The Provincial Government will extend MCP dental coverage under the Children’s Dental Health Program for those children whose benefits expired between March 13, 2020, and June 30, 2020, when dental offices were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When a child turns 13 years old, they no longer qualify for publicly-funded dental programs, unless they are eligible for the Income Support Youth Program or the Low Income Youth Program.
It is estimated that approximately 2,000 children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador aged out of the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, those children who turned 13 were unable to access dental services during that period. Government is making changes to ensure these children can access dental services. They are now eligible for extended coverage until March 31, 2021.
Parents are encouraged to contact their dentist to arrange an appointment.