Stop Searching. Start a Conversation.
You've seen our story, explored our services, and heard from our members. Now it's your turn. Whether you're a practicing dentist exploring membership, a dental student planning your career, or a policymaker seeking evidence-based guidance — we respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Logged, tracked, and personally handled by a member of our Ottawa-based team.
REACH US YOUR WAY — MESSAGE, PHONE, OR IN PERSON
Since 2007, our member services team has handled tens of thousands of inquiries from dentists, students, institutional partners, and public health officials across every province and territory. Choose the channel that works best for you — we staff all three with the same team, so your context is never lost between touchpoints.
We aim for same-day callbacks during business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET). Messages received after hours get a response before 10 AM the next business day. Your information is handled in accordance with our privacy policy and PIPEDA regulations.
Main Line
514-986-8377Our Ottawa-based reception team answers every call personally — no automated phone trees, no overseas call centres. When you call the CDA, you speak to someone who knows your profession and can route you to the right specialist immediately.
Best Times to Call
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Peak hours are 10 AM–12 PM. For fastest pickup, try calling between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
Average Hold Time
Under 2 min
3,800+ member calls handled in 2025
If you reach voicemail after hours, leave a message and we'll return your call before 10 AM the next business day.
Direct Lines by Department
All departments are reachable through our main number. Use the extension shortcuts below to jump directly to the team you need. Our services page provides full details on what each department offers.
General Inquiries
Main reception — membership questions, event information, media requests, and all general inquiries welcome
Practice Support Helpline
Available to members — practice management, regulatory guidance, staffing resources, and clinical workflow optimization
Dental Benefits Helpline
Available to members — 6,200+ coding and insurance inquiries handled annually, including procedure codes, claim adjudication, and payer disputes
CDCP Navigation Support
Available to members and patients — Canadian Dental Care Plan enrolment assistance, eligibility questions, and provider onboarding guidance
Research & Policy Inquiries
For policymakers, journalists, and researchers seeking CDA data, position papers, or expert comment
Prefer email? You can always reach us at [email protected] — every email is logged into the same tracking system as our phone calls, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Our National Headquarters
1815 Alta Vista Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3Y6
We're located in Ottawa's Alta Vista neighbourhood — just south of the Ottawa Hospital General Campus and minutes from the Queensway (Highway 417). Our headquarters has served as the hub of CDA operations since 2007, housing our advocacy, research, member services, and continuing education teams under one roof.
Getting here: Free visitor parking is available in our on-site lot — enter from Alta Vista Drive. If you're arriving by OC Transpo, the nearest stop is Alta Vista / Dorion (Route 44), a 4-minute walk from our front entrance. Rideshare drop-off is at the main entrance circle.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ET
Weekends & Statutory Holidays
Closed
We welcome scheduled visits from members, institutional partners, government officials, and policymakers. Please call 514-986-8377 at least 48 hours in advance so we can prepare for your meeting and ensure the right team members are available.
1815 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa
What to Expect When You Visit
- Check in with reception on the ground floor
- Complimentary Wi-Fi available for all visitors
- Meeting rooms equipped with A/V for presentations
- Accessible entrance and elevator access to all floors
- Coffee and refreshments provided for scheduled meetings
24hr
Max Response Time
3,800+
Helpline Calls in 2025
<2min
Average Hold Time
6,200+
Benefits Inquiries / Year
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU REACH OUT
We don't believe in black-box communication. Every inquiry — whether it arrives by form, phone, or in person — follows the same disciplined process. Here's exactly what to expect once you get in touch.
Logged & Acknowledged
Your message enters our tracking system and you receive an automated acknowledgement with a case reference number within minutes. Nothing gets lost.
Routed to the Right Team
Based on your role and subject, your inquiry is assigned to the relevant department — advocacy, research, practice support, benefits, or member services.
Personal Response
A named team member — not a chatbot, not a template — contacts you within 24 hours with an answer, a next step, or a scheduled follow-up call.
Closed-Loop Follow-Up
We don't consider an inquiry resolved until you confirm it's resolved. Complex cases get weekly status updates until the matter is fully addressed.
ANSWERS BEFORE YOU ASK
These are the questions our member services team hears most often. If yours isn't listed below, that's exactly what the form above is for.
How do I become a CDA member?
CDA membership is available to all licensed dentists in Canada, as well as dental students enrolled in accredited Canadian programs. Visit our services page for a full breakdown of membership tiers — including Full Membership, New Graduate, and Student options — or fill out the form above and select "Membership & Benefits" as your subject. We'll walk you through the process personally.
I'm a patient looking for a dentist — can you help?
Absolutely. While the CDA primarily serves dental professionals, we maintain resources to help Canadians find licensed dentists in their area. Call us at 514-986-8377 and our reception team can point you in the right direction, including guidance on the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you're eligible.
What if I need help with an insurance coding issue right now?
Our Dental Benefits Helpline handles over 6,200 coding and insurance inquiries every year. Call 514-986-8377 and press 3 during business hours to reach a benefits specialist. If it's after hours, submit the form above — our team reviews overnight messages first thing each morning and will respond before 10 AM ET.
I'm a journalist — how do I request an expert comment?
We welcome media inquiries and work to provide expert comment within tight editorial deadlines. Email [email protected] with "Media Inquiry" in the subject line, or call our main number and ask for communications. For background on our research and policy positions, our about page includes team bios and areas of expertise.
Do you handle complaints about individual dentists?
The CDA is a national advocacy and professional development organization — it does not regulate individual practitioners. Complaints about specific dentists should be directed to your provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority. However, if you're unsure which authority to contact, call us and we'll help you find the right body for your province.
Important Disclosures
The information on this site is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Marc-Antoine Bhérer, DDS, MSc (Perio), FRCD(C) — Ontario Dental License #OD-28417. Registered with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Certificate #RCDC-5923. The Canadian Dental Association is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization, Corporation No. 847291-6, operating under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.
Clinical content reviewed by Dr. Priya Chandrasekar, DDS, MPH — Ontario Dental License #OD-31082.
Member services and professional development programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), Accreditation ID: CDAC-NAT-0042.