Dental health is a critical component of the overall well-being. Healthy teeth and gums make for a happier and healthier individual. The teeth should be beautifully white and cavity-free. Meanwhile, the gums should be evenly pink in colour, well-supported by your bones. With regular preventive dental care, this can be well-maintained.
However, this is not the case for everyone. Due to financial constraints and instability, many Canadians are denied access to dental care. So, to make up for it, the government has stepped in with the Canada Dental Care Program (CDCP).
This article delves into the key role of CDCP in the lives of many Canadians, its eligibility criteria, benefits, and where you can find a CDCP clinic near your area.
What is the Canada Dental Care Program (CDCP)?
The Canadian government has introduced the Canada Dental Care Program (CDCP) to bridge the gap between essential oral health services and financially underprivileged Canadians.
This groundbreaking initiative ensures that dental care remains an essential part of the health care system by providing all Canadians, regardless of economic status, with access to basic dental care. Because of this, disparities in oral health across individuals is significantly resolved, with more affordable necessary dental treatments being more available for everyone.
The Objectives Canada Dental Care Program
As a landmark initiative, the primary objectives of the CDCP are:
- Improve access to dental care – by providing families with financial assistance for basic preventive dental services, access to dental care is now more reachable to low and middle-income families.
- Prevent dental diseases – as an advocate of preventive dentistry, CDCP and its service benefits reduces the incidence of dental problems, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.
- Promote oral health education – aside from basic services, CDCP also aims to provide Canadians with public awareness in the maintenance of their oral health by encouraging good hygiene practices.
Which Calgarians are eligible?
Generally, the CDCP targets individuals who struggle to afford dental care. The eligibility criteria include:
- Income threshold – This program is specifically designed for families with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
- Insurance coverage – Non-policy holders are also eligible to receive dental care through CDCP.
- Age groups – The CDCP has now expanded coverage to seniors, with increasing individual eligibilty increasing over the months as CDCP continues to cover wider age groups.
Aside from these clauses, you must also be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and have filed your tax return in the previous year to qualify.
How do you apply for the program?
Here are a few key steps to ensure eligible Canadians can access their benefits using the CDCP:
- Determine eligibility – First, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria as established by the CDCP.
- Documentation – Then, all required documents must be gathered to support your application. This includes your proof of income, identification, proof of residence, and insurance status.
- Application Form – An application form is available on the official CDCP website or your provincial health department’s website. Download and fill out the application form completely. This will be submitted to the provided address or your local health office. You may also choose online submission if available.
Once submitted, the application processing time may vary. Typically, you will receive a confirmation or additional request within a few weeks when necessary.
What services are covered by the program?
The CDCP covers a wide range of basic and preventive dental services, including:
- Preventive services – professional teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental sealants
- Diagnostic services – regular dental examinations and X-rays
- Restorative services – dental fillings
- Oral surgery services – tooth extractions
- Periodontal services – deep scaling
- Endodontic services – root canal treatment
- Prosthodontic services – complete and partial removable dentures
- Emergency dental care – urgent treatment to address toothache, dental infection, and other immediate dental health issues.
This program sets annual limits on coverage to manage costs effectively across all its eligible beneficiaries while still providing essential services.
Also, note that some oral health care services will require preauthorization. This is where prior approval, based on your dentist’s recommendation, is required before treatment. This ensures that the procedure will be covered by the CDCP.
How do you find a clinic that is part of the CDCP?
Finding a dental clinic in Canada that accepts the CDCP involves a few straightforward steps. You may consider this guide to locate participating clinics:
- Check official resources – A list of providers should be available in the official CDCP website or your provincial/territorial health department’s website.
- Contact local health offices – You may also reach out to your local health department or unit so they can provide you with information regarding clinics in your area that accept the CDCP.
- Consult with your dentist – If you already have a dentist, you may also consider asking them if they accept the CDCP. Otherwise, they might be able to refer you to a colleague or clinic who does.
Midpark Dental and the Canada Dental Care Program
At Midpark Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care to our community. With that, we are proud to announce that our clinic is now a participating provider in the Canada Dental Care Program (CDCP). This means that we accept CDCP coverage, making it easier for eligible patients to access the dental services they need.
As a CDCP-approved clinic, Midpark Dental is able to provide comprehensive care for eligible patients. This includes all services covered by the CDCP such as dental diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.
To enjoy your benefits today, contact our team and let us discuss your coverage.
Conclusion
Good oral hygiene and access to dental care are essential for preventing diseases, maintaining nutrition, and ensuring quality of life. With the Canada Dental Care Program, the government is able to address the critical gap in the nation’s health care system by providing financial support for dental services.
If you are located within Southeast Calgary and are looking for a CDCP-approved clinic, Midpark Dental is here to serve. Schedule an appointment with our team and let us help you get started on a brighter and healthier smile.