The first work to be completed under the country’s new dental program should start by next May or June.

The federal government announced the details of the plan yesterday.

They will be undertaking a phased approach to the program, targeting seniors first, with the goal of having everyone who is eligible enrolled by 2025.

The first letters for people who are over the age of 87 will be sent out later this month, with information on how to sign up.

Minister of Labour and Seniors Seamus O’Regan says people can start making appointments as soon as they are eligible, and the actual coverage will begin around the end of May.

O’Regan says they are working with dental offices to make sure they know how everything is going to work.

He notes that they want to try to eliminate any up-front costs. He says a lot of people aren’t able to cover up-front costs, so they want to get to a point where it is all direct billing.

There is a co-pay element to it for people earning between $70,000 and $90,000 while those earning under $70,000 will not have to pay out of pocket.