Canada’s dental plan has officially kicked in

With the official launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a new era of accessible oral health care begins for millions across the country!

The first phase of the CDCP, unveiled on May 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to expand dental coverage for eligible Canadian residents, with full implementation expected by 2025. This phased approach aims to gradually extend eligibility, ensuring that those who need it most can benefit first.

As of May 2024, Canadians aged 70 and older can access oral healthcare services covered by the CDCP, while seniors between 65 and 69 can now sign up online. Starting June 2024, the plan will expand further to include individuals with disabilities and children under 18, replacing the interim dental benefit previously available.

One of the most impactful aspects of the CDCP is its potential to make dental care more affordable for up to 9 million Canadians currently without coverage. By bridging this gap, the collaboration between the Canadian government and oral health providers promises to bring essential care to those who need it most.

With an investment of $13 billion over five years, the CDCP is set to become one of the largest permanent government benefit programs to date. This significant funding underscores the government’s commitment to improving access to dental care for millions of uninsured Canadians.

The Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF), also expected to launch in May, will further reduce barriers to accessing oral health care, particularly in rural and remote communities. By complementing the CDCP, the OHAF will ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to maintain optimal oral health.

The collaboration between the Canadian government and oral health providers promises to bring essential care to those who need it most. As a participating provider under the CDCP, Cornerstone Family Dentistry is proud to support efforts to ensure that as many Canadians as possible receive the oral health care services they need to stay healthy.

Cornerstone always accepts new patients, so if you have questions about your dental health and coverage under the CDCP and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 705-749-0133 or info@cornerstonefd.ca. 

 

Quick Facts about the CDCP

The first phase of the Canadian Dental Care Plan was officially launched on May 1, 2024. 

Who Is Eligible?

• Seniors aged 65 and older can apply now
• Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate and children under 18 can apply to the CDCP online starting June 2024. 
• The CDCP will continue to support families with children under the age of 12 until June 30, 2024
• All other eligible Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 can apply online starting in 2025

To access the CDCP, you must:

• Be a Canadian resident
• Not have access to any dental insurance
• Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
• Have filed your 2023 tax return

Most routine dental care is covered under the CDCP, including:

• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Root canals
• Dentures

More complex dental services, like partial dentures and crowns, may require federal pre-authorization of payment. Pre-authorized services won’t be covered until November 2024. You can learn more about what’s covered and when on the government’s website here.

Where Can You Apply?

• Transitioning to online registration is just one example of how the CDCP aims to simplify the application process, making it easier for eligible individuals to access the benefits they deserve. Eligible Canadian residents can apply online
• You can also apply over the phone at 1-833-537-4342 or in person at a Service Canada kiosk near you. The Service Canada office in Peterborough is at 219 George St. N.

Cornerstone Family Dentistry has established itself as a highly regarded dental practice, with a deserved reputation for its focus on children and cosmetic dental treatments. In addition to family dentistry, emergency, hygiene appointments, and new patient treatments, we provide a wide range of other services including dental implants, Invisalign (invisible braces), porcelain metal-free crowns, tooth whitening, veneers, tooth extractions, sleep apnea appliances, sedation dentistry, dentures, facial aesthetics, and smile makeovers. Patients are often referred to us by other practitioners for our specialized care in children’s dentistry as we are the only office in the Peterborough area with a pediatric dentist available to work with infants, children, and adolescents. We also provide several treatment options for sedation dentistry such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation for those nervous young patients who find it difficult to sit through a dental procedure. For more information, visit us at cornerstonefamilydentistry.ca.