Dental care should be an essential part of your health care regimen, especially with so many links between periodontal (gum) disease and overall health and well-being. That's why the Canadian government has the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help make high-quality dental care more accessible to all patients.
As a CDCP dentist in Barrie, at Park Place Dental, we're committed to helping you make the most of your plan to help you achieve optimal dental health. That's why we've created a guide to help patients understand their CDCP benefits, including what is covered and what is not, ensuring there are no financial surprises when planning for dental care. Here's what you should know.
CDCP Eligibility: The Four Requirements
First, it's essential to understand who is eligible for CDCP coverage and who is not. Here are the four requirements set forth by the government in Canada:
- Insurance — You must not have access to dental insurance from any other source, including a spouse or partner, an employer, or other sources. If you receive coverage through a provincial, territorial, or other government program, you may still be able to qualify for CDCP benefits.
- Taxpayer — You must be a Canadian taxpayer who files a return. You and your partner or spouse must have both filed taxes in Canada for the previous year to be assessed for CDCP benefits.
- Income — Your adjusted family income cannot exceed $90,000 per year. If your family makes under $70,000 per year, you may qualify for 100 percent coverage. If you make $70,000 to $79,999 per year, you may be eligible for 60 percent coverage with a 40 percent copay. If you make $80,000 to $89,999 per year, you may qualify for 40 percent coverage with a 60 percent copay.
- Residency — You must be a resident of Canada.
Covered Services Overview
It is important to understand that not all dental services are covered by CDCP benefits. You can contact your Park Place Dental team at (705) 728-9922 for help in navigating your CDCP benefits. Here is a quick overview of coverage:
- Preventive Care — This includes routine teeth cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, oral cancer screenings, and x-rays
- Periodontal Treatment — Treatment for early (gingivitis) and advanced (periodontitis) gum disease
- Restorative Treatment — Dental fillings, crowns, root canals, and dentures
- Oral Surgery — Tooth extraction
- Orthodontic Services — Limited services for straightening teeth following strict criteria
You can find more information on covered services in the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.
Understanding the Costs
There's a common misconception that dental work is free or covered at 100 percent under the CDCP benefits. Unfortunately, this is not true. The CDCP is a government benefit, but patients must pay a percentage of the cost, resulting in an out-of-pocket expense. This is calculated based on your family's adjusted income total, and the only exception is if your family makes less than $70,000 per year. In this case, you might be eligible for coverage at 100 percent.
It's also important to note that there may be additional fees to your provider that you'll be responsible for, depending on your needs. At Park Place Dental, we aim to provide you with a close estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses; however, it is just an estimate.
How to Apply and Get Care
If you meet all four of the requirements for CDCP benefits, you can apply now online. Here's what you will need to be prepared to apply:
- Date of birth
- Social insurance number (SIN)
- Full name
- Mailing address
- Notice of assessment from last year's taxes filed in Canada
- List of dental coverage through other government programs, if applicable
Coverage must be renewed each year to ensure that you still qualify for CDCP benefits.
Booking Your First Appointment
As a trusted Barrie, ON, CDCP dentist, we're waiting to welcome you at Park Place Dental! Contact our team at (705) 728-9922 to schedule an appointment or request a visit online.
Please bring your CDCP member card and welcome letter to your first visit. Park Place Dental is a CDCP participating dental clinic, and our team is happy to handle direct billing of your claims to Sun Life. We will provide estimates of your out-of-pocket expenses for treatment before starting any procedures, so there are no financial surprises.
We look forward to caring for your smile!
