Canada will soon have its first form of national dental care coverage, after legislation implementing a subsidy program for children under 12 years old passed.

On Thursday, the bill that brings dental entitlement to low-income families—known as Bill C-31—received Royal Assent and became law.

It was also introduced alongside a benefit for low-income renters, where the dental benefit was an initiative stemming from an agreement between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh. However, the New Democratic Party called on Poilievre and the Conservatives to oppose children's dental benefits while MPs enjoy comprehensive coverage.

Also, the Liberals unveiled details of dental care, enhanced rental benefits, and a Goods and Services Tax credit in an affordability package supported by the NDP, where currently, the entitlement will be offered to children under 12 whose family annual income is less than $90,000.

According to the government, this benefit will provide payments of up to $650 per child annually, depending on family income.

For example:

$650 will be provided for each child if the family's net adjusted income is less than $70,000, $390 for each child if the family's net adjusted income is between $70,000 and $79,999, and $260 for each child if the family's net adjusted income is between $80,000 and $89,999.

The amount offered is the government's "best calibration" of the funding needed to cover basic dental care—examinations, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings—without too much leftover, according to government officials who briefed reporters on the program in September.

If parents have excess funds, the hope is they will be directed to meet other dental care needs, but there will be no requirement to refund any entitlement. The program will cover expenses retroactive to October 1, 2022.

The Liberals also estimate that 500,000 Canadian children will be eligible to have some of their dental care covered under this plan, and pledge that receiving this benefit will not reduce any previously income-tested federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit.

Additionally, the first phase of dental care for eligible parents or guardians will provide "direct, tax-free payments to cover dental expenses." However, in order to access the benefit, parents or guardians must apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and declare the following:

Applicants can apply for this financial support before appointments but will need to provide proof of eligibility such as contact information for the dental care provider, the appointment date, and employer and spouse or partner information related to their benefits coverage.

In the same context, the now-passed bill sets a process for bureaucrats to verify this information, and there may be penalties for those who make fraudulent claims.