Oral health is fundamentally linked to overall wellness. The state of your teeth, gums, mouth, and jawbones has a profound impact on your daily life and long-term health. This is why quality and comprehensive dental care are essential for Canadians.
Previously, too many Canadians struggled to maintain their oral health because of financial strain. It’s extremely important to visit your Toronto dentist every six months for a routine examination and cleaning.
If any health issues are detected, treatment must be swift to keep things from getting worse. For those lacking private dental insurance, however, these expenses had to be dealt with out of pocket.
The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) addresses this critical issue. It seeks to remove the financial barriers to dental care by offering complete or partial coverage on a wide range of dental services.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan is a federal initiative designed to improve dental care accessibility and affordability. Many Canadians who previously lacked private dental insurance can now access dental care through this new program. However, individuals must meet a specific set of criteria to qualify.
This program represents the Canadian government’s commitment to health equity. It intends to bridge the gaps in oral healthcare, ensuring that essential dental services are available and affordable to more Canadians. Previously, too many adults were forced to neglect their oral health because of financial barriers. The CDCP functions as a safety net for these individuals.
Oral health is closely linked with general well-being. When oral health is neglected, it has worrying implications for other areas of the body. Therefore, untreated dental health conditions can manifest into broader health issues under Canada’s universal healthcare coverage. These issues include heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, just to name a few.
By better supporting adult oral health, the Canadian government is doing its part to prevent more serious health issues amongst its citizens and build a more robust, all-around healthcare system while enhancing the quality of life for Canadians.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan currently targets low- and middle-income families who are unable to afford private dental insurance. To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Canadian residents who have access to dental coverage through a social program offered by a province or territory and/or the federal government can still qualify for the CDCP, provided that they meet all other eligibility criteria.
The CDCP is being implemented in stages. These are the current (as of April 2025) eligibility criteria. Broader eligibility requirements are scheduled to launch sometime this year. When they do, adults between the age of 18 and 65 who meet the other qualifications will also be able to apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Prevention is the best medicine. Bearing this in mind, the CDCP currently covers diagnostic and preventative services intended to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy.
Preventive dentistry aims to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions through dental exams, X-rays, cleaning (scaling), fluoride applications, and sealants. The CDCP covers these.
Restorative dental services repair or replace damaged or missing teeth, restoring their function and appearance so you can speak and eat normally without discomfort. Under the CDCP, many basic and major restorative procedures are covered. These include fillings (permanent and temporary), pain control for diseased teeth, cavity treatment, and crowns (cores, posts, and repairs).
Endodontics treats teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or broken. It focuses on diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. The CDCP covers root canal treatments, pulpectomies (the first step of a root canal treatment), procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain, and re-treatment of previously completed root canal treatments.
Periodontal dentistry treats areas around the teeth, including gums and bones. With the CDCP, patients can receive coverage for cleaning under the gumline, abscess treatment, non-surgical gum disease management, and more.
Just one missing tooth can lead to further oral health complications. Consequently, it’s important to replace missing teeth for sustained health and function of the mouth. The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers dentures (including denture repairs).
For those who experience mild to severe dental anxiety or dental phobia, sedation dentistry plays a vital role in receiving the care you need to stay healthy. The CDCP recognizes the importance of accessible anesthesia for dental patients and provides coverage for minimal, moderate, deep, and general sedation.
After a severe accident or disease, oral surgery may be required to repair the damage. Oral surgery can involve removing teeth (including teeth roots), tumours, and cysts. In addition to these services, the CDCP also covers surgical incisions and treatments for broken jawbones.
It’s a common misconception that all dental professionals participate in the new dental care plan. Consequently, you must double-check that your preferred clinic accepts the CDCP in Canada.
Fortunately, Oakville Place Dental has decided to participate in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our services align with the CDCP, ensuring accessible and quality dental care for all patients.
We are dedicated to caring for the long-term oral health of your entire family by providing comprehensive services. By accepting the CDCP, we are making quality dental care accessible to our Oakville community.
If you don’t qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, we will work with your insurance company to bill them directly for applicable services whenever possible.
As always, we go above and beyond for our patients. When you visit our clinic, you are welcomed warmly by our incredible staff. We are proud to provide the best oral care available in Toronto.
To make an appointment with our dentist in Oakville, call Oakville Place Dental at 905-842-6030 or contact us here.
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