The Canada Dental Benefit program was a temporary federal financial support program intended to help lower dental costs for eligible families.
The Canada Dental Benefit program was created for families without private dental insurance, earning less than $90,000 per year, and children under the age of 12. It was intended to address their dental care needs while the Government of Canada developed a long-term solution.
The benefit provided up to two tax-free payments of either $260, $390, or $650 per child for dental care between October 1, 2022 and June 30, 2024. This payment was based on adjusted family net income.
Applications and supporting documents were submitted directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which then distributed benefit payments through direct deposit or cheque.
Some of the services that were covered under this program include:
- Orthodontic services
- Preventative services
- Restorative services
- Oral surgery
Key Canada Dental Benefit Details
The interim Canada Dental Benefit ended on June 30, 2024. It has been replaced by the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
The CRA may perform audits to confirm recipient eligibility up to 6 years after the close of the Canada Dental Benefit. If you received the Benefit, keep your receipts on file until then. If you made an error or your situation changed after you applied for the Canada Dental Benefit, you may have to return any amounts you were not eligible for. If your child’s dental costs were less than the amount you received, you do not need to return any unused amounts.
References
- Government of Canada, Canada Dental Benefit: Who was eligible
- Government of Canada, Canada Dental Benefit
- Canadian Dental Hygienists Association, Canada Dental Benefit
- Government of Canada, Validating Your Application
- Government of Canada, VAC Dental Benefits
- Government of Canada, Review of Denied Application
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.