Plan expands access to oral health care by launching additional services and paper claims
BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, announced that more than 1 million Canadians have received care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and more than 2.7 million Canadians have been approved to be part of the plan.
The CDCP is saving Canadians on average more than $730 through a wide range of oral health care services, from cleanings to life-saving screenings for diseases like oral cancer.
Starting November 1, the CDCP will expand to include more services so even more Canadians across the country are able to receive the care that they need. The CDCP will begin accepting requests for services that require preauthorization. This will mean that it will be possible for patients to receive services such as the initial placement of partial dentures, or crowns, as well as requests for services when a CDCP patient has a particularly high need or complex condition. Each request will be assessed thoroughly on a case-by-case basis to see if the course of treatment recommended by the oral health practitioner meets the clinical criteria for coverage under the CDCP.
The CDCP will also begin accepting paper claim submissions for services covered under the CDCP. While most providers have been able to submit claims electronically since May 2024, providers who only work with paper claims will now also submit claims for their services. This is an important step to provide greater access to care for more Canadians.
More than 22,340 oral health providers nationwide, or 89% of active oral health providers in the country, are providing care to Canadians covered under the plan and have been crucial to the success of the CDCP in improving access to oral health care in Canada.
Thanks to consultations and established working groups, Health Canada has worked continuously with oral health providers to make the preauthorization process as seamless as possible for providers and their staff. Health Canada remains committed to working with providers across the country so these processes are implemented smoothly.
For more information, visit Canada.ca/dental.
Quotes
"In just six months, more than 1 million Canadians have received care through the CDCP. That is 1 million stories of Canadians getting dental care for a healthier, better life. 89% of oral health providers are already delivering care though the CDCP, and now with expanded services and paper claims, even more Canadians will access better, more affordable health."
–The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health
"Thanks to our Canadian Dental Care Plan, thousands of people in Brampton West are now enrolled and able to see a dentist where and when they need it. They are part of the 2.7 million Canadians across the country who are approved for the CDCP. And with additional services now covered under the plan, even more seniors, persons with disabilities, and children can access affordable oral health care. This new milestone of one million people having received affordable dental care thanks to our Plan shows the positive impact it is having for Canadian families—not only on their oral health but also on their bank accounts."
– The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
"Over 1 million Canadians have now been able to visit a dentist and access the oral health care they need and deserve thanks to the Canadian Dental Care Plan. This is a transformative program that is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. In Quebec and across the country, no one should have to decide between going to a dentist or paying their bills. We can all celebrate this milestone and look forward to more Canadians getting the smile they deserve."
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
"Reaching an incredible milestone of over 1 million Canadians receiving dental care in just six months through the Canadian Dental Care Plan highlights the necessity of this program. Many families who once faced barriers to affordable dental care are now accessing the treatments they need. If you're eligible and haven't signed up, we urge you to visit Canada.ca/Dental. Join the millions of Canadians already benefiting from this vital program!"
– The Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens' Services
Quick Facts
- Once fully implemented, the CDCP will help make oral health care more affordable for up to nine million Canadian residents who do not currently have access to dental insurance.
- Eligible Canadians who successfully apply to the CDCP will receive a welcome package which will include their coverage start date (benefit effective date). This date is found in their welcome letter rather than on their CDCP member card.
- Oral health providers are invited to consult the updated CDCP Dental Benefits Guide to review the supporting documentation necessary for services that require preauthorization and related policies and guidelines.
- People covered under the CDCP may have to pay additional charges, in addition to their co-payment, if applicable, depending on the services received and the cost of the treatment.
- Preauthorization requests must be submitted by the provider directly to Sun Life, along with supporting documentation and justifications, as outlined in the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.
- Online applications are currently open for seniors aged 65 and above, adults with a valid federal Disability Tax Credit certificate for 2023, and parents or guardians with children under 18. Applications for all remaining eligible Canadians will begin in 2025.
- CDCP Statistics on the number of eligible applicants, eligible applicants who received care and oral health providers participating in the CDCP can be found online.
Related Products
Associated Links
- Canadian Dental Care Plan – Apply
- Canadian Dental Care Plan for oral health providers
- CDCP Provider Search Tool
- CDCP Key Statistics
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Contacts: Waleed Saleem, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, [email protected]; Matthew Kronberg, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, 343-552-5654; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]
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