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
Patient | Recommendation |
Patient with dental pain | Refer to dentist |
Patient with obvious caries | Refer to dentist |
All children (asymptomatic) | Offer routine dental referral |
Adults (asymptomatic) | Offer referral if interested |
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
2 dib-u-eegis
- Hadda-May 13, 2026
- v1-Apr 8, 2026