Bridging Policy and Practice: Parents and Caregivers Experiences with the Interim Canada Dental Benefit in Canada

Background: Access to dental care remains a significant challenge for many children in Canada, particularly among low-income and underserved populations. The Interim Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), introduced in October 2022, aimed to reduce financial barriers to oral health care for children under 12 years of age while the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) was being developed. While emerging evidence has examined program uptake, limited qualitative research has explored parents and caregivers experiences with the Interim CDB. Objective: This study aimed to explore parents and caregivers experiences with the Interim CDB in Manitoba, Canada, including awareness, access, perceived benefits, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 30 parents and caregivers of children under 12 years of age. Participants were recruited primarily through community dental clinics. Interviews were conducted between July 2023 and February 2024, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to identify key themes and subthemes. Results: Seven interconnected themes were identified: (1) limited and uneven awareness of the Interim CDB; (2) inadequate and inequitable communication strategies; (3) barriers to accessing the benefit, including misconceptions about eligibility and complex application processes; (4) dental providers as key facilitators of access; (5) financial relief and improved access to care; (6) gaps in coverage and ongoing financial strain; and (7) participant-driven recommendations for improvement. While the benefit was widely perceived as reducing financial barriers and enabling access to care, challenges related to awareness, communication, and adequacy of coverage limited its overall effectiveness. Participants emphasized the need for improved communication from government, simplified application processes, expanded eligibility, and increased financial support. Conclusion: The Interim CDB represents an important step toward improving access to dental care for children in Canada. However, this study highlights critical implementation gaps related to awareness, accessibility, and coverage. Addressing these challenges will be essential to ensuring the success of the new CDCP and advancing equitable access to oral health care.