Today, the Honourable Mark Holland joined the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, to announce that eligible children under the age of 18 and adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Since the launch of the CDCP, more than 2 million seniors have been approved to receive coverage under the Plan and since May 1, over 200,000 have already gotten care for services like cleaning, fillings, dentures.
With applications opening today for two new groups of Canadians, approximately 1.2 million more people will soon have access to improved oral health. This will mean approximately 938,000 children and close to 183,000 adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate will have more affordable access to the care that they need.
There are currently more than 11,400 oral health providers including hygienists, dentists, and denturists offering a wide range of services to CDCP clients. If CDCP clients do not already have an oral health provider, they can consult Sun Life's CDCP Provider Search to find a provider in their community or speak to their local oral health provider to see if they accept CDCP clients. As of July 8, any oral health provider will be able to bill Sun Life directly for care provided to any CDCP client without having to formally participate in the program.
Successful applicants will receive a welcome package from Sun Life within approximately three months of their application, which will include an overview of their coverage and their coverage start date. Expenses for treatments provided under the CDCP will not be covered prior to the coverage start date.
CDCP patients may have to pay additional charges, in addition to their co-payment, if applicable, depending on the services received and the cost of the treatment. Before receiving any services, CDCP patients should confirm the amount that is not covered by the CDCP.
Oral health care is health care. No one should have to choose between taking care of their teeth and paying their bills. The CDCP is going to help make dental care more affordable for up to nine million Canadians who are estimated to currently not have coverage.
