The first steps of the upcoming Canadian Dental Care plan have been released. The plan will be rolling out shortly, with children of low and middle-income families under the age of 12 due to be the first to benefit. The proposed Canadian Dental Benefit should help improve access to dental healthcare for millions.
The Liberal Party has announced new measures aimed at helping Canadians to cope with the cost-of-living crisis. Among these measures is the long-awaited first steps of the National Dental Care plan [1].
The dental care plan has been a common talking point in recent months, with Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party under pressure from the New Democratic Party (NDP) over the dental plan. This is part of their confidence and supply agreement.
Finally, progress has been made with the dental care plan, with some steps outlined ahead of its rollout, which is due to be by the end of the year.
The Dental Care Plan
Back in Match 2022, the Liberal Party announced an agreement with the NDP involving the creation of a new national dental care plan [2].
The plan is aimed at low and middle-income families in Canada – specifically those who earn under $90,000 per year.
The Liberal Party have committed to spending $5.3billion over the next five years to launch the plan [2].
Updates
The Liberals are aiming to roll out the first stage of their dental care plan shortly. The announcement has a target implementation date of December 1st 2022.
The first part of this plan will benefit children aged under 12 who do not have dental insurance [1].
Such children, whose family income is lower than $90,000 per year, can access up to $650 per year for the next 2 years for dental services [1].
The following payments will be available:
• $650 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is under $70,000.
• $390 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $70,000 and $79,999.
• $260 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $80,000 and $89,999 [3].
In order to access the Canadian Dental Benefit, parents or guardians of eligible children will need to apply through the Canadian Revenue Agency.
Trudeau has announced that by the end of 2023, the dental care plan will be extended to under 18’s, seniors, and those with disabilities [1]. This will form the next step of the plan.
Then, the aim is that by 2025, full implementation of the program will have taken place. Hopefully by then, the dental plan will be helping Canadians all over the nation.
Reactions
There is a growing consensus among many Canadians that an intervention is needed into dental costs. For example, a 2018 study found that 22.4% of Canadian adults avoided going to the dentist because of cost [4].
Moreover, over a third of Canadians do not have dental insurance [4]. Therefore, it can be very difficult for this group and their dependents to receive dental care. Avoiding dental treatment can result in intense pain, possible tooth extractions and physical health complications.
As a result, this dental plan is expected to help a large amount of people. It has been one of the NDP’s main goals as a political entity.
As mentioned, Trudeau’s Liberal Party have been under pressure from the NDP. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was delighted with the update, stating that “we have won” [1].
Singh commented that the dental care plan would not have happened, “but for the fact that we forced the government to deliver on this respect for people” [1].
But Singh is not resting on his laurels, and is saying that his party will continue to put pressure on the Liberals. The NDP’s expectation is that the government will continue to rollout the dental plan successfully over the next few years.
Aside from his announcement on the dental care plan, Trudeau also spoke about boosting the GST tax credit, whilst providing a one-time increase to the Canada Housing Benefit [1].
Thinking points…
1) While news of this dental plan is certainly exciting, it is important for us all to remember that it won’t be implemented overnight. What we mean by this is that you shouldn’t wait for the dental plan to begin before seeking dental treatment. Ensure you practice excellent oral hygiene. If you do need any assistance, remember to see your dentist soon for a check-up. In fact, why not book an appointment now?
2) As discussed above, cost is clearly an issue for many when it comes to accessing dental care. However, at our Calgary Dental Clinic Savanna Dental, our fees are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which means we offer transparent and competitive costs to our patients. For more information about us, we recommend visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca! We offer many different services, and would love to speak soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving oral health.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Zimonjic, P. (2022). Trudeau announces first steps on dental care, boosts to housing benefit, GST credit. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-inflation-measures-announced-1.6581289. Last accessed: 16th September 2022.
[2] Tunney, C. (2022). Liberals agree to launch dental care program in exchange for NDP support. Available: https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeu-jagmeet-singh-deal-government-1.6393021. Last accessed: 16th September 2022.
[3] Canada.ca. (2022). Making Dental Care More Affordable: The Canada Dental Benefit. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2022/09/making-dental-care-more-affordable-the-canada-dental-benefit.html. Last accessed: 16th September 2022.
[4] Statistics Canada. (2019). Dental Care, 2018. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2019001/article/00010-eng.htm/. Last accessed: 16th September 2022.
