Tooth decay is the most common, but preventable, childhood chronic disease both in Canada and around the world. Oral diseases frequently begin in the preschool years which is why it is so important to establish good oral hygiene behaviours in those early years.
In March 2022, the federal government announced plans to enhance access to dental care for Canadian families with annual household incomes of less than $90,000.
Phase one of the government’s plans to enhance access to dental care begins with children under 12-years-old was announced in September, 2022, and takes the form of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB).
Applications for the second benefit period are now being accepted to help pay for out of pocket expenses for dental care service costs incurred between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. With this benefit, families can get the financial support to start addressing some of the basic dental care that their young children need, while work is being done to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Please view the frequently asked questions for further details, and reference the infographic for a quick overview of the interim CDB.