Dental Care Guide for Newcomers in Canada: Coverage, Costs, and Low-Cost Options
By WelcomeAide Team
Quick Summary
- Dental care in Canada is generally not covered by provincial health insurance. Most Canadians pay through employer-sponsored insurance, private insurance, or out of pocket.
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal program that provides dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with a family income under $90,000.
- Several provinces offer dental programs for children, seniors, and low-income residents.
- Dental schools at Canadian universities offer treatments at significantly reduced costs, performed by supervised students.
- Community health centres and non-profit dental clinics provide low-cost or free dental care in many cities.
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for preventing costly dental problems down the road.
Understanding Dental Care in Canada
One of the biggest surprises for many newcomers to Canada is that dental care is not included in the public healthcare system. While your provincial health card covers visits to the doctor, hospital stays, and medically necessary procedures, it does not cover routine dental services like check-ups, cleanings, fillings, or extractions. This means that without insurance, you are responsible for the full cost of dental care, which can be substantial. A routine cleaning and exam can cost $200 to $400, a filling can range from $150 to $300, and more complex procedures like root canals or crowns can cost $1,000 or more.
Understanding how dental coverage works in Canada is essential for newcomers who want to maintain their oral health without facing unexpected expenses. This guide covers all the options available to you, from federal programs to low-cost community clinics.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program launched to help Canadians who do not have access to dental insurance. The program is administered by Health Canada and Sun Life, and it is being rolled out in phases. The CDCP covers a range of dental services including preventive care (exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride), restorative care (fillings, crowns), endodontic services (root canals), prosthodontic services (dentures), periodontal services, and oral surgery.
Who Is Eligible for the CDCP?
To be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes, have filed your tax return for the previous year, have an adjusted family net income under $90,000, not have access to dental insurance through an employer, a pension, or a spouse's plan, and not already be covered by another government dental program. The level of coverage depends on your income. Families earning under $70,000 have no co-pays, those earning $70,000 to $79,999 have a 40% co-pay, and those earning $80,000 to $89,999 have a 60% co-pay.
Tip
You must file a Canadian tax return to be eligible for the CDCP, even if you had no income. Filing your taxes is essential for accessing many government benefits in Canada. See our guide to filing taxes as a newcomer for step-by-step instructions.
How to Apply for the CDCP
Applications for the CDCP are processed by Service Canada. You can apply online through your My Service Canada Account or by calling 1-833-537-4342. Once approved, you receive a member card from Sun Life and can visit any participating dental provider. Not all dentists participate in the CDCP, so it is important to confirm with your dental office before booking an appointment.
Provincial Dental Programs
In addition to the federal CDCP, several provinces offer their own dental programs targeting specific populations. These programs vary significantly from province to province.
British Columbia
BC offers the Healthy Kids Program, which provides basic dental coverage for children in families receiving premium assistance. The BC Dental Fee Guide sets suggested fees, though dentists are not required to follow it. Some community health centres in BC offer reduced-cost dental services. The BC government also funds emergency dental services through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction for income assistance recipients.
Ontario
Ontario runs several dental programs. The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) provides free routine dental services for low-income seniors aged 65 and over. The Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) program covers children 17 and under from low-income families. Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program also include dental benefits for recipients.
Other Provinces
Alberta offers the Alberta Adult Health Benefit and the Alberta Child Health Benefit for eligible low-income residents. Quebec has a public dental program for children under 10 and social assistance recipients. Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic provinces each have their own income-tested dental programs. Contact your provincial health ministry or call 2-1-1 to learn what is available in your area.
Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance
The most common way Canadians access dental coverage is through employer-sponsored health benefits. If you have a full-time job in Canada, your employer may offer a group benefits plan that includes dental coverage. These plans typically cover 80% to 100% of preventive and basic dental services (exams, cleanings, fillings) and 50% to 80% of major services (crowns, bridges, root canals). Many plans also cover orthodontics, though usually with a lifetime maximum.
Coverage usually begins after a waiting period of one to three months from your start date. If your spouse or partner has employer benefits, you may be able to enroll as a dependent on their plan. When evaluating job offers, consider the dental benefits as part of your total compensation. A good dental plan can save your family thousands of dollars per year.
Info
If both you and your spouse have employer dental plans, you can coordinate benefits. This means you submit a claim to your own plan first, then submit the remaining balance to your spouse's plan. This can result in close to 100% coverage for many dental services.
Low-Cost Dental Clinics and Dental Schools
If you do not have insurance and do not qualify for government programs, several options can help you access affordable dental care. Dental schools at Canadian universities operate teaching clinics where dental students provide treatment under the supervision of licensed dentists. Fees at dental school clinics are typically 50% to 70% lower than private dental offices. The trade-off is that appointments take longer because students are learning. Major dental schools with teaching clinics include the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill University, Dalhousie University, University of Alberta, and University of Manitoba.
Community Health Centres and Non-Profit Clinics
Many community health centres (CHCs) across Canada offer dental services on a sliding fee scale based on income. Non-profit organizations also operate free or low-cost dental clinics. In Vancouver, organizations like the Union Gospel Mission and the Mid-Main Community Health Centre offer dental services. In Toronto, the Toronto Public Health dental clinics serve eligible residents. Contact 2-1-1 in your city to find low-cost dental options near you.
Preventive Care and Saving on Dental Costs
Prevention is the best strategy for managing dental costs. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and visit a dental professional at least once a year for a check-up and cleaning. Catching problems early through regular check-ups is far less expensive than treating advanced dental disease. Many dentists offer payment plans for larger treatments, and some offer discounts for uninsured patients who pay at the time of service. Always ask about the cost before proceeding with any treatment, and do not hesitate to get a second opinion for major procedures.
Warning
Dental emergencies such as severe toothache, broken teeth, or oral infections should be treated promptly. If you experience a dental emergency and cannot afford a dentist, go to a hospital emergency room. While ERs cannot perform dental procedures, they can manage pain and infections and refer you to appropriate care.
Resources and Next Steps
Dental care is an important part of your overall health, and there are more options available than many newcomers realize. Below are key resources:
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): canada.ca/dental or call 1-833-537-4342
- Provincial dental programs: Contact your provincial health ministry or call 2-1-1
- Dental school clinics: Contact the dental faculty at your nearest university
- Community health centres: Call 2-1-1 for locations near you
- Canadian Dental Association: cda-adc.ca for general dental health information
WelcomeAide is here to help you navigate healthcare and every other aspect of settling in Canada. Our AI Newcomer Navigator can help you find dental resources in your area and answer your questions in your language. Explore our blog for more newcomer guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.