Calgary dentist calls dental benefit plan ‘an important step’

The Canadian government's new dental benefit is helping patients acquire the treatments they need for their teeth. (Pexels/Andrea Placquadio)

Peter Bentley has been a patient at Calgary’s Inglewood Family Dental clinic for at least eight years.

Bentley and his wife were covered by his work benefits until he retired in 2019, leaving them to pay out-of-pocket.

Being on a fixed income, he was excited to join millions of other Canadians in becoming a member of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

“It makes it easier when you go into the dental office and you’re told, ‘Oh, your portion is $20 or $30’ you know compared to $180 or $200,” he said.

“We have no complaints about the dental care, and certainly no problem getting most of it paid for.”

Calgary dentist Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh says at the Inglewood clinic approximately 10 per cent of patients are using the CDCP.

“The CDCP is an important step toward improving access to dental care for uninsured Canadians,” said Ravanbakhsh.

“Many patients who have long delayed treatment due to costs are finally getting help, which is great to see.”

Depending on federal government funding and priorities, the CDCP will be offered long-term.

However, Ravanbakhsh explains there are a litany of concerns amongst members of the dental community.

These include the rate at which the program is expanding, the complexity of patient needs, wait times for procedure preauthorization, the potential of employers scaling back private dental benefits, staffing and training.

“Because many treatments under the CDCP require pre-approval, which can take time, fewer patients are going to university dental clinics,” he said.

“That reduces hands-on opportunities for students to learn key skills like fillings and crowns, which are essential for graduating fully competent dentists.”

For help finding a provider call Sun Life’s CDCP Contact Centre at 1-888-888-8110 or visit Sun Life’s website.

“Generally, we do (cleanings) once a year so were covered, but if you require more than you might have to pay out-of-pocket,” said Bentley.

“I’ve had a couple of crowns replaced and they don’t cover new crowns.”

Make sure you ask if they accept CDCP clients, agree to bill, and can receive payment directly from Sun Life for CDCP services, know your benefit effective date, co-payment if you have one, and ask about any additional costs.

As of May 23, 2025, 2,000,722 approved applicants received care, and 25,668 oral health providers are participating.