CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN (CDCP)
As the Canadian government launches the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP), it can play a pivotal role in helping Canadians address their dental care needs. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, the CDCP aims to bridge the gap for affordable options.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is set to revolutionize the landscape of dental healthcare across Canada. With an ambitious goal of extending coverage to uninsured residents whose annual family income falls below $90,000, this initiative is poised to positively impact the lives of up to nine million Canadians, easing the financial strains often associated with dental treatments.
The plan covers Canadian residents that completed their most recent tax return.
While the CDCP doesn’t replace private dental benefits, it significantly bridges gaps, ensuring more Canadians have access to necessary dental care. Under the plan, based on income, patients must pay a portion of their dental care under co-payment structure. By offering coverage for a range of dental services, from routine check-ups to more complex procedures, the plan aims to address disparities in dental care accessibility, ensuring that individuals and families can maintain optimal oral health.
Dental offices have the choice to bill their usual and standard fees, which means you may have to pay the portion of a dentist’s usual and standard feeds that CDCP doesn’t cover.
What Do You qualify for?
It’s important to know that the CDCP is not a “free dental care” plan as under the proposed plan, a portion of eligible dental expenses will be reimbursed in a co-payment structure where the amount people who qualify for it pay depends on their family’s adjusted net income. This payment will be paid directly to their oral health provider.
- Family income less than $70,000 annually: No co-payment
- Family income between $70,000 and $79,999: 40% co-payment
- Family income between $80,000 and $89,999: 60% co-payment
But, what is different is that the rates are established by the CDCP instead of the standard provincial and territorial rates to ensure that patients don’t get additional expenses during dental treatments.
What about pension dental plans or Health Spending Accounts?
Both are considered to have access to dental benefits by CDCP.
What does CDCP offer?
While the specifics of coverage are yet to be released to the public, the CDCP promises a comprehensive array of services.
- Preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride.
- Diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays.
- Restorative services, including fillings.
- Endodontic services, including root canal treatments.
- Prosthodontic services, including complete and partial removable dentures.
- Periodontal services, including deep scaling.
- Oral surgery services, including extractions.
- Crown [Not available until Nov 2024]
- Bridge [Not available until Nov 2024]
- Dentures [Not available until Nov 2024]
Some services will require a preauthorization of reapproval.
What is the maximum?
There are no dollar maximums, but the CDCP does have frequency maximums. So if you get a tooth restored with a filling, you will not be eligible for another filling until 24 months have passed.
When does it reset?
The plan runs from July to June so if you are accepted, they will give you coverage for the whole year from July to June.
How is this different to Canadian Dental Benefit (CDB):
The Canadian Dental Benefit (CDB) is a interm solution for children under 12 without private dental benefits. It is a tax-free payment system to cover dental expenses. With benefits up to $650 per child annually based on family income.
How to apply?
Applying for the CDCP is a straightforward process. Eligible individuals will receive invitation letters, starting with seniors in December 2023, and following in phases until 2025. Simply use the personalized application code provided in the letter and confirm eligibility through a phone application. To ensure you receive your letter, make sure your contact information is updated with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Enrolment Schedule
Seniors aged 87 and older: Starting December 2023
Seniors aged 77 to 86: Starting January 2024
Seniors aged 72 to 76: Starting January 2024
Seniors aged 70 to 71: Starting March 2024
Seniors aged 65 to 69: Starting May 2024
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate: Starting June 2024
Children under the age of 18: Starting June 2024
All remaining eligible Canadian residents: Starting Jan 2025
You can apply to CDCP through the CRA My Account. Learn more on how to apply.
Post Application
Once you’ve applied and Revenue Canada confirms that you qualify, they will share your information with Sun Life, who will enroll you in the CDCP.
Sun Life will then send you a welcome package, which will include:
- Information on the CDCP
- Your member card
- Your coverage start date
Then you contact Midland Avenue Dental!
Can I bring my welcome package?
You are more than welcomed to bring your welcome package to your first appointment
Midland Avenue Dental CDCP FAQ
In order to provide the best quality care for our patients we want to answer as many questions as we can.
Will we accept the new CDCP policy?
Yes, absolutely. We can to provide as much dental care as we can to the community. You can also learn about our team so you can see how much fun and inviting our office is!
What insurance is CDCP through?
Sunlife.
Do you offer direct billing for CDCP?
Yes!