What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

At Nanaimo Dental Clinic, we understand that many of our patients have questions and concerns about the proposed Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). With so much uncertainty and complexity surrounding the plan, we want to provide you with information to help shed light on what the CDCP entails and how it may affect you. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to guide you through this new initiative.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a government-proposed initiative aimed at providing dental care coverage to Canadians based on their income. While the plan is designed to increase accessibility to dental care, it has raised several concerns and complexities among dental professionals and patients alike.

How is the CDCP coverage determined?
CDCP coverage varies from 0% to 100% based on your most recent Income Tax return. In reality, many CDCP patients won’t have the full cost of their appointment covered. On average, the CDCP fees for the most frequently used procedure codes are set to cover approximately 0% to 80% of the provincial guide fees. Depending on your family’s income, you may need to pay a percentage of the cost. The federal government will cover only a portion of the CDCP fees, leaving you responsible for additional charges, known as co-payments. In addition to the co-payment requirements, many of the established fees covered by the federal government do not cover the full cost of treatment in a dental office. You will be responsible for paying the difference. Those who did not file an Income Tax return will be ineligible for coverage under this plan. For information on the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) dental procedure codes and pricing, please refer to the Fee Schedule from sunlife.ca.

What costs will I still be responsible for under the CDCP?
Patients will need to pay the difference between the BC Fee Guide and the CDCP Fee Guide. Additionally, certain common procedures may have significant limitations, and some services will require predetermination and may not be accessible until November 2024.

Why do I need to provide a credit card authorization for the CDCP?
A credit card authorization is necessary to cover potential clawbacks by the government. This means that if there are any discrepancies in coverage or payments, the government can retrieve the funds from the patient’s credit card.

Will most dentists accept the CDCP?
Currently, there is significant opposition among dentists regarding the CDCP in its current form. Many dentists are concerned about the administrative burden and financial implications, as the plan requires them to operate at a 20% discount despite high overhead costs. Adjustments to the plan are necessary to address these concerns.

Is the CDCP free for patients?
No, the CDCP is not free. Patients are still responsible for paying the difference between the BC Fee Guide and the CDCP Fee Guide, and for certain procedures that may not be fully covered.

Should I cancel my existing dental insurance plan in anticipation of the CDCP?
No, we advise against canceling your existing dental insurance plan. The CDCP has not yet been fully implemented, and there are still many uncertainties and potential limitations associated with the plan.

Where can I find more information about the CDCP?
For more details, you can visit the Government of Canada website. Additionally, here is a published Op Ed that emphasizes the misconceptions and shortcomings of the plan by Joel Antel, President of the CDA.

How will Nanaimo Dental Clinic keep patients updated about the CDCP?
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates on our website. Our goal is to ensure our patients are well-informed and prepared for any changes that the CDCP may bring. By remaining transparent and keeping our patients informed, we are upholding the standards that we have worked so hard to develop with our community over the years. Politics has led to much confusion and misunderstanding regarding the facts of the plan. Despite what politicians are saying, the CDCP is not a standard dental plan. It is a subsidy program based on household incomes, with specific restrictions on procedures and fees. More efforts are needed to provide this clarity to patients. For this reason, Nanaimo Dental Clinic is not accepting the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) at this time. If appropriate changes are made that will not decrease the quality of care that we value so much, we will be open to reconsidering accepting this plan, but significant changes must first be made. We, as care providers, will continue to offer caring and dedicated diagnosis and treatment to everyone, regardless of their insurance coverage. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office.