Feb 25, 2026
Understanding Refugee Dental Coverage: How RIHP Helps You Smile
At Dentalship Dentistry, we understand that accessing dental care as a refugee or newcomer can be confusing. That’s why we participate in the Refugee Interim Health Program (RIHP), which ensures eligible patients receive essential dental care without worrying about upfront costs.
What is RIHP Dental Coverage?
The Refugee Interim Health Program (RIHP) is a temporary, federally funded program designed to provide health and dental coverage for refugees, asylum seekers, and other eligible newcomers who are not yet covered by provincial insurance. Its goal is simple: make sure everyone has access to urgent and necessary dental care during their transition to longer-term health coverage.
Who Can Access This Coverage?
RIHP dental coverage is available for:
Resettled refugees
Asylum seekers (refugee claimants)
Protected persons in Canada
Certain victims of human trafficking
Some individuals waiting for immigration decisions
To use RIHP dental benefits, patients must present a valid RIHP eligibility document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What RIHP Covers
RIHP focuses on emergency and essential dental services, including:
Emergency dental examinations
X‑rays to diagnose urgent problems
Pain relief and infection treatment
Fillings for severely affected teeth
Simple tooth extractions
Emergency treatment for dental trauma
Denture repairs or relines when needed
These services help address urgent dental problems, ensuring patients can eat, speak, and smile comfortably.
What RIHP Does Not Cover
RIHP does not cover routine or cosmetic dental procedures, such as:
Regular check-ups or cleanings
Teeth whitening or cosmetic work
Orthodontic care (braces, aligners)
Most major restorative procedures unless approved as essential
For these services, patients may need to explore community programs, private insurance, or out-of-pocket payment.
How RIHP Works at Our Clinic
At Dentalship Dentistry, we make it simple:
Bring your RIHP eligibility document when you visit.
Our team will confirm your coverage with Medavie Blue Cross, the administrator of RIHP claims.
Covered services are billed directly, so eligible patients usually don’t pay out-of-pocket for emergency dental care.
Our goal is to make dental visits stress-free and affordable for everyone.
Transition to Provincial Coverage
Once eligible for provincial health insurance (like OHIP in Ontario), patients transition off RIHP. Keep in mind that dental coverage under provincial plans is limited, so routine dental care may still require separate insurance or payment.
Why Choose Dentalship Dentistry?
We are proud to support refugees and newcomers by providing compassionate, high-quality dental care under RIHP. From emergency treatments to denture repairs, our team is here to help you smile with confidence.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthy smile!
