Understanding the cost of dental care is a crucial aspect of maintaining oral health, especially when utilizing coverage options like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). For many residents of Ontario, the CDCP provides substantial financial relief by covering a significant portion of dental treatment expenses. However, determining exactly how much does dental care cost with CDCP can still be complex.
This article will break down the costs associated with dental services covered by the CDCP, explain co-payment requirements, and provide insights on what patients can expect to pay out-of-pocket. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how the CDCP makes dental care more affordable and accessible.
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How does CDCP service coverage work?
The Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is designed to make dental care more accessible and affordable for eligible Canadian residents. To receive coverage, patients must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, such as having an annual household income under $90,000 and lacking access to private dental insurance.
Once eligible, patients can apply online and, upon approval, will receive a welcome package from Sun Life, the plan’s administrator. This package includes a member card, co-payment details, and the coverage start date.
The CDCP covers a wide range of dental services, including routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, dentures, and extractions.
Some procedures, like certain surgeries or orthodontic treatments, may require preauthorization, meaning prior approval based on the dentist’s recommendations. The dentist will check the coverage details before treatment begins to ensure it falls under the CDCP. Services requiring preauthorization will be available from November 2024.
The coverage amount and any potential co-payment will vary depending on the specific treatment and the patient’s financial situation, ensuring dental care remains within reach for those needing it most.
What is CDCP co-payment?
The CDCP co-payment refers to the portion of dental care costs patients must pay out-of-pocket under the Canada Dental Care Plan. While the CDCP significantly reduces the financial burden of dental treatments by covering a substantial part of the costs, it does not necessarily cover all expenses. The co-payment amount depends on the patient’s adjusted family net income:
Category 1: No Co-Payment:
There is no co-payment for families with an adjusted annual family net income under $70,000. This means the CDCP covers the full cost of eligible dental services.
Category 2: 40% Co-Payment:
Families with an adjusted annual family net income between $70,000 and $79,999 are required to pay 40% of the cost of eligible dental services. The CDCP covers the remaining 60%.
Category 3: 60% Co-Payment:
For those with an adjusted annual family net income between $80,000 and $89,999, the co-payment is 60%, with the CDCP covering the remaining 40%.
Patients may also need to pay additional charges exceeding the standard fees covered by the CDCP. When booking an appointment, patients need to discuss with their dentist what costs will be covered by the CDCP and what they will need to pay out-of-pocket. This helps avoid any unexpected expenses and ensures transparency in dental care costs.
How do I determine how much dental work will cost with CDCP coverage in Ontario?
The best way to determine how much you might have to pay out-of-pocket for a dental procedure is to contact our office. Our staff will be able to give you an exact breakdown of what and how much is covered so that you won’t have any surprises after your appointment.
We know how important full transparency is, so we discuss every procedure and associated fee (if any) with our patients before treatment begins.
We also recommend informing yourself so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Two resources for information are:
Contact CDCP Administrators
If you have any questions or need further clarification, contact the CDCP administrators. They can provide detailed information on coverage and costs:
- Website: Canada.ca Dental Care Plan
- Helpline: Call the CDCP helpline for assistance. 1-833-537-4342 (Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm EST)
Review the SunLife CDCP welcome package
Upon enrollment, review the welcome package provided by Sun Life. This package includes your member card, co-payment details, and coverage start date. It will also have detailed information on what services are covered and how to proceed with claims.
By following these steps, you can clearly understand how much your dental work will cost with CDCP coverage in Ontario, ensuring you are prepared for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Your dental health is vitally important
Obtaining regular dental care is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Good oral health prevents common issues like cavities and gum disease and reduces the risk of more serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Unfortunately, visiting your dentist regularly can be financially challenging, which is why the CDCP is such a great initiative.
By covering a wide range of dental services and reducing financial barriers, the CDCP ensures that more people can prioritize their oral health without worrying about high costs. This support not only improves individual health outcomes but also contributes to the community’s overall health, highlighting the CDCP’s vital role in fostering a healthier, happier population.
Yes, our staff can provide you with all the details about a treatment’s cost and what CDCP coverage you are eligible for before your appointment.
While general pricing practices are in place for all dental clinics in Ontario, prices for different procedures may still vary. Please check with our office for detailed pricing and CDCP coverage details.
If you cannot afford the co-payment, discuss payment plans or financing options with your dental office. Many clinics offer flexible payment solutions to help manage out-of-pocket expenses.
With CDCP coverage, routine dental check-ups are typically covered for eligible patients, but please consult with our office prior to treatment to find out if there will be any fees you are responsible for (co-payment, etc.).
The best way to determine how much a procedure will cost at our clinic is to contact us beforehand. We can determine your level of coverage and inform you if there are any out-of-pocket costs you will be required to pay.
Yes, both our Hamilton and St. Catharines clinic locations offer CDCP coverage to eligible patients.
Additional resources
Martindale Dental CDCP Information Page
8 Tips To Maximize Your CDCP Coverage
What services are covered under CDCP?
Does CDCP work with other forms of dental coverage?
What to Do If Your CDCP Coverage Doesn’t Include Your Treatment
Handling a Dental Emergency Using CDCP Coverage
CDCP Commonly Asked Questions Answered
How The CDCP Reduces Dental Health Disparities
Handling a Dental Emergency Using CDCP Coverage
Do Dental Clinics Benefit From Offering CDCP Coverage?
Best Practices for Dentists When Communicating the CDCP to Patients
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Have more questions?
Please contact us for all inquiries or to book an appointment with one of our convenient clinic locations. We look forward to hearing from you.
