The Newfoundland and Labrador Children’s Dental Health Program provides universal access to eligible dental services for children aged 12 years and under.
The following services are eligible under the Newfoundland and Labrador Children’s Dental Health Program:
- Examinations at six-month intervals
- Cleanings at 12-month intervals
- Fluoride applications for children aged 6six to 12 years at 12-month intervals (except where the School Rinse Program is in place)
- Routine fillings and extractions
- Sealants
- Other specific procedures which require approval before treatment
Parents should discuss with their dentist if the cost of a recommended treatment will be covered under the Children’s Dental Health Program.
Eligibility
In order for children to qualify to receive care under the Children’s Dental Health Program, families must apply and be approved for coverage under the Medical Care Plan (MCP).
All MCP applicants and beneficiaries must be residents of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. All persons applying for MCP coverage must register under one of the following groups:
- Canadian Citizens
- Permanent Residents
- International Workers
- International Students
- Ukrainians (CUAET and SFRSP)
For children to be eligible for the MCP, families must apply and provide proof of intent to remain in Newfoundland and Labrador. The documentation required varies depending on which group the applicant belongs to.
The completed application can be mailed, faxed, or submitted in person at one of the Medical Care Plan (MCP) offices, along with the appropriate identification and citizenship/immigration documents (photocopies are acceptable). The addresses for these offices are listed on the form itself.
If approved, the family will receive an MCP card for their child (and any other family members, if applicable). Once enrolled in the MCP, the government will use the information in each year’s tax return to decide if the child continues to qualify for the Children’s Dental Health Program.
Families will need to present a valid MCP card when receiving services under the Newfoundland and Labrador Children’s Dental Health Program. Failure to do so may result in the family being directly billed by the dental provider or possibly denied service.
The dentist will bill the MCP directly for services covered under the program. Any services not covered by the MCP and/or patient insurance must be paid by the family. When booking your appointment, notify your dentist that your child is a member of the program and confirm they accept MCP coverage.
Key Newfoundland and Labrador Children's Dental Health Program Details
Services must be performed in Newfoundland and Labrador. Any services received while the child is outside of the province will not be covered under the Children’s Dental Health Program.
Different billing applies to parents who have dental insurance. This means that if the insurer and the MCP do not cover the full fee for the service between them, then the parent will be invoiced for the difference. The dentist will assess the portion of costs covered by the insurer and what, if anything, that the parent must pay.
FAQs
How can I find out if my child’s dental treatment will be covered by the Children’s Dental Health Program before proceeding?
Any questions related to whether services are covered under the Children’s Dental Health Program should be directed to the dental care provider.
How often do I need to renew my child's MCP card for continued dental coverage under the Children’s Dental Health Program?
The renewal guidelines for dependents vary between groups. The renewal timelines are:
- Canadian citizens: every five years
- Permanent residents: one year for new applicants and every five years afterward
- International workers: annually
- International students: annually
References
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Dental Services
- Prosper Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Benefits
- Prosper Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Medical Care Plan
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Medical Care Plan Providers
- Newfoundland and Labrador, Dental Information Manual
*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.