The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) is a relatively new federal program that aims to provide quality dental care and ease the cost of living for many Canadians.

As part of its first iteration in October 2022, children under 12 who were not covered by another insurance plan were eligible for this program, meaning that parents would be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket dental costs. In addition, children who were already covered under another government dental program could also be eligible if not all dental care expenses are paid by that program.

In March 2023, the federal government expanded the program to any uninsured Canadian under 18 years of age! This greatly increases the number of people who are eligible to receive funding.

How much is the benefit per child?

Families with an annual adjusted net income that is less than $90,000 and without private dental insurance would receive direct, up-front tax-free payments:

• $650 for each eligible child if the family's adjusted net income is under $70,000.
• $390 for each eligible child if the family's adjusted net income is between $70,000 and $79,999.
• $260 for each eligible child if the family's adjusted net income is between $80,000 and $89,999.

What you should know?

Dental care services:
The Canada Dental Benefit can be used to cover any oral health services by an oral health professional to a certain extent provided, including dental hygienists who are licensed to practise in the applicant's province or territory.

Eligibility:
Applicants must have filed the previous year's tax return and be in receipt of the Canada Child Benefit for each eligible child in their care. Applicants will be asked to provide information about their dental professional and employer to help confirm eligibility.

If children are covered under other government programs:
Eligibility is not impacted by coverage under provincial, territorial or other federal programs. In order to claim the Canada Dental Benefit, applicants covered under provincial, territorial or other federal programs must have out-of-pocket expenses. If all their expenses are covered by another program, they are not eligible.

Important dates / benefit periods:

The benefit period is July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Applications opened on July 1, 2023.

How do families apply?
Applications for the first benefit period opened on December 1, 2022. Parents/guardians can apply 2 ways:

• Online: Visit the Canada Revenue Agency application page.
• By phone: Call the CRA contact centre at 1-800-715-8836. Parents or guardians will need information to verify their identity.