More Canadians are now eligible to apply for the federal dental care plan as of Thursday.
The federal program now includes adults with disabilities and children under the age of 18.
“With today’s announcement, around another 1.2 million more Canadians will soon have access to affordable dental health check-ups and treatment,” Families Minister Jenna Sudds said during a news conference.
The plan is for those with family incomes under $90,000 per year and who do not have access to dental insurance.
Health Minister Mark Holland, speaking at a separate announcement, said this expansion will be significant for many families.
“This means that a family who’s having to make that choice about whether or not they pay groceries or they get the oral health-care that’s preventative for their family, they don’t have to make that choice any more,” said Holland.
More than two million seniors have been approved to receive coverage under the plan, according to federal officials. More than 200,000 have already received services like cleaning, fillings, and dentures since May 1.
Nearly 11,500 oral health providers, representing around two in five across the country, are participating in the plan, said Holland.
The plan is expected to help up to nine million Canadians once it is fully rolled out in 2025.
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