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WorkSafeBC

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Dentists and WorkSafeBC

When a worker in B.C. suffers damage to the teeth or dentures as a result of a workplace injury, WorkSafeBC is responsible for paying the cost of those repairs. To ensure that B.C. workers receive optimal dental care, WorkSafeBC will pay according to the fee guide of the Association of Dental Surgeons of B.C. This allows injured workers to seek treatment from their dentist of choice as long as that dentist agrees to abide by the fee guide.

To request approval for treatment

Except in an emergency, all new dental work must be approved by WorkSafeBC before treatment begins. To obtain approval:

  1. Phone the WorkSafeBC Claims Call Centre to determine if a claim has been submitted and accepted.
  2. Complete and submit a Dentist's Report (Form 382) (PDF 83kb) to WorkSafeBC following the first examination.
  3. On a standard Dental Claim form (CDA), in the box entitled For Dentist's Use Only, write "For pre-authorization only."

Please include an estimate of the treatment required and the cost of that treatment. The fees acceptable to WorkSafeBC are outlined in the current fee guide of the Association of Dental Surgeons of B.C. List only the dental fee portion of the costs. Please do not include:

    • dates of service completed
    • lab fees in your estimates
  1. Fax the forms to WorkSafeBC at 604 233-9777 or toll-free at 1 888 922-8807. If you do not have a fax machine, please submit by mail to:

    WorkSafeBC
    PO Box 94460, Station Main
    Richmond, BC   V6X 8V6
    Attention: Dental consultant

A WorkSafeBC dental consultant will review your estimate and treatment plan, and if necessary, call you for clarification. You will be advised in writing if your estimate and treatment plan are accepted.

Previously reported claims

If your patient is seeking treatment for an old workplace injury that was previously reported to WorkSafeBC, do not send in a Dentist's Report. Instead, complete and submit the Standard Dental Claim Form as outlined in Step 3.

Emergency treatment

If the injured worker's pain is so severe that sleep is impossible, contact WorkSafeBC for verbal authorization. If this is not possible, you can initiate treatment without pre-authorization but if authorization is ultimately declined, the worker will be responsible for all costs associated with the procedure.

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