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With the Canadian Dental Care Plan now open to more age groups, local health officials are urging families to apply to maintain access to affordable dental care.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, which have now merged, are emphasizing the importance of understanding both CDCP and Healthy Smiles Ontario programs.
“Good oral health is fundamental to overall well-being, and programs like HSO and the CDCP play a critical role in making dental care accessible to qualifying children and youth,” said Anna Rusak, health promoter with HKPR. “And with an increasing number of dental providers asking patients to enroll in CDCP, we want to make sure families are aware and prepared. We are here to help them through the application process.”
The CDCP now covers seniors 65 and older, children under 18, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, and — as of last month — all eligible adults aged 18 to 64. Families with an adjusted net income of $90,000 or less and no private dental insurance are encouraged to apply.
Approved applicants receive a package from Sun Life, which administers the plan, with a member card, program details, and a start date for benefits.
Residents can check if their dentist accepts CDCP or find providers using Sun Life’s online tool or by calling 1-888-888-8110. More information and applications are available at hkpr.on.ca/CDCP or by calling 1-866-888-4577 ext. 1247.
