The Canadian Dental Benefit has attracted a lot of interest, with many children already benefiting from the new plan. While the plan is just an interim benefit, it is already having a positive effect. Now, The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos and The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier have commented on the progress of the benefit.
The Canadian Federal Government’s dental benefit has been active for a few months now, and continues to achieve a strong uptake.
In the latest update, the Government have announced that the benefit has already helped more than 200,000 children – representing an excellent amount!
What is the Dental Benefit?
TThe benefit was rolled out on December 1st, with the intention of improving access to oral healthcare for children under the age of 12.
The benefit is for low or middle-income families with a child or children under the age of 12 [2]. Eligible families can receive up to $650 per child each year to assist with the cost of dental care.
The benefit is only a short-term measure, which came as a result of a compromise between the ruling Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party. The benefit forms part of their supply and confidence agreement.
Applications for the benefit can be made through the Canadian Revenue Agency [3]. The Agency outline during the application the information that is needed.
The latest update
TThe update came from The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos and The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier [1]. Duclos is the Minister of Health, while Lebouthillier is the Minister of National Revenue.
They said that the benefit has already helped “more than 200,000 children get brighter smiles and healthier teeth” [1].
The latest update also acknowledged the importance of oral health for children. They mentioned that oral health is “an essential factor to good overall health and quality of life” [1].
Moreover, they remarked that “children with healthy teeth and gums miss less school resulting in better grades” [1]. Furthermore, they stated that having access to quality oral healthcare meant that “pain and infections, potential problems with eating, speaking, playing, or learning” could be prevented [1].
The duo pointed out the range of positives that this benefit is providing children. The figure of 200,000 children represents a very good amount. Though the hope is that more children will benefit in the coming months.
The full-term dental benefit
TAs mentioned, this is only an interim dental benefit. The long-term aim will be for a more comprehensive national dental benefit, which is due to be in place by 2025.
This would mean that the wider public – including adults – would become eligible for the benefit. The hope is that this will result in an improvement in oral health for millions.
Duclos and Lebouthillier mentioned this. They stated that they are working on a “long-term Canada-wide dental care program to make quality oral health care within reach for families who need it most” [1].
It is great to see that there has already been many children positively affected by the interim dental benefit. This is hopefully a sign that Canada’s oral health will be improving markedly soon!
Thinking points…
T1) In the coming months, we are expecting to hear more about the long-term national dental benefit plan. But while this is something to look forward to, in the interim, we can’t afford to neglect any current problems there are. Therefore, it is very important to continue to attend regular dental appointments. These offer a great chance for a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health. We strongly recommend that you book an appointment right away!
2) One of the reasons behind the strong uptake in this benefit is the cost of dental care in Canada – which is prohibitive for many people. However, here at Savanna Dental, we are pleased to say that our prices are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. Therefore, our fees are fully transparent, reliable and trustworthy. We would love you to visit us in our Calgary dental clinic soon!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
TSavanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their 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
T[1] Government of Canada. (2023). Message from the Minister of Health and the Minister of National Revenue. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2023/02/message-from-the-minister-of-health-and-the-minister-of-national-revenue.html. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.
[2] Ontario Dental Association. (2022). Canadian Dental Care Plan. Available: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/government-dental-programs/canadian-dental-care-plan/. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.
[3] Government of Canada. (2022). Canadian Dental Benefit How to apply. Available: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/dental-benefit/how-apply.html. Last accessed: 16th February 2023.
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