Taking care of your teeth and gums is a very important part of staying healthy, especially as we get older. Good oral health helps you eat well, speak clearly and feel confident. But sometimes, the cost of going to the dentist can be a worry. The Canadian government understands this and has created a special program called the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to help.
This blog is for you if you’re a senior in Canada and don’t have dental insurance. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Canadian Dental Care Plan near you, from eligibility requirements to getting started. The goal is to make the process as simple as possible so you can get the dental care you need without the stress.
What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan For Seniors?
The CDCP is a government plan that assists individuals in Canada who don’t have dental coverage. It’s not a cost-free plan, but it will pay for a significant portion of your dental expenses. The plan is administered by the government and contracts with a company called Sun Life to make the payments.
The key concept of the plan is to provide seniors and others who have a low to middle income with significant dental care. Some of the items listed include check ups, cleanings, and other therapies that keep your mouth in good health.
Do You Qualify For CDCP For Seniors?
Before you can apply, you must ensure that you qualify. To qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan for seniors and begin the CDCP registration for seniors, you must:
- Be a Canada resident for tax purposes.
- Have an adjusted family net income of under $90,000 annually.
- Not to have private dental insurance. That is, you do not have a plan through your job, a pension plan, or a plan you purchased yourself.
- To have submitted your income tax return for the past year.
If you’ve passed all of these points, then you’re an excellent candidate for the plan.
How To Apply For Canadian Dental Care Plan Senior
The government has made the CDCP application process for seniors very easy. You do not need to make a visit anywhere or complete a lot of complex forms.
The starting point is waiting for a special letter from Service Canada. This letter is an invitation to submit your application and it will be mailed to the address you provided when you completed your previous year’s tax return. The letter will include a unique application code and directions on how to apply. You cannot begin without using this code.
Once you have your letter, you have two key methods to apply:
- By phone: The letter will have a telephone number to ring. This is an easy, automated process where you can provide your details and use the application code found on your letter.
- Online: The government is also developing an online portal that you can apply for. You will need to have a My Service Canada Account in order to do so.
Tip: Be patient! The government is mailing out these letters step-by-step, so it may take a little while for yours to show up. In case you have questions in the meantime, you can contact a dentist in Fort McMurray who participates in the program for guidance.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your application, Service Canada will verify that you qualify under all of the requirements. If it all seems to be fine, you will receive a welcome package from Sun Life. This is an important package and it will include your member card and inform you of your official start date for coverage. This is when you can begin to use the CDCP for seniors.
What Is Covered By The Plan?
The CDCP pays for a wide variety of dental care. The idea is to assist you with the simple and essential aspects that make your mouth healthy. Here is a basic table of some of the items normally covered:
|
Type of Service |
What it is |
| Preventive Care | Things that stop problems from happening, like regular cleanings, check-ups, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. |
| Diagnostic Services | The things a dentist does to figure out what’s going on, like exams and x-rays. |
| Restorative Services | Fixing problems, like fillings for cavities. |
| Endodontic Services | Treating problems inside the tooth, like root canals. |
| Periodontal Services | Caring for your gums and the bones that hold your teeth, like special cleanings for gum disease. |
| Oral Surgery | Procedures like removing a tooth (tooth extraction). |
| Prosthodontic Services | Replacing missing teeth, like with complete or partial dentures. |
Remember that It is important to know that the dental plan might not pay for the whole cost of a dental service. The amount it covers is based on your family’s income. You may have to pay a small portion of the cost yourself, which is referred to as a “co-payment.”
Finding A Dentist Who Accepts The Plan
After you receive your welcome package and member card, the next task of the senior is to seek out a dentist who is enrolled with the CDCP for seniors in Canada. Since not all dentists are part of the program yet, it is recommended to verify prior to making a dental appointment. This can be done by contacting the dental clinic, and they can inform you whether they are taking in new patients under the plan.
Access Quality Dental Care Through Senior CDCP Today!
Morrison Dental provide gentle and professional dental care for seniors. Our team accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), making treatment more reasonable for eligible patients. From cleanings to dentures, we focus on keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Call Morrison Dental today to schedule your dental appointment. Let us help you maintain your smile with quality care you can trust.
FAQ
Can I apply if I already have private dental insurance?
No. You cannot have any private dental coverage to be eligible.
What if I don’t file taxes?
You will need to file taxes to show your income eligibility.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, there is no fee to apply.
