Accepting new patients and Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) Coverage!

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Your Guide to Affordable Dental Care in Surrey, BC

Author
Dr. Larry Lu
2024-11-03 | Surrey, BC
At BigSmiles Dental Care in Surrey, British Columbia, we’re excited to expand our services to make dental care more accessible for families across Canada. 
With the recent introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), many Canadians now have more options to cover the cost of dental care. Our team at BigSmiles is pleased to announce that we accept the CDCP, making it easier for eligible patients to receive the quality dental care they need.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the CDCP: eligibility, how to apply, what services are covered, and more. Let’s explore how this program can benefit you and your family.

What is the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a new initiative by the federal government to help Canadians with lower family incomes access essential dental services. For families and individuals who previously lacked dental coverage, the CDCP provides a safety net to cover necessary treatments at participating dental clinics, including BigSmiles in Surrey. By focusing on affordability and access, this plan ensures that dental health is within reach for more Canadians.
For more information on the program and ongoing updates, you can visit the official CDCP page.

Who is Eligible for CDCP?

These eligibility requirements are in place to ensure that the program reaches those most in need of financial assistance. For additional details, please review the eligibility criteria and the comprehensive Medavie Blue Cross CDCP guide, which provides an in-depth look at income qualifications and eligibility factors.
Eligibility for the CDCP is determined by a few key criteria. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

Income:

Your adjusted family net income must be less than $90,000.

Residency:

You must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.

Tax Return:

You must have filed your tax return for the previous year.

Existing Coverage:

You should not have access to other dental coverage, with some exceptions for those covered by certain government programs.

Age Group:

You must fall into one of the eligible categories: under 18, 65 or older, or hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.

How to Apply for CDCP

If you’re eligible, applying for the CDCP is straightforward. You can access the application process online through the Government of Canada’s portal. Simply follow the steps at the application website, and have your information ready to verify your eligibility. For additional help, the team at BigSmiles is here to support you in navigating the application process.

How to Find CDCP-Participating Dentists

Wondering if your dentist accepts CDCP? At BigSmiles, we’re proud to participate in the program and welcome CDCP patients. To find other participating dental providers, you can check the official CDCP website or call Service Canada at 1-833-537-4342 for assistance.

What Procedures Are Covered?

The CDCP covers a variety of essential dental services, but coverage details may vary based on income and provincial guidelines. Generally, the program includes preventive and basic dental care, such as check-ups, cleanings, and fillings. For the most comprehensive and current list of covered procedures, please refer to the Government of Canada’s CDCP benefits page.

When Will I Be Eligible for the CDCP?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has a staggered application schedule based on age and eligibility criteria, ensuring an organized rollout across different groups. The table below shows a timeline for when each age group can apply for CDCP coverage, as referenced from the Medavie Blue Cross Guide:

Group

Seniors aged 87 and above
Seniors aged 77 to 86
Seniors aged 72 to 76
Seniors aged 70 to 71
Seniors aged 65 to 69
Adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate
Children under the age of 18
All remaining eligible Canadian residents

Application Open Date

December 2023 - Open
January 2024 - Open
February 2024 - Open
March 2024 - Open
May 2024 - Open
June 2024 - Open
June 2024 - Open
Starting 2025
It’s important to plan ahead, as processing times may vary. This staggered schedule allows each age group to apply progressively, ensuring smoother access to the CDCP as it rolls out. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or application timeline, feel free to reach out to BigSmiles Dental Care for guidance at 1-778-574-8338 or visit us at 18640 Fraser Hwy #107, Surrey, BC V3S 7Y4.
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How CDCP Coverage Works in British Columbia

In British Columbia, the CDCP operates in coordination with existing provincial dental programs to ensure comprehensive coverage for eligible residents. The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (SDPR) oversees several provincial assistance programs, working to integrate the CDCP with initiatives like the Healthy Kids Program and the BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Program. This coordination ensures that individuals receive the necessary dental care without duplication of benefits. For more information on how the CDCP aligns with provincial programs, visit the Government of Canada's coordination guide for BC.

The Importance of Dental Care for Overall Health

Maintaining good oral health is crucial not only for a confident smile but also for overall well-being. Poor dental health has been linked to various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Regular dental check-ups and treatments help prevent these complications, highlighting the significance of accessible dental care programs like the CDCP. For more insights into the connection between oral health and general health, refer to the Canadian Dental Association's resources.
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Ready to Get Started?

At BigSmiles, we’re committed to providing accessible, quality care. With the CDCP now available, we’re delighted to welcome more patients and ensure that dental health is within reach for everyone in our community. If you have any questions about CDCP, your eligibility, or the services we provide, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to support your journey toward a healthier smile.
To learn more about CDCP or apply, visit Canada’s Dental Care Plan website or contact us directly at BigSmiles Dental Care in Surrey at 1-778-574-8338 or visit us at 18640 Fraser Hwy #107. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!

About the Author: Dr. Larry Lu

Dr. Larry Lu is a highly skilled dentist with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to providing top-quality dental care in Surrey, BC. After earning his Bachelor of Science from Queen’s University, Dr. Lu graduated at the top of his class with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco in 2000. Committed to serving his community, Dr. Lu returned to his hometown of Surrey to open BigSmiles Dental Care, conveniently located between the vibrant neighborhoods of Cloverdale and Clayton Heights. Dr. Lu’s extensive expertise and patient-centered approach have made BigSmiles a trusted clinic for families throughout Surrey and surrounding areas, including Langley. As a proud CDCP-participating provider, Dr. Lu is passionate about making dental care accessible and affordable for all.
FAQs

Common Questions About CDCP Services and Limitations

Yes, the CDCP covers emergency dental services. If you experience a dental emergency, such as severe pain, infection, or trauma, you can receive treatment under the CDCP. It's essential to contact a participating dental provider promptly to address the issue.

The CDCP does not impose a specific annual maximum for covered services. However, certain procedures may have frequency limitations. For instance, routine check-ups and cleanings might be covered once every 12 months. It's advisable to consult with your dental provider to understand these limitations.

Yes, the CDCP has set frequency limitations for specific procedures to ensure appropriate use of services. For example, preventive services like cleanings and examinations may be limited to once per year. For detailed information on these limitations, refer to the CDCP Dental Benefits Guide.

Currently, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) primarily focuses on essential dental services and preventive care, such as exams, cleanings, and fillings. Dental implants, which are typically classified as elective or advanced restorative procedures, may not be fully covered under the CDCP. Coverage for implants is often limited in government programs, as they are generally considered outside the scope of basic dental needs.

However, specific details on CDCP coverage can vary, and it's best to consult the latest Government of Canada CDCP benefits guide or speak with your dentist to confirm eligibility for more complex procedures like dental implants.

Dental bridges, which serve as a functional solution for missing teeth, may be covered under the CDCP if classified as essential restorative care. Coverage may depend on individual eligibility and income levels, as well as on the specific needs of each patient. Since bridges are often more widely covered than implants in public health plans, it’s possible that the CDCP may include partial coverage for eligible patients, especially if the bridge is medically necessary for chewing and speaking functions.

For the most accurate and detailed information on whether dental bridges are covered, review the official CDCP benefits guide or consult with your dental provider.

The Significance of the Canadian Dental Care Plan

Dental care is a vital part of maintaining overall health, yet financial barriers prevent many people from accessing it. In fact, 59% of adults who avoid dental visits cite cost as the main reason for not going to the dentist. The reality of these financial obstacles is reflected in statistics: 12% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 haven’t visited the dentist in the past five years, and 42% of adults visit the dentist less than once a year. These numbers indicate a troubling gap in preventive care that can lead to more serious and costly health issues down the road. (Source: Scott GreenHalgh, DDS, United States)

Dental health professionals recommend visiting the dentist at least once a year for a check-up and cleaning, and for some people, twice a year may be necessary. Regular dental visits help catch issues early, prevent cavities, and maintain gum health—all of which are essential for overall health. However, the high cost of dental services keeps many people from meeting these preventive care standards, especially those in low-income households.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) seeks to change this by making dental care affordable and accessible for eligible Canadians. By reducing the financial burden of essential dental services, the CDCP enables more people to seek regular care, improving oral health and overall quality of life. Programs like the CDCP can help close the gap in dental health equity, ensuring that financial constraints are no longer a barrier to critical preventive and restorative care.

With the CDCP now available at BigSmiles Dental Care, our team is committed to providing affordable and high-quality dental services to the Surrey community. For those who qualify, this program can be a lifeline to better oral health and, by extension, better overall health.

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