Dental care is important, not just for aesthetics but also for health reasons. As you age, you become prone to dental problems because your gums tend to recede, increasing the likelihood of cavities and other more sinister issues, requiring root canals, tooth extractions, the use of dentures, and more.
The good news is that the Canadian government has made dental care more accessible through the introduction of a specialized plan.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to this new program.
About the New Canadian Dental Care Plan
The 1st of May, 2024, saw the introduction of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) that provides dental insurance coverage for senior citizens. It covers those who are 70 years of age or older, and even those between the ages of 65 and 69 can apply for coverage.
Published and managed by Health Canada, this plan offers much promise for the aged who cannot afford dental care. Canadians who do not have existing dental care plans will receive coverage, with an estimated budget of $13 billion to be allotted to this cause over the course of the next five years.
The Importance of Proper Dental Care for the Aged
Your oral health care program can affect your overall well-being, and neglecting your teeth could lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease.
Even though taking care of your teeth is so important, especially as an elderly person, many Canadians have difficulty getting around the financial aspect, mostly because of exorbitant dental care expenses and a lack of insurance coverage.
Acknowledging these difficulties, the federal government established the CDCP to close the gap and offer individuals in need of dental treatment access to these services at a reasonable cost.
When Does the CDCP Kick in?
Currently, anyone who is over the age will have coverage under the CDCP as of the 1st of May, 2024. However, citizens between the ages of 65 and 69 can also apply for dental coverage under this program to receive the oral surgery services they require.
What This Plan Covers
Keep in mind that most basic dental services are covered. This includes the following:
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Cleanings
- Root canal treatments
In addition, other services, such as denture placement, are also covered.
Keep in mind, however, that you will need to visit an oral health provider that has chosen to participate in the Canadian Dental Care Plan in order to access these benefits.
The truth is that using a dentist who has explicitly chosen not to accept CDCP coverage will result in you having to cover the cost of care or obtaining coverage from a private plan.
How Much Coverage Can Eligible Candidates Expect?
It’s important to remember that the CDCP may only cover a portion of your dental expenses, depending on a person’s household income. Let’s look at some of the scenarios where the elderly patient will only receive a partial dental benefit:
- If their annual family income is between $70,000 and $89,999 or higher,
- The cost of oral health care services exceeds the CDCP threshold, or
- Your dental care program includes services that are not covered by this plan.
However, if financial barriers have resulted in a candidate being thrust into an unfavourable financial situation, they may qualify for full dental care coverage.
Eligibility Criteria
You will need to keep in mind that there are certain eligibility criteria that apply. Let’s take a look at them in the section below.
You may be covered partially or not be covered at all in the following circumstances:
- Your net family income does not exceed $90,000.
- No employer benefits are offered that include coverage for dental care. This includes health and wellness accounts.
- You do not receive pension benefits from a previous employer.
- A tax return has been filed in the previous year.
- You are a Canadian citizen (this is for tax purposes).
It’s important to mention here that you may still be eligible for CDCP benefits even if you receive territorial, provincial, or federal government social program benefits.
How the CDCP Compares to Provincial Programs
The truth is that there are a number of provincial programs available to offer dental coverage to those who cannot afford it. However, it is important to remember that these programs are incredibly limited and, in most cases, simply do not offer sufficient coverage.
The CDCP covers more dental services at better rates, allowing patients to even obtain dentures should they require them. Although there aren’t many dental clinics that currently support this new plan, more is said to come on board to ensure its success.
How We Can Help You Take Advantage of This Federal Government Program
Inserting dentures can truly be life-changing. Many people over the age of 65 believe that all is lost because of their dental issues. The good news is that we can insert removable dentures to restore your smile.
If you are looking for a trusted dental clinic that can help restore your teeth under the CDCP, then your search ends here. As a trusted practice, we can assist with the following dental services:
- Extractions. Teeth that are ridden with cavities can cause incredible pain and discomfort. We can help you
- Complete dentures, including standard and temporary dentures. We can also help you fill in missing teeth with high-quality dentures.
- Denture repairs, relines, and rebases. Suppose your dentures need tweaking or repairs to ensure that they fit correctly and serve their purpose well. In that case, you can turn to us for assistance.
- Placing of the lining in dentures to condition oral tissues. This process involves placing a “cushion” between your dentures and soft tissue to promote comfort and healing.
- Complete, immediate, and overdentures. We can assist with a number of different denture types. Keep in mind that this will require reauthorization.
- Initial placement and replacement of partial dentures. These services are covered under the CDCP but will also require reauthorization.
Contact Shreve Dental Clinic Today!
At Shreve Denture Clinic, we are committed to offering quality services to our patients. If you are looking for high-quality, reliable dental care, then you can turn to us.
From diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays, to prosthodontic services, such as the insertion of complete dentures and partial removable dentures, and oral surgery services that include extractions, we offer a comprehensive range of dental solutions.
Improve your dental health and restore your smile today by taking advantage of CDCP benefits at Shreve Denture Clinic!
**Disclaimer: This article has been checked for accuracy at the time of being written. We periodicity check and update all of our website information… but for all official eligibility, rules and online application of the CDCP please always visit the Official Government of Canada website here.
