Office of Terry Sheehan

Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

News Release

Residents in the Sault Riding can apply now for Canada Dental Benefit

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON—1 December 2022)

One-third of the population in Canada does not have dental insurance, and many may not be able to visit a dental health professional due to the costs of dental care services. This lack of access to vital health care can contribute to serious health issues. That is why the Government of Canada is taking concrete actions to address cost barriers to dental care for families who need it the most.

Today MP Terry Sheehan announced the launch of the temporary Canada Dental Benefit which is now accepting applications.

The Canada Dental Benefit is available to families with children under 12 who have an adjusted net income of less than $90,000, and who do not have access to private dental insurance. It allows families to access direct, tax- free payments totalling up to $1,300 per child (up to $650 per year) for dental care services in accordance with the below:

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

CRA My Account is a quick, easy and secure way to apply for the Canada Dental Benefit. Those who apply online and are signed up for direct deposit can receive their payment within five business days. Applicants who are unable to apply online can call the CRA’s dedicated phone line at 1-800-715-8836 to complete their application with an agent.

While this temporary Canada Dental Benefit is in place, the Government of Canada will be taking the necessary steps to build a comprehensive, long-term Canada-wide dental care program.

Quotes

“This temporary Canada Dental Benefit will provide Canadians with the funds they need to get the dental care that they have had difficulty accessing for their children.”

--Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour

“Oral health is just as important as healthy eating and being active when it comes to preventing chronic diseases. Everyone deserves to have access to dental care, yet for many Canadians, that isn’t their reality. This temporary benefit will get money into the hands of eligible families as quickly as possible so they can afford the dental care their children need.

--The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s Minister of Health

Quick Facts:

• One third of the population in Canada does not have dental insurance, and 22% of it doesn’t access the dental care they need because of the cost.
• 57% of six-to-11-year-olds have or have had a cavity.
• The average number of teeth affected by decay in children ages 6-11 years is 2.5.
• The treatment of dental problems is the leading cause of day surgery under general anesthesia for children under the age of five.
• Budget 2022 committed $5.3 billion over five years, starting in 2022-23, and $1.7 billion ongoing, to help with dental care for Canadians who are unable to access care because of the costs.
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Associated Links

• canada.ca/dental

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Contact:

Sandra Paul

Office of MP Terry Sheehan

705-941-2901

[email protected]