Minister Mark Holland and MP Irek Kusmierczyk inside the Smile Wagon with owner Navjeet Gill, June 25, 2024. Minister Mark Holland and MP Irek Kusmierczyk inside the Smile Wagon with owner Navjeet Gill, June 25, 2024.
Chatham

Canadian Dental Plan expanding to youth

Starting Thursday, children and adults with a disability tax credit can apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Minister of Health Mark Holland visited Windsor this week to talk to providers who have signed up for the program since it first launched in May.

Since its launch, over 2 million seniors have signed up for the dental care plan.

"It's important to get that preventative work and make sure people have a health mouth," said Holland. "It's so tragic when people don't get that care they wind up often in a hospital room needed surgery, it can lead to cardiovascular disease or cancer."

Dental hygienists and owner of the Smile Wagon Navjeet Gill was excited to sign up as a provider for the program because she's been passionate about improving accessibility.

"Even though it's still early on, there's been a huge demand and outreach for the program and individuals that are seeking to receive services," said Gill.

The Canadian Dental Plan provides coverage for preventative services, restorative services and other oral treatments for those who do not have insurance coverage through work.

The plan was opened to seniors in May and is now expanding to the other groups.

The program will cost the Canadian government $13-billion over the next five years.

"The cost and strain on our health care system of not doing the preventative work, of not being there and not having people have oral health coverage, it's enormous," said Holland.

To find out if you can apply, visit the Canadian Dental Plan website.

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