What to know about the interim Canada Dental Benefit

On December 1, 2022, the federal government launched the Canada Dental Benefit, an interim program to cover the cost of professional oral health care services for children under the age of 12.

1. Who is eligible for the benefit?
   Children under 12 years of age, whose parents or caregivers have an annual net family income under $90,000 and who do not have private dental insurance
2. How much is the benefit?
   Up to $650 per year, per child, to cover professional oral care services that would have otherwise been paid for out of pocket
3. What does the benefit cover?
   Dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride applications, oral hygiene instruction, tooth extractions, fillings or any treatment provided by a dentist or dental hygienist as of October 1, 2022
4. How do I apply for the benefit?
   Visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s website for all the details. If you have specific questions, you can call them at 1.800.715.8836

Seeing an oral health professional is important for overall health, but it can be expensive. This effort by the federal government to improve access to preventive oral care for children across Canada will have a lasting impact. With this interim benefit, families of an estimated 500,000 children will be able to address some of the oral health needs of their young children without paying out of pocket while the government continues to develop a long-term Canadian dental care program.

For more information, visit dentalhygienecanada.ca/canadadentalbenefit