A National Review of the Interim Canada Dental Benefit: Analyzing the Uptake Among Uninsured Children Under 12

Abstract

Objectives

The Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) provided financial support for the dental needs of children < 12 years old, from low-income families in Canada. Funds were distributed during two periods, Regular Period 1 (October 2022 through June 2023) and the Regular Period 2 (July 2023 through June 2024). This study evaluated the adjusted rate of child participation across provinces and territories, proportionally for children aged 0–11 who lack dental insurance, from households with a net annual income < $90,000 (Canadian).

Methods

Publicly available data were sourced from the Government of Canada Open Data Portal. Variables of interest were presented as distributions by provinces and territories, age grouping of children, and family net income. Child participation rates were calculated based on Statistics Canada data (2025).

Results

A total of 452,460 applications were accepted, with $440.7 million distributed. The adjusted national rate of participation for children without private and public dental insurance from low-income households was 267.3/1000 children in Regular Period 1 and 273.2/1000 in Regular Period 2. The provinces and territories with the highest adjusted rates were Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories. Families earning less than $30,000 annually made up the largest share of applicants.

Conclusions

Government-funded programs, like the Interim CDB, have the capacity to improve access to dental care for Canadians. The results show clear regional differences, with higher participation often found in regions where public dental programs for children are limited or absent.