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The Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) is an interim program from the Government of Canada. It was first introduced some months ago to provide direct, up-front, tax-free payments to help Canadian families access dental care for each child up to the age of 12. The plan can provide coverage for two years.
The CDB was introduced to improve access to dental care for children of families who otherwise might face financial challenges in providing regular dental care for them.
Your family may be eligible for up to $650 per child under 12 years of age, per year depending on your household income.
The CDB is designed to cover any out-of-pocket dental care expenses that are not covered under another federal or provincial government dental program, for each child.
If your child is covered under another government program, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario, you may also be able to receive funding from the CDB. The CDB will not cover services covered by another government plan but the money from the CDB is intended to be used to pay for dental care that is not covered under other government plans.
For example, Healthy Smiles Ontario outlines very specifically which dental services it covers; these services are limited. The CDB does not specify which services it covers. Instead, it provides the parent with the money to pay the dentist directly toward any required dental services, including orthodontic treatment. So, your child might have some limited coverage from Healthy Smiles Ontario and still be eligible for additional coverage if you qualify for the Canada Dental Benefit.
The CDB can be of great benefit if your child previously was enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario but it was discontinued. The Canada Dental Benefit is a program of the federal government and is separate from Healthy Smiles Ontario.
To learn more about the CDB program and how to apply, visit our website by clicking here.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) defines the dental home as "the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way." They recommend that parents establish a dental home for their child before their first tooth erupts and no later than 12 months of age, with a first dental visit to the dentist.
The most important part of establishing a dental home is to start early, both by selecting a trusted dental office with qualified, experienced professionals, as well as building good dental habits at home and then maintaining that relationship through regular dental care.
Kaydental's team of professionals includes a certified specialist in orthodontics. Together with the rest of our team, we are here to guide you and your family's oral health at every age, from the first "dental well visit," through your child's early years, then through their growth and development from baby teeth into the adult dentition and beyond into adulthood.
Common oral diseases include early childhood cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, infections and halitosis (bad breath). Early childhood caries (cavities) are especially common in children under the age of three. It can run in families and can be passed from parent to child, even from generation to generation. However, an oral health risk assessment, usually done at the child's first dental visit or before 1 year of age, can provide the opportunity to identify high-risk patients and provide timely intervention to reduce the risk for early childhood caries and treat any cavities that have already developed.
On their first visit to Kaydental, we will examine your child's mouth and teeth to make sure everything is as it should be and address any concerns you may have. These first visits also help your child get used to the sights and sounds of our dental office as we gently introduce dental care using age-appropriate language and techniques. We can determine your child's oral care needs including recommendations for a sound dental home care routine.
A very important benefit of early visits to the dentist is that they help children develop a healthy attitude toward dental care and this goes a long way to reducing anxiety and fear of the dental environment. Regular visits and preventive care will prevent small problems from becoming bigger than they need to be, often resulting in lower costs for many treatments.
Dental problems can begin early especially if your child uses a bottle during naps or at night. This is a common cause of early childhood caries (cavities). Whenever possible, children should drink from a cup after their first birthday. And, although we all know that kids love to snack, limiting your child's snacking behaviour can significantly decrease the risk of developing cavities.
Your own dental hygiene and dental care routine also are very important. By setting a positive example with your own regular dental care, young children accept dental home care and regular visits to the dentist as routine for them as well.
Another benefit of establishing a dental home is that you will have a trusted and accessible place to call if a dental emergency or concern arises. Your child will be treated by a dentist who knows their dental background and with whom your child is comfortable.
Contact Kaydental today if you have any questions about the scope of dental care we provide. Click here Our dedicated team will provide a positive introduction to dental care that will serve your child well now and for years to come.
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At our North York dental office, our fees are based on the most current Ontario Dental Association fee guides.
If you have any questions about the costs of any of our dental services, please contact us so one of our staff members can clarify and guide you through the price determinations.
You can find our patient referral form here. We provide dental care for the whole family, including children's dentistry and emergency dental care.
