Prime Minister Trudeau Announces Universal Dental Care For Children Under Age 12

Universal dental care was a part of the agreement signed with the federal N.D.P. to support the federal Liberal’s budgets through 2025

As a part of the deal struck with the federal N.D.P., Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau agreed to phase in universal dental care for all Canadians, beginning with seniors. 

In announcing the interim Canada Dental Benefit, the Prime Minister announced that the Benefit would now be available to children under 12 who do not have access to private dental insurance. Eligible families can apply to start today.

The government states, “Nobody should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Amid economic uncertainty around the world, Canadians are feeling the rising cost of living.” 

“The Canada Dental Benefit will provide eligible parents and guardians with direct, tax-free payments of up to $650 per child, per year – to a maximum of $1,300 per child over the next two years – to help cover out-of-pocket dental care expenses for their children under 12. The Benefit is available to parents and guardians with an annual adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to private dental insurance.”

“As of today, nearly 500,000 children will be able to access the Canada Dental Benefit and start caring for their smiles. The Benefit empowers eligible families with the confidence of being able to afford their kid’s oral health care. As we continue our work on the long-term Canada-wide dental care program, we look forward to seeing brighter and healthier smiles across the country!” Said, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

According to the government of Canada’s statistics regarding the lack of dental care for children, it is pretty alarming and troubling. The lack of adequate dental care and teeth maintenance primarily affects low-income communities. The cost of dental care prevents more than one in five Canadians from getting dental care, and a third do not have dental insurance.

As per the government of Canada: eligible families can apply for the Canada Dental Benefit starting today through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account portal or, if they do not have internet access, by phone at 1-800-715-8836. To access the Benefit, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Image source, Prime Minister’s Twitter feed