The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides eligible newcomers with access to essential dental services without out of pocket costs. However, many people are unsure about what is covered, how to schedule an appointment, or which documents are required.
This guide clearly explains everything you need to know about IFHP dental care. You’ll learn about coverage details, eligibility requirements, how to book an appointment, and what to expect during your visit to the dentist.
What Is IFHP Dental Care in Toronto?
IFHP Dental Care is part of the Canadian government’s Interim Federal Health Program, which provides temporary medical and dental benefits to specific groups of newcomers who are not yet eligible for provincial coverage like OHIP.
In Toronto, IFHP benefits are administered through IFHP Blue Cross, which reviews claims and pays dental clinics directly. Most IFHP patients do not need to pay upfront if they visit a dentist who is approved to bill Blue Cross.
IFHP dental coverage focuses on essential, medically necessary treatments, not cosmetic services. This means the program helps you with emergency dental services to treat pain, infections, and also basic restorative dental needs while you settle in Canada.
What IFHP Dental Care Covers
Under IFHP, dental coverage is focused on urgent, necessary, and emergency dental care, rather than ongoing or purely preventive treatments.
1. Emergency Oral Examinations
IFHP covers emergency dental exams for pain, infection, trauma or other urgent issues. These are allowed no more than once every six months per dental office.
2. Diagnostic Exams & X-rays
IFHP covers diagnostic services necessary to identify a dental problem. This includes:
- Initial and emergency exams
- Problem-focused exams
- Necessary X-rays (periapical or panoramic, depending on the case)
These services help the dentist assess your condition and plan the right treatment. IFHP usually limits how often exams can be billed, but medically necessary assessments are approved.
3. Pain / Trauma Relief & Emergency Treatment
IFHP covers treatments needed for dental emergencies, such as cavities that require urgent care, injuries to the teeth or mouth, pain relief, and emergency prescriptions. These services are meant to fix immediate problems quickly so you can restore your dental health and prevent the issue from getting worse.
4. Tooth Extractions
Teeth that are beyond repair and causing pain/infection can be removed with no pre-authorization required. The rate is based on general practitioner (GP) fee guides. For complicated tooth extractions, such as impacted teeth and surgical extractions, IFHP sometimes covers them, but only after the dentist submits X-rays and requests pre-authorization.
5. Restorations (Fillings)
IFHP may cover amalgam or composite fillings, but only when the tooth is severely affected, not for small or early-stage cavities. X-rays must also show that treatment is clearly needed. Dental fillings are reimbursed based on a ‘continuous surface’ system, and molar fillings are only covered up to the cost of an amalgam filling, whether bonded or not. Pre-authorization is required.
6. Dentures (Transitional Partial / Full) & Denture Relines or Repairs
IFHP can cover temporary partial or full dentures, but only when you have an urgent functional problem; for example, if missing teeth are causing pain or making it hard to eat. The program has strict limits: you can get only one upper denture and one lower denture in your lifetime. Also, you must get approval before treatment, and your dentist needs to send a clinical reason explaining why the dentures are necessary.
Furthermore, for denture relines (adjusting the fit), IFHP allows one reline every three years.
7. General Anaesthesia
IFHP will pay for general anesthesia only for certain dental procedures, like tooth extractions, in children under 13. The procedure must be done by a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or pediatric dentist. There are also some limits on coverage, and approval is needed before the treatment.
Please note that general anesthesia is not covered for adults or routine dental work.
Who Is Eligible for IFHP Dental Care in Toronto?
According to Canada.ca, you are eligible for IFHP Dental Care if you fall into one of these categories:
- Refugee claimants
- Resettled refugees
- Protected persons
- Certain victims of human trafficking
- Victims of family violence
- Detainees
- Individuals under specific temporary public policies
- Individuals who have been granted eligibility at the Minister’s discretion
To confirm your eligibility, you must have a valid IFHP Certificate of Eligibility. Your dentist can verify this online through IFHP Blue Cross before your appointment.
Important Note: Coverage must be active on the day of your treatment. If your document has expired, you may need to renew it before receiving care.
How to Book an IFHP Dental Appointment
Booking an appointment under IFHP is easy, but you must follow specific steps to ensure your visit is approved.
Required Documents for IFHP Appointments
You need to bring the IFHP Certificate of Eligibility, government-issued identification (if available), any documents related to your refugee claim, and previous dental records, if you have them to your dental appointment. Your certificate must show active dates. Clinics verify these through the IFHP/Blue Cross system.
Step-by-Step Process of Booking IFHP Dental Care
- Find an IFHP-approved dentist
Not all dental clinics accept IFHP, so confirm before booking. - Share your IFHP details during booking
This allows the clinic to verify your eligibility early. - Explain your symptoms or concerns
This helps the clinic prepare the right appointment type (emergency, exam, cleaning, etc.). - Visit the clinic with your documents
The clinic will verify your IFHP coverage on the day of treatment. - Receive treatment without paying upfront
IFHP Blue Cross is billed directly for covered services.
How to Find IFHP-Approved Dentists
Finding an IFHP-approved dentist in Toronto is easier than many newcomers expect, but it’s important to choose a clinic that is officially registered with IFHP Blue Cross. The most reliable way is to check the Medavie Blue Cross provider list, which is updated regularly and shows clinics that can bill IFHP directly.
You can also reach out to local settlement agencies, community centers, or refugee support organizations, as they often keep a current list of dentists familiar with IFHP claims. Many newcomers simply search online for terms like “IFHP dentist near me” or “IFHP dental care Toronto,” which usually brings up clinics that advertise IFHP acceptance.
You can also call nearby clinics and ask if they accept IFHP and can verify your eligibility before your appointment.
Further reading: Government Dental Coverage for Seniors in Canada
Contact Us for a Expert Help with IFHP Dental Care!
Call Lisgar Park Dental now to verify your IFHP coverage and schedule your visit, no upfront payment required for covered services!
Costs, Limitations & What’s Not Covered
IFHP pays for covered dental services directly through Medavie Blue Cross, so if you visit an IFHP-approved dentist, you should not be charged for services that are covered under the program. Therefore, we can say that IFPH is not equivalent to full dental insurance. This means that some services are not covered, such as cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, veneers), orthodontics (braces), dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, and retreatment or elective procedures.
Another important thing to remember is that IFHP is a “payer of last resort,” meaning that if another insurer or program should pay for a service, IFHP won’t duplicate that coverage. If a service is partially covered by another plan, coordination issues can affect what you owe.
Explore other ways to get affordable dental care if you have no insurance: How to Get Affordable Dental Care When You Have No Dental Insurance
IFHP Dental Care: Start Your Treatment Today
IFHP is a lifeline for many newcomers in Toronto, offering fast access to dental care when you need it most. Understanding your eligibility, required documents, coverage limits, and booking steps makes the process simple and stress-free.
At Lisgar Park Dental, we proudly welcome IFHP patients and are fully registered to bill IFHP Blue Cross directly. If you need emergency treatment, a dental exam, or preventive care under IFHP, Lisgar Park Dental is here for you. Our team handles all verification and billing directly with IFHP Blue Cross, ensuring a stress-free experience.
FAQ
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How to extend the coverage of IFHP?
You cannot extend IFHP on your own. Coverage is automatically tied to your immigration or refugee status. If your eligibility is ending soon, contact IRCC to update your documents or continue your claim process.
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What does IFHP stand for?
IFHP stands for Interim Federal Health Program. It provides temporary health, medical, and dental benefits for eligible newcomers.
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Do I need to pay anything up front?
No, not if the service is covered and you visit an IFHP-approved clinic. If a treatment is not covered, your dentist will tell you the cost before doing anything.
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What should I do if my IFHP claim is denied?
If IFHP Blue Cross denies a claim, you can ask your dental clinic to review the reason. You should also provide any missing documentation and contact IFHP support if you believe there was a mistake. Sometimes claims are denied due to expired documents or miscommunication.
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Does IFHP cover drugs?
Yes, IFHP includes prescription drug coverage for eligible patients. The medication must be medically necessary and approved under the program’s drug benefit list.
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What is the IFHP contact number?
IFHP inquiries are handled through Medavie Blue Cross: (888) 614-1880
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