The hybrid Liberal and NDP dental plan is now open for applications, securing a supply-and-confidence agreement granting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government NDP support until 2025.
Trudeau said getting the program is an essential priority for helping families. He said that it’s part of helping everyone have the best chance to succeed and that his government will continue to support Canadians.
“Starting today, many parents can get their kids the proper dental care they need without worrying about the bill,” Trudeau said on Dec. 1. “We will keep working to deliver much-needed relief now, as we build an economy that works for all Canadians.”
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said more than 3,000 applications had been logged by the afternoon of Dec. 1.
Duclos said it was a good sign and the plan should help many families across the country. Duclos said the plan would give confidence to families in an uncertain economic climate.
“As of today, nearly 500,000 children will be able to access the Canada Dental Benefit and start caring for their smiles,” he said. “The benefit empowers eligible families with the confidence of being able to afford their kid’s oral health care.”
Dr. Lynn Tomkins, president of the Canadian Dental Association, praised the program and said it was the next step in caring for kids.
“Oral health is an essential component of overall health,” Tomkins said.
“Thanks to the Canada Dental Benefit, more children across Canada will get access to the dental care they need to have healthy teeth, mouths, and smiles,” she said. “The Canadian Dental Association applauds the federal government’s historic commitment to enhance access to dental care.”
The plan, however, was not without its opponents. The official Conservative opposition voted against the bill. They argue that it’s simply not enough for what Canadians are facing with inflation and economic uncertainty.
Under the current program, families with a household income of less than $90,000, who don’t have insurance, can apply for up to $650 per child under the age of 12 each year.
It’s attached to the Canada Child Benefit, so families must already be recipients to apply for the dental plan. Along with these terms, family members in the same household must have all filed their 2021 tax returns to apply.
As of Dec. 1, applications can be found by visiting the federal government website and searching for “Canada Dental Benefit.”