDCP Dental Hygiene in Toronto

Does Krystal Dental Hygiene accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Yes. Krystal Dental Hygiene is an approved CDCP provider, provided the provider is a registered CDCP participant. We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and bill the plan administrator directly on your behalf. You pay only any applicable co-payment based on your adjusted family net income tier. Book your CDCP appointment online or call +1 (437) 637-0587.

How much does CDCP cover for dental cleaning in Toronto?

CDCP coverage of eligible services depends on your adjusted family net income (AFNI): under $70,000 — may cover up to 100%; $70,000–$79,999 — may cover 60% (you pay 40% co-payment); $80,000–$89,999 — may cover 40% (you pay 60% co-payment). Coverage is based on the CDCP fee schedule; if your provider charges above the CDCP rate, you are responsible for the difference. At Krystal Dental Hygiene, we bill the plan administrator directly so you only pay the co-payment amount if applicable. See our dental cleaning page for more details.

Can I use CDCP at an independent dental hygienist?

Yes. Independent dental hygienists who are registered CDCP providers can bill the plan directly, provided the provider is a registered CDCP participant. Krystal Dental Hygiene is an approved CDCP provider in Fort York, Toronto. Under the Dental Hygienists Act, 1991 (Ontario), you do not need a dentist referral — book your CDCP cleaning appointment directly with us.

What dental hygiene services are covered under CDCP?

The CDCP may cover preventive dental hygiene services including dental exams, scaling (cleaning), fluoride applications, sealants, and x-rays, provided the provider is a registered CDCP participant and the service is listed in the CDCP benefit schedule. At Krystal Dental Hygiene, our CDCP-covered services include comprehensive cleanings with Airflow GBT technology, scaling, fluoride treatments, and oral health assessments.

Can I visit a dental hygienist without seeing a dentist under CDCP?

Yes. Under the Dental Hygienists Act, 1991 (Ontario), you can visit an independent dental hygienist directly without a dentist referral, provided the provider is a registered CDCP participant. Krystal Dental Hygiene is an independent practice — your CDCP benefits work the same way here as at any dental office, as long as the provider is enrolled. Book directly, no authorization needed.

Is teeth whitening covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

No. Teeth whitening is expressly excluded from the CDCP benefit schedule. The plan classifies all forms of whitening as cosmetic and will not reimburse any portion of the cost. However, Krystal Dental Hygiene offers professional Philips ZOOM! whitening ($450 full session, $280 touch-up) as a separate, affordable self-pay service you can add to your CDCP cleaning visit.

How do I renew my CDCP coverage?

CDCP coverage must be renewed annually. You need to file your income tax return and receive your Notice of Assessment from the CRA before renewing. Renewal opens each spring — complete it before the deadline to avoid a coverage gap. The renewal window will not be extended for individual circumstances. If your coverage lapses, any dental services received during the gap will not be reimbursed — even if treatment was previously approved or pre-authorized. Contact us if you need help verifying your active coverage.

What is the difference between CDCP and private dental insurance?

The CDCP is a federal dental benefit program for Canadians who do not have access to dental benefits through private insurance, with coverage based on adjusted family net income tiers (40–100% of eligible services at CDCP fee rates). Private insurance is employer-sponsored or individually purchased with fixed coverage percentages and annual maximums. You cannot have both — if you have access to any dental benefits through private insurance, you are not eligible for CDCP for the duration of that coverage. Independent dental hygienists like Krystal Dental Hygiene accept both CDCP and most private insurance plans.

Book Your CDCP Appointment — Fort York, Toronto

Krystal Dental Hygiene is an approved CDCP provider located at 614 Fleet Street, Suite 113, in Fort York, downtown Toronto. We serve CDCP patients from CityPlace, Liberty Village, King West, Harbourfront, Bathurst Quay, the Entertainment District, Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods, and across the GTA. No dentist referral required. Direct CDCP billing.

🕐 Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday & Holidays: Closed

🅿 Parking

Reserved parking for "MY BEAUTY SUITE"
TTC: 1 min walk from Fleet St at Bathurst St

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Map to Krystal Dental Hygiene – Fort York, Toronto

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Ready to Use Your CDCP Benefits?

Book your CDCP-covered dental cleaning at Krystal Dental Hygiene. Direct billing. No referral needed. Personalized, unrushed care at our Fort York studio.

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Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) in Toronto