Starting July 8, 2024, Manitoba dentists can treat Canadian Dental Care Plan patients on a claim-by-claim basis without formal registration with Sun Life Canada.

The change comes after the May 1, 2024, launch of the CDCP program, which limited patients to selecting their dentist from a provider network established by the federal government and Sun Life Canada.

Dentists beginning to use the claim-by-claim pathway will be restricted from using the CDCP lookup tool to confirm patient eligibility, start date, co-payment, and covered services.

The Manitoba Dental Association says this unnecessary administrative burden may limit a dentist’s desire to provide CDCP care.

There is a public misunderstanding about the program.

Many people think it is a free dental program, which adds extra pressure to dental offices and undermines patient care.

The Manitoba Dental Association is launching a public education program to address misconceptions about the CDCP.

It reaffirms its commitment to advocating for improving access to oral health care for all Manitobans.

Go to Manitoba Dentists dot ca to learn more.