Dental Referral Guidance and IFHP Dental Coverage

Overview

Oral health problems are common in newly arrived refugees due to limited prior access to dental care. Dental pain should be specifically asked about at every initial visit.

What to Look for on Physical Exam

Always perform a brief oral examination:

*     Obvious dental caries

*     Significant oral disease or abscess

*     Signs of poor dental hygiene

Patients with dental pain or obvious caries should be referred to a dentist promptly.

When to Refer

IFHP Dental Coverage

The IFHP covers dental services for eligible refugee patients:

*     Covered: Emergency oral examination (one per 6 months), basic treatment for caries, trauma, and dental pain

*     Not covered: Routine cleaning (scaling/polishing), orthodontics, cosmetic procedures

Confirm IFHP eligibility and dentist participation before the appointment.

Calgary Context

For IFHP billing questions: Medavie Blue Cross IFHP for Health Care Professionals. Confirm current participating providers through the Medavie Blue Cross IFHP provider search at ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca