Volume 9 • 2022 • Issue 5

A llocating additional funding to enhance access to dental care for underserved Canadians echoes CDA’s long-standing recommendations. “We applaud the federal government’s decision to provide additional financial support to enhance access to dental care for children under age 12,” says Dr. Lynn Tomkins, CDA president. “We are also pleased to see that the government is taking a phased approach to this complex issue, which will allow time to consult and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders on a long-term solution. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a big difference for the oral health of millions of Canadians, and it is imperative that we all work together and get this right.” In its own September 13 press release, CDA recommended that as the federal government moves forward with the design and delivery of a permanent program, it should ensure that any new initiatives CDA Responds to Federal Dental Care Announcement On September 13, the federal government formally announced phase-one of its plan to enhance access to dental care for Canadians. Households earning less than $90,000 will receive up to $650 to help pay for dental visits for children under age 12. The proposed funding was originally announced in April and is part of a Supply and Confidence Agreement between the federal Liberals and NDP. do not disrupt access to dental care for the large majority of Canadians who already have dental coverage through employer-provided health benefits. “We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and the federal government to enhance access to dental care for Canadians,” adds Dr. Tomkins. “We’re happy to see the federal government moving forward with its commitment to improve the oral and overall health of Canadians, and to help narrow the gaps in access to dental care that some Canadians face.” The government is taking a phased approach to this complex issue, which will allow time to consult and collaborate with all relevant stakeholdersona long-termsolution. 11 Issue 5 | 2022 |