A healthy smile is a gift at any age! But for many children in Canada, the cost of dental care can be a barrier to proper oral health. That’s why we are so excited about the new dental benefit program the Government of Canada offers, which makes quality dental treatment more accessible and affordable to eligible families. 

Cadboro Bay Dental believes all kids deserve excellent dental healthcare, which is why this development has us jumping for joy! It represents a great opportunity to make quality dental treatments more accessible and affordable – something our private practice cannot do alone.

What is the Canada Dental Benefit?

The Government of Canada has taken an essential step with its interim measure, the Canada Dental Benefit. With this, families can start addressing fundamental oral health issues while the government continues to plan and develop longer-term dental care solutions for Canadian children and adults.

Do you qualify for the Canada Dental Benefit?

Families earning less than $90,000 annually may be eligible to receive dental care assistance through the Canada Dental Benefit. Any parent or guardian can apply for this benefit for every child under 12 not covered by a private dental insurance plan. 

To qualify for the benefit, you must submit your tax and benefit return from the previous year on the CRA website. You’ll need to provide details of an oral healthcare visit intended to be used for the benefit and information about the oral healthcare provider.

How much coverage do you receive?

If you meet the criteria, your children are eligible to receive up to $650 in tax-free dental benefits over a two-year period. This amount is based on your adjusted net income.

  • If the family’s adjusted net income is less than $70,000, you will receive $650 for every eligible child.
  • If the family’s adjusted net income is between $70,000-$79,999, you will receive $390 for every eligible child.
  • If the family’s adjusted net income is between $80,000-$89,999, you will receive $260 for every eligible child.

What types of dental care are covered?

With the Canada Dental Benefit, your child can access every type of dental service provided by licensed dental professionals in their community. This means everything from routine checkups to more specialized services is covered – giving them all-around protection for their oral health.

When can you apply for benefits?

The interim Canada Dental Benefit application period opened on December 1, 2022. During the first benefit period, dental care expenses incurred between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, will be covered. The application period for the second benefit period opens on July 1, 2023.

How can you apply for the Canada Dental Benefit?

Applying for the Canada Dental Benefit requires only a few steps. You can quickly apply for the Canada Dental Benefit with a few clicks through CRA My Account. It’s the quickest, easiest, and most secure way to apply for the Canada Dental Benefit. If you don’t yet have a CRA My Account, you can register at canada.ca/my-cra-account.

If you do not have access to the internet or cannot apply for the Canada Dental Benefit online, you can contact 1-800-715-8836 to begin your application. Remember that you’ll need to provide information on your child’s dental care visit, such as the name of your child’s dental care provider(s) and employer information. You must also prepare your Social Insurance Number, address, date of birth, and a copy of your last year’s income tax return.

Once your application is processed, you can expect to receive your payment within five business days if you apply online and are signed up for CRA direct deposit.

Family members who cannot afford regular dental care can take advantage of the Canada Dental Benefit. If you qualify for the benefits, we highly encourage you to apply for the program to keep your child’s oral health in good shape. It’s quick, easy, and secure to apply for the benefit online.

If you’re looking for a qualified oral health care provider, call us at 778-433-1888 or fill out the contact form on the contact page.