The New Brunswick Health Services Enhanced Dental Program offers eligible clients dental coverage for specific services not covered by other agencies or private health insurance plans.
To be eligible for coverage under the New Brunswick Health Services Enhanced Dental Program, patients must be clients of the Social Development Department and:
- Between the ages of 19 and 64
- Participate in Career Development Options programming
- In need of dental treatment to support employment or educational goals
- Have no other dental coverage
Eligible patients must have a valid white Social Development Health Card indicating “Enhanced Dental” or “E” in the Basic Health Eligibility section.
Benefits are negotiated with the New Brunswick Dental Society.
Dental benefits covered under this program are:
- Complete oral exams
- Cleanings
- Scaling/root planning
- Root canals on anterior teeth
- Orthodontic services and appliances
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealants
- Root canals on posterior teeth
This benefit covers up to a maximum of $1000 per year.
Under this program, patients are responsible for paying up to 30% of the fee for the above covered services and 10% for dentures and denture repairs. After creating a treatment plan, the dental professional will inform the patient of the payable amount, which is paid directly and may be required before any services are performed.
The application process varies depending on which Social Development program the client is participating in. Clients who receive support through Social Development (i.e., Social Assistance or the Long-Term Care Program) will have their eligibility assessed by the program administrators using basic information about their income and expenses.
Clients are eligible for this benefit for one year, with the option to renew annually for up to three years.
To receive care under this benefit, a patient can make an appointment with a dentist who accepts Social Development Health Cards and agrees to bill according to the agreement between Social Development and the New Brunswick Dental Society. To determine whether a dentist offers care under this program, the patient will need to ask the dentist directly.
At each appointment, the patient will need to:
- Present a valid Health Card to confirm eligibility
- Sign a claim form at the dentist’s office
References
- Service New Brunswick, Health Services Enhanced Dental Program
- Premier’s Council on Disabilities, Social Development
- Social Supports NB, Social Development Health Card
- New Brunswick, Social Development, Health Card
- Social Supports NB, Health Services
- New Brunswick Dental Society
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.