NDP Leader Andrea Horwath promising dental care plan that works with federal one if elected

The NDP is promising dental care for low- and middle-income Ontarians, saying the move could potentially save families several thousands of dollar a year - and more if kids need braces.

We all want what's best for our families - including regular check-ups at the dentist. But the cost of living is making that harder," said leader Andrea Horwath in a written statement before making the announcement in Scarborough on Thursday morning, the second day of the election campaign leading up to the June 2 vote.

People are racking up credit card bills to get the dental care they need. Parents sometimes make the heartbreaking decision to put off getting their kid's cavity filled because it's not in the budget. Dental care is health care - so why is it costing people so much? With the NDP, you'll be covered."

An uninsured family earning less than $90,000 a year would be fully covered; this group will be the first to get the benefit as it is phased in over two years. A family earning between $90,000 and $200,000 would be required to co-pay to a maximum of 50 per cent of any dental bills.

Horwath said basic checkups for a family of four could be covered by as much as $1,240 every year, and if two children need braces those savings would be $13,000.

The total cost of the move is estimated at $680 million in 2022-23 and is meant to cover dental costs until the federal government brings in a plan it has promised in a deal with the federal NDP.

Half of Ontarians are estimated to have little or no dental benefits.

More to come.

Kristin Rushowy is a Toronto-based reporter covering Ontario politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @krushowy