Another expansion is scheduled for the nationwide Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
The Canadian Government announced today that there will be a simplified process for dental care providers to provide patient care using the CDCP.
The new system will allow oral health providers, including dentists, dental hygienists, denturists, or dental specialists, to treat patients and submit CDCP claims without having to formally sign up for the program. Instead they will bill Sun Life directly on a claim-by-claim basis so they can continue to provide service to CDCP clients.
"Allowing providers options for how they provide care to CDCP clients means that more people will be able to receive affordable dental care," said Minister of Health Mark Holland. "We are dedicated to collaborating closely with oral health partners to ensure that all CDCP members enjoy equitable access to affordable care. This is something every Canadian deserves."
CDCP clients can now see the provider of their choice, as long as the provider agrees to bill Sun Life directly.
Extra expenses might not be covered, so the government advises Canadians who use the program to consult their provider on any additional costs.
Currently, over 12,000 providers have signed up for the CDCP and just over two million have been approved to use the plan. Once fully implemented, the government estimates nine million Canadians will be eligible for the program.
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