Are we able to accept CDCP patients?
Yes, as of July 8th 2024 the Government of Canada opened the 'alternate pathway' for dentists who prefer not to formally sign on to the CDCP, but still wish to see CDCP patients. This means dentists can now provide services to CDCP clients on a claim-by-claim basis.
Things to know before your first appointment
Treatment under the CDCP will not be free.
Many people are under the impression that the CDCP will cover all the costs of their care. This is not true. When you receive your welcome package, your plan will advise that you are covered for 40%, 60% or 100% of dental treatment. These amounts refer to the percentage of the CDCP fee guide that you would receive, this fee guide is 20-40% lower than the BC fee Guide.
We feel it is important to be fair to all our patients and will charge in accordance with our current practice fee guide. This means the patients will be responsible for paying the difference.
How to find out your coverage?
Our reception team will be able to assist you finding out your estimated coverage when scheduling your first appointment. You will need to provide your plan information and we will be able to process a pre-authorization for the planned treatment to be completed in your appointment, Sunlife (CDCP insurance carrier) will provide us with a breakdown of how much they should cover to the appointment.
It is important to remember that the CDCP is a new plan, this means there are many changes still being made as the plan is evolving. Receiving a pre-authorization prior to your appointment does not guarantee coverage, it is important for patients to re-confirm coverage and that your plan is active prior to all treatment.
What is covered under the CDCP?
Currently, the CDCP provides limited treatment options. Essential care options that benefit patients like dentures, crowns and sedation, which many patients may need won’t be available until after November 2024 and will require government approval. We still don’t know how long our patients will need to wait for the government to approve the treatments.
See the link below to Canda.ca website for more information on what treatment is covered or planned to be covered by the CDCP plan.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html
Wait to received your CDCP welcome package before booking a dental appointment.
CDCP welcome packages may take up to three months to arrive from the time you apply and enroll. Your coverage start date will be laid out in your welcome package and may vary based on when you apply and your application is processed. This means that you cannot receive care under the program until you have received your CDCP card and received your start date. Patients will be responsible for the full cost of any appointments scheduled before your coverage start date.
Scheduling Your Emergency Dental Appointment
We understand that you are in pain. We will do everything we can to see you the same day or during emergency hours to help you find relief. Call 604-336-0958 for emergency hour information and instructions as soon as severe tooth pain occurs.