Coverage & costs · Patient education
Preparing for a dental appointment with IFHP coverage
Check IFHP documents, urgent dental benefit rules and the May 2026 co-payment changes before a dental appointment in Scarborough.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ghazala Zaid · 2026-09-13
Published
If you have Interim Federal Health Program coverage, a little preparation can make the dental appointment easier to understand. Bring your coverage documents, explain the problem you want assessed and ask what you may need to pay before treatment begins. Do not assume that every dental service is covered or that the rules are unchanged from an earlier visit.
This guide reflects official information checked September 13, 2026. Our IFHP service information can help you begin the appointment conversation, but your eligibility and benefits require current verification.
Bring the document that shows your eligibility
The government’s treatment instructions list accepted documents, including an Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview letter, a Refugee Protection Claimant or Identity Document, or an Interim Federal Health Certificate. Bring the document you have and any recent coverage correspondence.
Tell the office you intend to use IFHP when arranging the visit. Ask whether the provider is registered for the program and how the team will confirm your coverage. Being new to Canada, or not having OHIP, does not by itself establish IFHP eligibility. If you are uncertain about your documents, ask through the official program channels rather than sending immigration records through a general website form.
Understand the May 2026 change
Since May 1, 2026, eligible supplemental benefits in Canada—including urgent dental care—have a 30% patient co-payment. The IFHP pays the remaining eligible portion. This is different from basic medical coverage. Read the official co-payment explanation before relying on older descriptions of “free” care.
Dental benefits still have limits. The Medavie dental benefit grid for Ontario and other provinces outside Quebec is the detailed reference for eligible services and applicable conditions. Ask the provider to check the proposed service, any approval requirement and the amount you owe. An urgent symptom does not automatically approve every possible treatment.
Use a practical preparation checklist
| Bring or ask about | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Current eligibility document | Allows the provider to check coverage |
| Recent program correspondence | Flags changes that may affect the visit |
| Medication and allergy information | Supports the clinical assessment |
| A brief description of the problem | Explains what changed and when |
| Written patient-cost explanation | Separates covered care, co-payment and uncovered services |
If language support would help, ask about arrangements when booking; do not assume an interpreter or a particular staff member will be available. Mention previous dental care and ask whether records would be useful. Keep sensitive documents for an agreed secure process or bring them to the visit.
Ask before consenting and keep your receipt
The government says providers must explain applicable co-payments and uncovered treatment before care. Request a receipt for amounts you pay. Medavie’s help centre can assist with program questions; your dentist explains the clinical options.
IFHP and CDCP are separate programs. However, the current IFHP coverage summary allows coordination for urgent dental care when someone is also CDCP-eligible, with IFHP as first payer. Ask for a specific check rather than assuming the two programs always replace one another. Our CDCP information offers further context.
Common questions
Will I pay nothing because the office bills Medavie?
Not necessarily. Direct program billing does not remove the supplemental-benefit co-payment or make uncovered services eligible.
Does IFHP cover every cleaning or cosmetic treatment?
No blanket coverage should be assumed. Ask the provider to check the particular service against the current dental benefit grid.
Can the website confirm my individual eligibility?
No. A general article or appointment request cannot verify your current document, benefit status or proposed treatment.
You can request an appointment. For an urgent concern, consult our emergency dental information and call about availability; an online request is not a confirmed booking.
Sources
- Canada: How to get IFHP treatment, checked 2026-09-13.
- Canada: IFHP co-payments, checked 2026-09-13.
- Medavie: Current dental benefit grid outside Quebec, checked 2026-09-13; linked from the current benefit-grid index.
- Medavie: Help centre, checked 2026-09-13.
- Canada: IFHP coverage summary, checked 2026-09-13; page modified 2026-05-01.
Understand what makes sense for you.
Bring your questions to Cedarbrae Dental Center in Scarborough. We can assess your needs and discuss appropriate options. An appointment request is not a confirmed booking.