The expense of dental services can be a significant factor in delaying care for many Canadians. This is particularly true if a person is missing teeth, has damaged teeth, or may even need dentures.
The good news is that the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), does include coverage for a range of denture-related services for eligible patients. By knowing what’s included, you can feel better prepared to take the next step toward a beautiful smile.
What Denture Services May Be Covered?
According to the Government of Canada, the CDCP covers several types of removable prosthodontic services, including:
- Complete dentures, including standard and temporary dentures
- Denture repairs
- Relines and rebases
- Comfort and healing through tissue conditioning
- Complete immediate dentures
- Overdentures
- Partial dentures
Some of these services will be subject to “preauthorization,” meaning that a request must be made prior to treatment to verify whether the service meets the plan’s coverage requirements.
What About Dentures After Extractions?
Teeth may need to be extracted before dentures are fitted. Some oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extraction, are also included in the CDCP benefits if they are covered by the plan’s rules and conditions. This is particularly important for those who may need to have damaged or unhealthy teeth extracted before they get dentures.
At a dental office, these conversations can be approached as part of one overall treatment plan. Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss whether they do need to be extracted, let you know what options are available for you, and help you understand which aspects of the procedure may be covered by the CDCP.
Do All Dentures Require Preauthorization?
No. The Government of Canada notes that some complete dentures do not require preauthorization. However, partial dentures, complete immediate dentures, and overdentures do require it.
Other services can also have their own frequency limits or coverage rules, so it is important to review your treatment plan carefully before proceeding.
Does the CDCP Cover the Full Cost?
The CDCP may cover all or part of eligible treatment costs depending on a patient’s adjusted family net income. Patients may still have out-of-pocket costs if their provider charges more than the CDCP established fees or if their coverage level requires a co-payment.
Coverage through the Canadian Dental Care Plan is based on a household’s adjusted family net income. Pupil families whose incomes are below $70,000 will be eligible for 100% of the CDCP cost.
If income is between $70,000 and $79,999, coverage may be up to 60 percent, and the co-payment will be 40 percent.
For a household with an income of $80,000 to $89,999, the family can be covered at 40% and then pay a 60% co-payment.
Families with an adjusted family net income of $90,000 or more are not eligible for the plan.
Since each patient’s case is unique, it is important that patients check their eligibility, coverage level, and any potential costs before starting treatment.
A Helpful Step for Patients Considering Dentures
If you’re considering dentures and having financial concerns, the CDCP may assist you in making treatment more affordable. A dental assessment is a good place to start. From there, your dentist can help explain:
- Whether dentures may be appropriate for you
- Whether extractions are needed
- Which denture options may fit your needs
- What parts of the treatment may qualify for CDCP coverage
Talk to Our Team About Your Options
At Pasqua South Dental (in Regina), we can help you understand your denture options and guide you through the treatment planning process. We can also assist you in understanding what you should be asking and what should be reviewed before taking the next step if you are eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Dentures can be an important step toward improving comfort, function, and confidence. The first step is to have the conversation.
