With the new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) rolling out, you might have questions about how to manage the costs of dental services, including major treatments like crowns. Fortunately, our team at Bridgeland Dental Care understands how different treatments are handled, especially major ones like dental crowns.
Our team’s priority is your health and well-being. We will not let insurance dictate what is the best treatment for you, meaning we will not minimize treatment recommendations based on the limitations of your insurance.
The CDCP can help contribute to the cost of a crown, but it often involves an insurance estimate. This is simply a calculation to show what portion of the treatment the plan may contribute, so you know your out-of-pocket costs ahead of time. Moving forward with your care is not dependent on insurance; it is meant to provide guidance on financial planning.
What the New Canadian Dental Care Plan Is All About
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, or CDCP, is a federal government program. It’s designed to help make dental care more accessible for Canadian residents who do not have private dental insurance.
The plan’s goal is to help you manage costs while receiving the treatments you need to maintain your oral health. It covers a range of services, from regular check-ups to more specific treatments you may need.
Crown Costs and the CDCP
While the CDCP can contribute to many dental services, some treatments, such as crowns, are considered “major” and involve a closer look. This is done through an insurance estimate, which provides a projection of the plan’s contribution toward your treatment costs, rather than an approval that dictates whether you can receive care.
When a Crown Might Be Recommended
Coverage or insurance contribution is secondary to your dental needs. Crowns are typically recommended based on medical necessity, not cosmetic reasons. Your dentist will show why a crown is the best way to restore your tooth’s health and function.
What an Insurance Estimate Means for You
Think of an insurance estimate as a helpful tool for planning the financial part of your care. Before treatment begins, your dental office can submit the proposed plan to the CDCP to see how much the plan may contribute. This helps you understand your out-of-pocket costs without affecting the recommended treatment.
Services The Dental Plan Contributes To
While crowns have specific considerations, the CDCP can contribute to many other important dental services, including:
- Preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments
- Diagnostic services like exams and X-rays
- Restorative services like fillings
- Root canal treatments
- Gum disease treatments
- Tooth extractions
Why Crowns Are Treated Differently
Crowns are classified as a “major” procedure because creating and placing a crown is a more involved process than a simple filling. It’s a durable solution designed to protect and cover your entire tooth.
Each crown is custom-made to fit your smile perfectly. This complexity is why the plan provides estimates to help you plan financially without limiting your care.
What to Do If You Need a Crown
If you think you might need a crown, the first step is to schedule a dental exam. A dental team can assess your tooth and help you figure out the next steps for your situation.
Talk to Your Dental Team
Your dental office can help you understand if the CDCP may contribute toward your treatment and walk you through the insurance estimate process if needed.
Explore Your Options
Even if the CDCP does not fully contribute to your crown, your dental team can discuss priorities and alternative solutions that fit your budget. Your care plan will always be based on what’s best for your dental health, not your insurance. Navigating new dental plans can feel complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Bridgeland Dental Care is here to provide clarity, help you plan costs, and ensure your treatment recommendations prioritize your health. Reach out to book an appointment and discuss your dental health needs.
