Are Patients Choosing CDCP Over Private Insurance in BC? How Dental Clinics Can Adapt with AS DIGITAL
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is changing the way patients in British Columbia think about dental care. With subsidized services available, many patients are now considering whether to rely on CDCP coverage or continue with private dental insurance.
For dental clinics, this shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Clinics must communicate their value, educate patients on the differences between CDCP and private insurance, and ensure they are visible to the right audience online. This is where strategic digital marketing by AS DIGITAL becomes critical.
Understanding the Patient Choice: CDCP vs. Private Insurance
The CDCP is designed to make dental care more affordable for children, seniors, and low-income families. While it covers basic preventive services like cleanings, fillings, and exams, it may not cover more advanced procedures such as:
- Dental implants
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Complex restorative treatments
This gap means patients with private insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket often still prefer private dental clinics for comprehensive care.
Key trends in patient behavior:
Cost-Conscious Decisions: Patients are comparing CDCP coverage with private options, looking for the best value.
Selective Treatment Choices: Patients may use CDCP for preventive care but choose private clinics for advanced treatments.
Research-Driven Behavior: Before booking appointments, patients search online, read reviews, and check clinic websites to assess value, technology, and reputation.
For dental clinics in BC, these trends highlight the importance of communicating value and differentiating services online — exactly what DIGITAL helps you achieve.
How AS DIGITAL Can Help Dental Clinics Compete
Digital marketing allows clinics to reach potential patients actively searching for dental care, educate them about their options, and position their clinic as the preferred choice. Here’s how AS DIGITAL supports BC dental clinics:
1. Keyword Research and Targeting
The foundation of a successful campaign is targeting the right keywords:
- What does CDCP cover and what doesn’t?
- How does private insurance compare?
- What are the benefits of advanced treatments not covered by CDCP?
AS DIGITAL creates educational blogs, infographics, and videos that simplify these topics. This builds trust and positions your clinic as a community authority.
2. Google Business Profile (GMB) Optimization
Most patients search Google before choosing a dentist. A fully optimized GMB profile ensures your clinic:
- Appears in local searches for “dentist near me” or “family dentist [City]
- Highlights services, office hours, and patient reviews
- Shares updates about treatments, promotions, or patient education content
AS DIGITAL manages GMB profiles to increase visibility, attract clicks, and convert searchers into booked appointments.
3. Targeted Google Ads and Social Media Campaigns
Not all patients will rely on CDCP. For those seeking premium or specialized care, targeted advertising by DIGITAL can capture high-value leads:
- Google Ads for services like Invisalign, implants, or cosmetic dentistry
- Social media campaigns showcasing your expertise and patient success stories
- Retargeting campaigns to reach patients who visited your website but didn’t book
- By using paid ads strategically, clinics can drive more qualified leads at a lower cost and stand out against competitors.
4. Website Optimization and Conversion Rate Improvement
A strong website is critical for educating patients and converting them into appointments. Key elements include:
- Clear messaging about CDCP vs. private services
- Easy-to-navigate service pages and booking forms
- Mobile-friendly design for patients searching on their phones
- Patient testimonials and case studies highlighting advanced care
AS DIGITAL helps dental clinics design conversion-focused websites that guide patients from learning about your services to booking an appointment.
5. Email Marketing for Retention and Reactivation
Even if patients initially choose CDCP, your clinic can encourage them to continue with private care through email campaigns created by DIGITAL:
- Highlighting treatments not covered under CDCP
- Sharing seasonal promotions or preventive care tips
- Sending personalized reminders for checkups, cleanings, and follow-ups
- These campaigns maintain engagement, build loyalty, and help clinics retain patients over the long term.
Case Study: Helping a BC Clinic Educate and Attract Patients
One of AS DIGITAL’s clients, a dental clinic in Coquitlam, faced the challenge of patients choosing CDCP for routine care but hesitating to book premium treatments. Our approach included:
- Creating blogs explaining the differences between CDCP coverage and private dental care
- Optimizing their GMB profile with detailed service listings and patient reviews
- Launching Google Ads targeting Invisalign, implants, and cosmetic dentistry
- Implementing an email campaign for follow-ups and preventive care
Results in 6 months:
- 50% increase in inquiries for advanced treatments
- 65% increase in website traffic from local searches
- Significant improvement in patient engagement via email and social media
- This demonstrates the power of digital marketing by DIGITAL to educate patients, build trust, and generate more high-value leads.
Why BC Dental Clinics Cannot Ignore Digital Marketing
The combination of CDCP rollout and patient research behavior makes digital marketing essential for survival and growth. Without a strong online presence:
- Patients may choose competitors with more visible websites and active GMB profiles
- Clinics may lose potential revenue from advanced procedures not covered by CDCP
- Opportunities to educate patients and establish authority in the community are missed
With a comprehensive strategy by AS DIGITAL that includes SEO, GMB optimization, content marketing, paid ads, and email campaigns, dental clinics can remain competitive, attract high-value patients, and grow sustainably.