Toronto Lakeshore Dental is pleased to partner with the CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan). Now, as a CDCP dentist in Etobicoke, we can make dentistry accessible to more patients than ever before.
Of course, the CDCP emphasizes prevention, an approach to care that contributes to long-term dental health and often curbs patient expenses down the line.
Your CDCP Eligibility at a Glance
You may be eligible to receive CDCP benefits if:
- You don’t have current dental coverage and earn less than a specific amount per year.
- You are under the age of 18
- You are aged 65 or older
- You are an adult with a federal Disability Tax Credit cert
It’s important to remember that these benefits help lessen your dental care costs by covering a percentage of dental expenses. You cannot tailor CDCP benefits and must satisfy your financial portion.
Other provisions, limits, and exclusions, including sliding scales, may apply, so we recommend contacting Service Canada if you would like to learn more about CDCP eligibility requirements for yourself and your family.
Remember, the CDCP is not merely a dental plan, but a crucial public health program designed to improve the health of all Canadians.
What Is Preventive Dental Care? Why It Matters More Than You Think
The CDCP understands that prevention is the cornerstone of lifelong oral health and promotes overall wellness. In other words, your oral health is directly related to your systemic health. In fact, studies now link untreated and advanced gum disease to issues like:
- Heart and Lung Health
- Specific Types of Dementia
- Specific Autoimmune Conditions
- Pregnancy Complications
When it comes to preventable and costly dental health issues, prevention is your best defence.
Of course, dental care alone is not enough. It’s also essential to develop healthy habits between preventive visits, including regular brushing and flossing.
Preventive dentistry in Etobicoke includes:
- Checkups and teeth cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- Periodic x-rays
- Periodontal monitoring
- Oral cancer screenings
Comprehensive prevention also allows your dentist to plan the treatments or maintenance you need when oral health issues emerge, such as tooth decay, oral infections and gingivitis.
How the CDCP Emphasizes Prevention
The CDCP emphasizes prevention by:
- Making Dental Care Accessible: The goal of CDCP is to make dental care accessible to underserved populations, including, but not limited to, low- and middle-income Canadians, with an emphasis on long-term cost savings.
- Encouraging Established Dental Care: Regular dental care with a dentist you trust and early intervention through prevention helps us catch potential dental issues early before they become costly or lengthy. They also aim to prevent the systemic health problems associated with inadequate dental care.
- Promoting Positive Choices: CDCP encourages patients, especially children, to be proactive in their dental health through oral hygiene coupled with preventive in-office care.
Your CDCP Covered Preventive Checklist
CDCP benefits focus on oral health rather than aesthetic treatments.
Your checklist for what may be covered includes:
- Dental Exams
- Teeth Cleanings
- Diagnostics and X-Rays
- Dental Fillings
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dentures and Partials
- Periodontal Treatment
- Oral Cancer Screenings
When deemed medically necessary, CDCP benefits may cover a portion of orthodontic treatment and sedation dentistry in Etobicoke.
How the CDCP Protects Your Wallet
Without preventive dentistry, you are at risk for several oral health issues that can be costly and time-consuming. The CDCP’s proactive approach means lowering your risks across the board for preventable conditions, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Root Infections
A good example of protecting your wallet might be catching tooth decay early, before it advances to a root canal infection requiring ongoing treatment and a crown, or catching gum disease in the reversible stage.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness
Lack of appropriate dental care is associated with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis starts as gingivitis, which means inflammation and infection of the gums. With dental intervention, gingivitis can progress to full gum disease, meaning the inflammation and infections have penetrated the bones that support your teeth.
Gingivitis is often curable. Periodontitis is only treatable. However, treatment is vital to prevent tooth loss and complications to overall health and wellness.
Through regular dental care, you can significantly lower your risk of periodontitis by allowing your dentist to catch the condition in its gingivitis stage.
Untreated periodontitis is associated with heart issues, lung issues, pregnancy complications, autoimmune issues, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
The primary aim of the CDCP is to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent these risks before they become severe and costly.
Your Etobicoke Dentist and Our Care Team Are Here to Guide You
We’re thrilled to partner with CDCP and help make dental care more accessible to everyone. To learn more about CDCP or to schedule an appointment with the dentist, call us today at (416) 503-3335.