The new government-funded initiative helps ease financial barriers for oral health care in Nanaimo, BC.
At Nanaimo Smiles, our commitment has always been to create a safe, welcoming environment where all smiles can receive exceptional dental care. Nanaimo Smiles is pleased to accept and help our patients navigate the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
The introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) marks a significant advancement in ensuring more smiles can access vital dental services to uphold optimal oral health. This new government-funded initiative broadens access to a wider array of health services that contribute to overall well-being. We are devoted to guiding and supporting members of our community through this initiative, ensuring they understand their eligibility and how to access necessary dental care in Nanaimo, BC. Our objective is to empower individuals and families to prioritize their dental well-being, fostering healthier smiles and lives throughout our community.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan?
The CDCP is a government-funded initiative aimed at providing essential dental services to eligible individuals across Canada. Its primary goal is to ensure that all Canadians can access basic dental care, regardless of their financial situation. Typical covered services include examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental care. The details of coverage may differ between provinces and territories, as each region administers the program based on its own guidelines and fee structures.
Who qualifies for the CDCP?
The CDCP aims to reduce financial barriers to oral health care for eligible Canadian residents who meet specific criteria:
- You do not have access to dental insurance through employer benefits, pension plans, or private group plans.
- Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 annually.
- You are a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your tax return for the previous year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, both individuals must meet these eligibility requirements. Eligibility for children under 18 is determined based on their parents’ or guardians’ eligibility.
How do I apply for the Canada Dental Care Plan?
To apply for the CDCP, ensure you meet all four eligibility requirements before proceeding with your application. Check the schedule below to determine when you can apply based on your group:
- Aged 65 or older: Applications are currently open.
- Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate: Applications opened on June 27, 2024.
- Children under the age of 18: Applications also opened on June 27, 2024.
- All other eligible residents (not in the above groups): Applications will begin in 2025.
To apply online at Canada.ca, you’ll need to gather specific information for each applicant:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) (if available for children)
- Date of birth
- Full name
- Home and mailing address
- List of any dental coverage through government social programs
- Confirmation that you and your spouse or common-law partner have filed your tax return for 2023 and received your Notice of Assessment.
To expedite the process and prevent delays, submit a single application for all qualifying individuals. This ensures comprehensive coverage under the CDCP.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once your application is submitted, Health Canada will review your eligibility and forward your information to Sun Life for enrollment in the plan. Within three months of your application submission, you can expect to receive a welcome package from Sun Life. This package will include details such as the start date of your coverage, your membership card, and comprehensive information about the CDCP. It’s important to note that ongoing eligibility requires an annual reassessment.
When can I book an appointment with a dentist?
Your coverage under the CDCP begins on the date specified in your welcome package from Sun Life. Schedule dental appointments on or after this date to ensure coverage for eligible services. When booking appointments, confirm that the dental provider accepts CDCP patients and determine your expected coverage for the visit to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
What services are covered by the CDCP?
The CDCP covers a variety of preventive and basic dental services, including examinations, cleanings, fillings, root canals, dentures, and oral surgery. Some services may require preauthorization, and there are limitations based on your oral health needs and medical conditions.
What services are not covered by the CDCP?
Certain dental procedures are excluded from CDCP coverage and are not eligible for appeal. These include veneers, teeth whitening, complex dentures, dental implants, and other specified treatments. For a comprehensive list of exclusions, consult participating providers or refer to the CDCP guidelines.
How much will be covered by the CDCP?
Coverage under the CDCP is based on your adjusted family net income and the established CDCP fee schedule. The plan will reimburse a percentage of eligible dental costs, while you may be responsible for a co-payment based on your income level. Co-payments are paid directly to the dental provider for services not fully covered by the CDCP.
Please refer to the table below for co-payment percentages based on adjusted family net income.
| Net Family Income | Covered by CDCP | Covered by Patient |
| Below $70,000 | 100% | 0% |
| $70,000 – $79,999 | 60% | 40% |
| $80,000 – $89,999 | 40% | 60% |
There may be maximum amounts that the plan will pay annually, so each person’s coverage should be checked to get an estimate from Sun Life prior to proceeding with treatment. Even a 100 percent coverage may leave a balance owing as there is a discrepancy between the CDCP guide and the BC Dental Association Fee Guide.
Does Nanaimo Smiles accept CDCP?
At Nanaimo Smiles, we are thrilled to welcome CDCP because we firmly believe that every smile deserves exceptional dental care. We follow the BCDA fee guide and will provide an estimate of the balance for any amounts the CDCP does not cover. Accepting CDCP allows us to expand our dedication to making dental health accessible to a wider range of individuals in our community in Nanaimo, BC. This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access necessary dental treatments with compassion and professionalism. We are eager to continue serving our patients through the CDCP, advancing our commitment to promoting oral health and overall well-being for all.
Canada Dental Care Plan in Nanaimo, BC
At Nanaimo Smiles, we are committed to embracing every smile, regardless of financial circumstances. The introduction of CDCP represents a substantial step forward in delivering vital dental services to a broader segment of Canadians, thereby improving overall access to oral health care. Our mission is to empower individuals and families to prioritize dental health, promoting healthier smiles and enhancing lives across our community in Nanaimo, BC. If you have any questions about applying for CDCP or what services are included, contact our team.