The Canadian Federal Government has announced a significant update to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). This update revolves around a change in how oral healthcare providers can treat patients under the CDCP. The government hope that this update will result in more dentists signing up to provide care under the plan, and more patients receiving care.
In a new announcement, the Canadian Federal Government has announced a major update to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) [1].
The government has said that oral healthcare providers can treat patients under the CDCP on a case-by-case basis – without officially signing up for the program [1].
This new measure has the aim of enticing more dentists to take part in the plan, which could result in more patients receiving services under the CDCP.
The announcement
The government has introduced this new measure, with oral healthcare providers now being able to treat their patients under the CDCP, even without signing up for the program.
One of the advantages of this new measure is that some patients that qualify for the CDCP may be able to stay at their designated dental clinic – even if their dentist isn’t a registered provider for the plan [1].
However, officials from Health Canada have pointed out that patients need to check to see ahead of time if their dentist is willing to accept them, as not all dental clinics will partake in such arrangements [1].
Health Minister Mark Holland suggested that this change will make it more attractive for dental clinics to take part in the CDCP. He said that “you can just try it out, submit a claim and see what you think” [1].
In order for dental clinics to be able to offer to provide services on a case-by-case basis, they need to submit claims directly to insurance company Sun Life – who are running the program [1].
Unfortunately, most patients are unable to pay out of pocket for services. Therefore, it is necessary for the clinics to submit claims on the behalf of patients.
Holland has stated that most providers are then paid back within 48 hours [1]. This means that there is a quick turnaround.
Will this make more providers sign up?
Currently, just under 40% of dental providers are signed up to provide services under the CDCP [1].
This relatively low number has been attributed to a series of concerns from dentists. The complex relationship between the patient, dental clinic and Sun Life has proven to be difficult to navigate.
Other concerns are based around how the plan will work, and how much providers would be compensated by the government for the services provided.
Moreover, there are still some concerns over the government’s public communication about the CDCP. Additionally, some dental clinics are seeing their staff spend significant time in explaining the CDCP to patients [2].
However, the number of providers is steadily rising. There are currently 11,800 providers signed up – with this number likely to rise further in the coming months [1].
But Joel Antel – head of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) – has suggested that many dentists are signing up “out of concern that their existing patients may change to another office” [1]. Therefore, this suggests that many are doing it out of necessity, rather than by choice.
“Know Before You Go”
Antel has been involved with a new campaign launched by the CDA, called “Know Before You Go” [1]. This campaign aims to assist with some of the common problems patients are facing with the plan.
Antel says that this is needed as patients “are coming in expecting that they walk into a dental office, get whatever they need and it doesn’t cost them anything” [1].
However, Antel points out that “we’re the ones that have to tell them this isn’t the case” [1]. Therefore, this causes confusion among patients, and stress for staff members.
The CDA hope that the new campaign will help to solve some of the confusion for patients. It is important that patients contact their provider ahead of time, to check if they can receive treatment under the CDCP.
Summary
Hopefully, this announcement will have a positive impact. It has the potential to open up the CDCP to more eligible patients.
More than two million people have been approved for the CDCP, which is expected to eventually reach nine million low and middle-income Canadian residents.
But as discussed, patients need to be careful when trying to use services under the CDCP. This can help to protect against unexpected costs.
After a shaky start, the CDCP continues to gradually build momentum. More and more people are seeing an improvement in their oral health due to the plan, with many hoping that the oral health of Canadians will continue to improve.
Thinking points…
[1] The CDCP is being rolled out slowly, with the wider public not expecting to become eligible for care until late 2025. Therefore, it is advisable to not wait until you become eligible for the CDCP before having a check-up. If you don’t go to the dentist, problems may be missed, which can result in long-term problems. You should have a check-up at least once every six months. We recommend booking now!
[2] One of the driving forces behind the creation of the CDCP was the high cost of dental care in Canada. However, here at our Calgary-based dental clinic Taradale Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, this ensures our prices are fair, competitive and transparent. If you would like to find out more about us, you can see our website – https://taradaledental.ca!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Von Stackelberg, M. (2024). Ottawa allows dentists to bill federal insurance plan on case-by-case basis. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-dental-care-plan-case-by-case-basis-1.7257165. Last accessed: 13th July 2024.
[2] Canadian Dental Association. (2024). CDA encouraged by federal government’s changes to the CDCP, commits to working together for further improvements in the longer term. Available: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/media_room/news_releases/2024/06_25_CDA_encouraged_by_changes_CDCP.asp. Last accessed: 13th July 2024.
