The provincial government is increasing its coverage for families of children with a cleft lip or palate.

There are several aspects to the increased coverage that families should know about.

The initial assessment fee of $120 will now be covered by government, and is retroactive to October 1st, 2025.

There will be coverage of up to five instances of treatment or stages within a lifetime cap of over $33,000.

Government is also increasing the cap per treatment from $5,519 to $6,656. Patients who paid out-of-pocket above the old cap, but below the new cap between January 1st, 2025 and April 1st of this year will be reimbursed – and will be contacted by the provincial dental consultant to arrange that.

The dental monitoring committee will have discretion, under exceptional circumstances, to approve patients exceeding that $6,600 cap, so long as the total funding remains within the lifetime cap.

Families are asked to direct any questions to the provincial dental consultant by calling 709-758-1503 or send an email to HCSDentalConsultant@gov.nl.ca.