What the Expanded Federal Dental Plan Means for Calgary Patients

Thinking about getting your oral health checked by a Calgary dentist? Do so, as Canada’s federal dental plan is getting a major upgrade. It’s the perfect time for Calgary patients to benefit from improved dental care. 

The plan’s technical and operational enhancements will soon cover more complex procedures and streamline administrative processes. Local dental providers like Auburn Bay Dental are leading the way by supporting the Canadian Dental Care Plan. 

Ready to take advantage of these changes? Let’s see what this means for your oral health.

Key Takeaways:

• The federal dental plan covers more advanced treatments, like crowns and partial dentures.
• The plan’s updates include the acceptance of paper claims and improvements in pre-authorization protocols.
• With expanded eligibility and ongoing updates to improve the plan’s efficiency, more Calgary residents and dental providers will soon benefit from the update of federal dental care.

The Federal Dental Care Plan

The Federal Dental Care Plan is created to support seniors, individuals receiving the federal disability tax credit, and children under 18. With 2.7 million Canadians registered, the program has seen rapid adoption. In just six months, over 1 million patients have already benefited, underscoring the increasing demand for accessible dental services.

• Eligibility Criteria: Currently available to seniors, disabled adults, and children under 18. A household’s net income must be less than $90,000 to qualify.
• Phased Rollout: The program was carefully introduced in phases. It kicked off with seniors aged 87 and up in December 2023 and then expanded step-by-step to include younger age groups. 

The full online enrollment for the rest of the eligible population is expected to open this year. The plan has already seen participation from around 11,500 providers, which includes nearly all dental hygienists and dentists. This guarantees that a wide network of dental care professionals is available nationwide.

Expanded Coverage: Moving Beyond Basic Procedures

The changes to the plan have made it easier for those in need to access more complex procedures. Dental costs in Calgary can be expensive, and private insurance doesn’t cover all services. The Federal Dental Care Plan is particularly beneficial for those who can’t afford dental treatment. With the addition of more services, it has become an even greater resource for those in need.

Complex Procedures

Patients can now request pre-authorization for treatments like crowns, the initial placement of partial dentures, and other dental concerns and procedures designed for high-need or complex dental conditions.

Streamlined Claims Processing

To make it easier for more providers to participate, the plan will now accept paper claims in addition to digital submissions. This adjustment is expected to lower administrative hurdles and boost provider participation.

Health Minister Mark Holland summed up these updates by saying,

“We haven’t set a date, that’s obviously still being figured out. We are obviously tracking very closely how pre-authorization and paper claims go. But early in 2025 is when we’re looking to expand to additional cohorts.”

This statement shows the government’s commitment to continually refining the plan’s clinical and operational aspects.

What Services are Covered

The dental plan will assist in covering part of the cost of different oral health care services. As of November 1, 2024, services that exceed frequency limits and require prior approval will also be available.

Some examples of services that may be covered when recommended by a dental professional include:

• Dental exams, including complete, routine, specific and emergency exams
• X-rays
• Cleaning (scaling)
• Fluoride applications
• Sealants
• Basic services (permanent and temporary fillings, treatments for cavities, root canal treatments, etc.)
• Major services (complete dentures, removal of teeth and roots, etc.)
• Anesthesia and sedation dentistry
• Orthodontic services

How Much Will Be Covered

You may need to pay additional fees directly to your dental provider if:

• Adjusted family net income falls between $70,000 and $89,999
• Cost of oral health care services exceeds the amount the dental care plan will reimburse
• You and your dental provider agree on services not covered.

Only dental providers are reimbursed for services covered. If the dental care plan covers you, you shouldn’t be required to pay the full cost upfront. However, you may need to pay any additional charges directly to the dental provider.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Federal Dental Care

Looking ahead to 2025, there’s even more good news. The next phase of the federal dental plan is set to expand eligibility to additional groups. As Minister Holland explained,

“We are absolutely committed in 2025, as fast as possible, to expand this to all Canadians.”

This means that more Calgary residents will soon be able to access federally funded dental care. This change makes optimal oral health services more equitable across the community.

At Auburn Bay Dental, we’re staying on top of these changes. Our team is closely monitoring policy updates and technical enhancements to make sure that we continue to offer you care that’s advanced and fully in line with federal guidelines. These updates will create a smoother, more accessible dental care system that benefits everyone.

Take Advantage of Federal Dental Plan with Auburn Bay Dental | Your Trusted Calgary Dentist

The expanded federal dental plan is a major step in improving dental care accessibility and quality for Calgary patients. As these changes take hold, the Auburn Bay Dental team remains dedicated to providing advanced, compassionate care that meets the evolving needs of the community. 

If you’d like more information on how these updates offer you comprehensive dental care or want to verify your eligibility under the federal plan, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental team. We’re here to help you understand these changes and secure the best possible dental health outcomes.