Patients sitting in Dr. Ayesha Jabeen’s dental chair often display a sense of joy. For many Canadian seniors, the chance to receive dental care has been a long-awaited opportunity. This change is largely due to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which aims to alleviate the financial burden of dental services.
Dr. Jabeen, a dentist at Dentistry on 14 in Markham, notes the excitement among her patients. “Some of them have probably not had their teeth cleaned in ages,” she said. The CDCP is one of the largest social initiatives in Canadian history, set to provide dental care for up to nine million eligible Canadians.
Since its implementation, over 2.1 million Canadians have been approved for the CDCP, with approximately 250,000 already receiving dental care under the plan. “There are a lot of people who have never been to the dentist,” Dr. Jabeen remarked. She understands the significant impact this program will have on seniors who often require dental assistance.
Dr. Jabeen is among nearly 12,000 dental providers who have registered with the CDCP. While some dentists have opted out of formal registration, they can still assist CDCP patients. As of July 8, eligible providers can offer services on a claim-by-claim basis without needing to formally enroll.
Health Minister Mark Holland emphasized the importance of this flexibility. “Allowing providers options for how they provide care to CDCP clients means that more people will be able to receive affordable dental care,” he stated. “This is something every Canadian deserves.”
Many seniors are visiting the dentist for the first time, finally addressing long-standing dental issues due to financial constraints.
“Some of these people have been waiting for years,” Dr. Jabeen explained. She has spoken with seniors who are grateful for the program’s implementation.
To qualify for the CDCP, seniors must be Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. They must also lack access to employer or private dental insurance and have filed their 2023 tax return. Eligible providers include dentists, dental hygienists, denturists, and dental specialists.
Dr. Jabeen highlighted the struggles of seniors unable to afford dental care. “It’s difficult when your teeth are hurting and you can’t go to a dentist because you don’t have the finances for it,” she said. She expressed hope that the program will be implemented smoothly, noting that many initiatives face challenges during rollout.
To minimize out-of-pocket expenses for CDCP patients, providers must agree to bill Sun Life directly for covered services. Once a claim is approved, providers can expect reimbursement within 48 hours, with plans to reduce this to 24 hours in the future.
Patients enrolled in the CDCP can choose any dentist willing to bill Sun Life directly. Those without a registered dentist can use the CDCP provider search tool to find one in their area.
“Dental care is an integral part of our health and well-being,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs. She added that the plan aims to make quality dental care more accessible and affordable for Canadian families.
The Markham Smile Centre has recently begun accepting CDCP patients. Staff member Evelyn Villaneuva emphasized the importance of regular dental visits for seniors. “It’s something everyone should be looking to get registered for because there are a lot of elderly people out there in need of care,” she said.
Failure to address dental issues can lead to severe complications. Villaneuva pointed out that untreated cavities can cause bacteria to spread, resulting in more extensive and costly problems.
For seniors facing financial challenges due to rising costs, the CDCP represents a significant opportunity. Villaneuva noted, “It has been a long time coming. Finances can be tight as we get older, and with inflation, everything gets more expensive.”
The CDCP is available to seniors, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and children under 18. Eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 will be able to apply online starting in 2025.
CDCP patients may incur additional charges beyond their co-payment, depending on the services provided. It is essential for patients to inquire about any costs not covered by the plan before undergoing treatment.
Dr. Jabeen has noticed an increasing number of seniors registering for the CDCP. “People are finding out about the plan through word of mouth,” she said. This program not only eases financial burdens but also enhances overall health for seniors.
“A lot of seniors don’t have teeth and they have not had a good meal in years,” Dr. Jabeen stated. She emphasized the connection between dental health and overall well-being, noting that many seniors experience stomach issues due to poor nutrition stemming from dental problems.
The CDCP is a crucial step toward improving access to dental care for vulnerable populations in Canada. As more seniors learn about the program, the hope is that they will take advantage of the services available to them.