Understanding the Canadian Dental Care Plan: A Guide for Parkway Dental Care Patients

As of December 2023, the Canadian government introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a pivotal initiative aimed at reducing financial barriers to dental care for eligible Canadian residents. Parkway Dental Care is committed to keeping our patients informed about this significant development and how it can benefit you and your family. This post will provide an overview of the CDCP, its coverage, and what it means for you as a patient at our clinic.

What Is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

The CDCP is designed to make dental care more accessible by covering a portion of the cost of various oral health services for eligible Canadians. The initiative targets to ease the financial strain of dental expenses, starting with applications opening in phases for seniors, and extending coverage to families with young children under the Canada Dental Benefit until June 30, 2024.

Services Covered by the CDCP

The range of services covered by the CDCP is comprehensive, focusing on maintaining oral health, preventing, and treating dental issues. These services include but are not limited to:

  • Preventive services such as scaling, polishing, sealants, and fluoride treatments.
  • Diagnostic services including exams and x-rays.
  • Restorative services like fillings.
  • Endodontic services including root canal treatments.
  • Prosthodontic services such as complete and partial removable dentures.
  • Periodontal services including deep scaling.
  • Oral surgery services, notably extractions.

It’s important to note that some services will require preauthorization, a process designed to ensure that treatments are necessary and covered under the plan.

Financial Coverage and Co-payments

The CDCP will reimburse a percentage of dental service costs based on established CDCP fees and your adjusted family net income. Families with an adjusted net income lower than $70,000 will have 100% of eligible oral health care service costs covered, while those with higher incomes may face a co-payment. These co-payments are a portion of the CDCP fees that aren’t covered by the plan, which you will need to pay directly to the oral health provider.

Participating in the CDCP as a Dental Provider

Parkway Dental Care is proud to participate in the CDCP, offering our patients the benefits of this plan. Starting March 11, 2024, dental providers like us can confirm participation with Sun Life, the entity managing the CDCP. By participating, we agree to validate CDCP client information, confirm eligible services before treatment, and receive direct payment from Sun Life for services covered under the CDCP.

What This Means for Parkway Dental Care Patients

For our patients, this means greater access to essential dental services with reduced out-of-pocket expenses. We encourage you to discuss with us the services covered under the CDCP and understand any additional charges that may not be covered by the plan. Our team is here to help you navigate the CDCP benefits and ensure you receive the dental care you need without financial stress.

Staying Informed and Safe

Be aware of scams targeting Canadians regarding the CDCP. If you receive any suspicious communication, verify its legitimacy by contacting the official CDCP helpline. At Parkway Dental Care, we are here to assist you with any questions you may have about the plan and your eligibility.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan represents a significant step forward in making dental care more accessible and affordable for Canadians. At Parkway Dental Care, we are excited to offer the benefits of this plan to our patients, ensuring that you receive the high-quality dental care you deserve. Whether you’re in need of preventive care, restorative treatments, or any other dental services, we’re here to support you through the CDCP and beyond.

Book your appointment with us today to learn more about how you can take advantage of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and maintain your oral health without financial barriers.