Canadian Dental Care Plan
@ Arora Dental
We are happy to accept all CDCP patients. Learn about balance billing, fee guides, and what this means for your dental care.
As of May 1st, 2024, the Canadian Government dental plan, the "CDCP", began providing coverage for patients who meet the financial criteria. Many patients have already received their dental benefit cards and are excited to start treatment.
We believe this program can be very successful and provide necessary benefits to many people who have not previously been eligible for provincial programs and require dental treatment.
CDCP Benefits
Essential Dental Services
Coverage for essential dental services including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and emergency care to maintain your oral health.
Reduced Costs
Significantly reduced out-of-pocket costs for dental care, making essential treatments more affordable for eligible families.
Preventive Care
Access to preventive dental care including regular check-ups, cleanings, and treatments to maintain long-term oral health.
Understanding Balance Billing
One of the biggest obstacles you may have heard about, but may not understand, is regarding "Balance Billing". We would like to take time to help patients understand this process.
How Dental Fees Are Set
Dentists are governed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons (RCDSO) and supported by the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). One of the many responsibilities of the ODA is to provide dentists with a fee guide at the beginning of each year.
This fee guide "price list" is constructed with consideration of the cost of running a dental practice each year. Staff wages, costs of dental supplies, and lab fees are just a few of the factors. Each January, all dental supply companies, labs, and suppliers raise their fees. Rising costs result in yearly increases in the fee guide.
Important Clarification
Dentists do not choose their own fees, the ODA (Ontario Dental Association) sets the fees for that year. It is our responsibility to provide the best care possible for our patients. and it is unethical for us to charge one demographic more than another demographic. Exceptions can't be made; fees must be the same for everyone.
CDCP vs ODA Fee Guide
The CDCP Fee Guide is not the same as the ODA Fee Guide. The fee guide is designed to reflect the overall cost of running a dental practice. The difference between the fee guides may seem small and insignificant on a less expensive service, but much larger discrepancies can be seen in the higher end services.
Why Balance Billing is Necessary
As mentioned above, if Dental Offices were to waive the balance billing for patients under the CDCP program, they would be required to waive this for all patients, even with insurance coverage. A discount would have to be provided for those who do not qualify and do not have insurance. How would this even be assessed? The need for balanced billing is important for the sustainability of the clinic.
Balance Billing Examples
Example of Balance Billing for a service in the amount of $285.00:
Scenario 1: 100% CDCP Coverage
Annual household net income Less than $70,000.00
Scenario 2: 60% CDCP Coverage
Annual household net income between $70,000 & $79,999
How to Apply for CDCP
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all 4 of the eligibility requirements before applying:
- Be a Canadian resident
- Have filed your tax return for the previous year
- Have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000
- Not have access to dental insurance
What You'll Need to Apply
- • Social Insurance Number (SIN) for each applicant
- • Date of birth and full name
- • Home and mailing address
- • List of dental coverage through government social programs (if applicable)
- • Previous year's tax return and notice of assessment
Ready to Apply?
Applications are now open for all eligible Canadians. You can apply online through the official Government of Canada website.
Apply for CDCP Online →Need Help?
If you need assistance with your application, you can:
- • Call Service Canada: 1-833-537-4342
- • TTY service: 1-833-677-6262
- • Visit a Service Canada office
- • Ask a trusted person to help you apply
Ongoing Efforts for Improvement
The Ontario Dental Association has been diligently working alongside the Federal Government to help structure the CDCP Dental Plan. Even though the plan is essentially beginning, the ODA is still collaborating with the Government to restructure the CDCP Fee Guide to match that of ODA Fee guide, putting less financial responsibility on the patient. We recognize the importance of this program in the community and the impact it can have, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
Ready to Get Started with CDCP?
We are happy to accept all CDCP patients! Contact us today to learn more about CDCP and schedule your appointment with our experienced team.
Arora Dental Is Located At The Heart of Brantford
30 Minutes from Burlington and Oakville
20 Minutes from Hamilton
Less than 45 Minutes from Kitchener
Less than 20 Minutes from St. George and Paris