Canadian Dental Care Plan

If you’re eligible for existing provincial government programs, you’ll still be able to apply for the CDCP. Provincial dental programs aren’t included in the insurance category that Heath Canada has listed as a qualifying factor.

Dentists believe that the CDCP should improve access to care for people who don’t have benefits. The CDCP should not take away or replace the benefits that people already have. If you have an existing one, you shouldn’t cancel. You’re still considered to have access to dental insurance, and therefore be considered ineligible for CDCP, if you choose to opt out of available benefits like these.

No, we strongly recommend that you continue with your regular scheduled appointments. If you cancel, you will deal with wait times, we don’t know what will be covered, and your current condition could worsen. You and your dentist can determine the best plan for your oral health.

There’s no additional fee. This is the usual fee we charge that is set yearly by the Newfoundland Dental Association (NLDA) for all patients, regardless of their specific dental benefits coverage. The federal government decided not to fully fund the CDCP. Unfortunately, this lack of funding puts the responsibility on the patients and their dentist.

Dental offices are like mini-hospitals and there’s a lot that goes into the cost of dental care – expensive equipment, infection control, rent, utilities, staffing cost, and high levels of training and so much more. We believe dentists should be fairly compensated by the government to offset this cost.

You’ll have some out-of-pocket costs because the CDCP doesn’t cover 100% of the normal fees. Every group has a different level of coverage, so that will impact your level of co-payment and the remaining balance billed by your dental clinic.

Once you apply through Health Canada and they confirm that you qualify, your information will be shared with Sun Life, who’ll enroll you in the CDCP. Sun Life will then provide your coverage start date and member card.

The start date to access oral health care will vary based on when each group can apply, when the application is received, and when enrollment is completed. Please contact the government with any specific questions.

We have enrolled and are accepting patients under that CDCP plan!