In Canada, around 70% of the total cost of health care is covered by public insurance. However, dental services are not included. Usually, Canadians will cover these costs through private insurance and employer-based insurance plans.
Some simply pay for dental care out-of-pocket. Unfortunately, those who do not have insurance are roughly three times more likely than those who have insurance to skip going to the dentist because of the cost.
Having dental insurance is a great way to save money on dental treatments and to maintain good oral health. For this reason, it may be worth the extra few dollars a month to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Key Points
- Dental insurance provides partial coverage for various types of dental services.
- The type of coverage you receive depends on the policy you take out.
- If you don’t have an employer-based dental insurance plan, then a private policy may prove economically helpful, especially if you require regular dental care.
What Is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance covers treatments and services offered by dental professionals. This usually includes treatments applied to your teeth and often to your gums as well.
However, most dental insurance plans do not fully cover the cost of dental treatments. You may still have to pay for some of the cost out-of-pocket.
Types Of Dental Insurance Coverage
There are four types of dental insurance coverage: basic, comprehensive basic, major, and orthodontic.
Basic Dental Insurance Coverage
As the name implies, basic dental insurance covers only the most basic dental services, like x-rays, exams, and dental cleaning. Depending on your insurance plan, your insurer will cover these services at different frequencies.
For example, a more expensive plan might cover routine exams every six months, while cheaper plans will cover routine exams every year. There is usually no waiting period for this coverage.
Comprehensive Dental Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive dental insurance provides the same coverage as the basic plan but includes extras like root canals, denture cleaning, and periodontal treatment.
Major Dental Insurance Coverage
This covers treatments not covered by the basic and comprehensive plans, such as bridges and crowns. It often has a waiting period where you can’t use the coverage, which can be a few months to a year or more.
Orthodontic Dental Insurance Coverage
This kind of coverage covers braces and other kinds of alignment that help to straighten jaws and teeth. Like the major coverage, it usually has a waiting period, which varies depending on the insurer.
How Does Dental Insurance Work In Canada?
As mentioned, Canada’s public health care system does not cover dental treatments and services. In general, there are four ways that Canadians pay for their dental treatments.
Employer-Affiliated Insurance
This kind of insurance is offered by many employers as a benefit. Interested parties must pay a premium, which is often deducted from their paycheques. In return, they receive some form of dental insurance.
Private Dental Insurance
People can purchase their own private dental insurance from many insurance companies, such as Manulife, Desjardins, and Canada Life. Each company offers a variety of plans, whose rates vary based on the type and amount of coverage you want. Generally, those who are not covered by an employer may often opt for private dental insurance.
Out-Of-Pocket
People can pay out-of-pocket for dental services when not covered by insurance or a government-subsidized program.
Government-Subsidized Programs
Municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments provide discounted or free dental care to certain eligible individuals. These individuals include the disabled, certain Indigenous individuals, children, and seniors.
How Much Does Dental Insurance In Canada Cost?
There is no set cost for dental insurance in Canada. The cost really depends on the dental clinic you choose, the kind of coverage you are seeking and the province or territory you live in as well, because the cost of dental services varies greatly depending on where you live.
However, on average, Canadians spent $378.60 on dental services, according to the Canadian Dental Association.
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a relatively new national dental care program initiated by the federal government. The goal of the program is to make dental care more accessible and provide dental services to low- and middle-income Canadians who have no dental insurance.
What Is Covered?
Services covered under the CDCP include the following:
- Preventive care
- Diagnostic care
- Restorative care
- Prosthodontic care
- Endodontic care
- Periodontal care
- Oral surgery
How Much Coverage Is Provided?
Depending on your annual household income, you may qualify for coverage of between 40% to 100% of eligible dental expenses.
Who Is Eligible For The CDCP?
To qualify for the CDCP, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian resident
- Have filed your income tax return for the previous year
- Have no dental insurance
- Have a gross annual income of less than $90,000
Provincial Government Dental Plans
Each province and territory has different dental plans:
Alberta Government Dental Plans
There are many government and community oral health programs in Alberta, mainly targeted towards low-income residents. Children, adults, and seniors are all covered in some way through Alberta’s Low-income Community Oral Health Programs. Basic services, such as x-rays and exams, as well as preventative services, such as fluoride application, may be covered.
- Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors
- Public Health – Dental Treatment Services
- Alberta Adult Health Benefit
British Columbia Government Dental Plans
Adults who are eligible for general health supplements, receive disability assistance or qualify as someone with persistent multiple barriers receive basic dental coverage, as do youth under 19 whose families are on assistance. The program provides basic dental services as well as certain complex procedures such as crowns and bridges (under special circumstances).
Manitoba Government Dental Plans
The provincial government offers a couple of programs for low-income residents and children under 18 from low-income families.
New Brunswick Government Dental Plans
The Health Services Dental Program in New Brunswick provides basic dental care to clients of the Department of Social Development who are over 19 years of age (and their dependents), those who have special health needs, and those who qualify for assisted health care. The program covers exams, x-rays, dentures, repairs, and certain fillings provided that they do not have other dental insurance.
The Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program provides basic coverage, such as exams, x-rays, and extractions, as well as some preventative treatments, to children of low-income families.
Newfoundland And Labrador Government Dental Plans
The Children’s Dental Health Program provides access to certain dental services such as exams and cleanings, for children 12 years old and younger.
The Income Support Program provides basic coverage, including exams and routine fillings and extractions, to children aged 13 to 17 whose families receive Income Support.
The Low Income (Access) Program provides basic coverage for children aged 13 to 17 who are enrolled in the Access Plan of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. This includes exams and routine fillings and extractions.
The Adult Dental Program provides basic services, including exams and x-rays, as well as dentures, to those who are enrolled in the Foundation Plan of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program.
- Children’s Dental Health Program
- Income Support Program
- Low Income (Access) Program
- Adult Dental Program
Northwest Territories Government Dental Plans
The School-Based Oral Health Program allows for all children attending schools in the Northwest Territories to receive preventative oral healthcare, such as oral examinations, specialized treatment, and referral to a dentist.
The Extended Health Benefits for Seniors Program provides coverage to those over 60 years of age with dental services as well as prescription drugs, vision care, medical supplies, and equipment.
People from the ingenious communities can also gain access to dental insurance programs through the Métis Health Benefits Program.
- School-Based Oral Health Program
- Extended Health Benefits for Seniors Program
- NWT Métis Health Benefits Program
Nova Scotia Government Dental Plans
The Nova Scotia Children’s Oral Health Program, which is available to all children aged 14 and younger who have a Medical Services Insurance card, provides for exams, x-rays, preventative services, fillings, and extractions.
The Nunavut Children’s Oral Health Project provides free dental screenings, which may result in referrals for other treatments, extractions, or temporary fillings. Children who are in grade 7 or below are eligible.
Ontario Government Dental Plans
The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program offers free routine dental services for seniors making less than $25,000 per year or less than $41,500 a year if they’re a couple.
The Ontario Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Dental Program covers up to 75% of specialist dental treatment not covered by private insurance for cleft lips, cleft palates, and other craniofacial conditions.
Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental services, including dental exams, preventive care, and other treatments to those under 17 years of age.
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
- The Ontario Cleft Lip and Palate/Craniofacial Dental Program
- Healthy Smiles Ontario
Prince Edward Island Government Dental Plans
The PEI Provincial Dental Care Program provides those on social assistance and low-income individuals and their dependents with annual and emergency dental exams, dental fillings, dental extractions, some preventative services, and dentures.
The School Oral Health Preventative Program offers preventative dental services for children ages 17 and under.
Quebec Government Dental Plans
Basic services for children under the age of 10, including exams, x-rays, and extractions, are covered by Quebec health insurance. This coverage notably excludes cleanings. Certain oral surgery services are also covered for everyone, such as removals of cysts or tumours.
Those who receive financial assistance are eligible for different dental services depending on how long they have been receiving assistance.
Saskatchewan Government Dental Plans
In Saskatchewan, only those who are eligible for supplementary health benefits receive dental coverage. If they are eligible for emergency benefits, they are covered for services to relieve pain and control infection. If they are eligible for full benefits, they are covered for preventive, restorative, exodontic, and prosthetic services so that they can maintain good oral health.
Yukon Government Dental Plans
The Yukon Children’s Dental Program offers free diagnostic, preventative, and restorative dental services to children up to Grade 7 or Grade 12, depending on where they live in the territory.
Best Dental Insurance Providers In Canada
There are numerous private dental insurers in Canada. Depending on the provider you choose and the coverage you need, the rate you’ll be charged will vary.
PolicyMe
PolicyMe provides comprehensive health benefits for expenses that are not covered by provincial healthcare plans, including dental services.
PolicyMe offers two types of health and dental plans; the Guaranteed Issue Plan and the Protect Plan. Each includes three plans (Basic, Classic and Advanced) to choose from based on the coverage amount you want.
Each plan offers coverage for dental, prescription drugs, vision, and extended health care such as mental health services and accidental dental.
The dental care, vision care, and extended health care benefits are the same for both the Protect Plan and the Guaranteed Issue Plan. However, if you’re looking for extra coverage for your prescription medication, the Protect Plan is better.
Here are the details for dental coverage specifically for both plans:
Dental Coverage: Economic Plan
This plan offers coverage for basic preventative and restorative dental services (70% coverage, up to $500 each year).
Dental Coverage: Classic Plan
This plan offers coverage up to $750 in year 1 and up to $900 each year thereafter.
Dental services covered:
- Basic preventative and restorative dental services – 80% coverage
- Comprehensive services, including endodontic/periodontal treatment and denture services – 60% coverage
- Major services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and repair of natural teeth – Year 3+: 50% coverage
Dental Coverage: Advanced Plan
This plan offers coverage up to $800 in year 1 and up to $1,200 each year thereafter.
Dental services covered:
- Basic preventative and restorative dental services – 90% coverage
- Comprehensive services, including endodontic/periodontal treatment and denture services – 80% coverage
- Major services, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and repair of natural teeth – Year 2+: 60% coverage
- Orthodontics (Year 2+: 60%, $2,500 lifetime maximum)
PolicyMe Guaranteed Issue Plan: Dental Care Plan
The Guaranteed Issue Plan has an extra option called the Dental Care Plan. It has no prescription benefits but offers extra dental benefits:
- Coverage Amount:
- Year 1: $750
- Year 2+: $900
- Basic preventative and restorative services:
- 80% coverage
- Includes routine cleanings, examinations, fillings, and extractions
- Comprehensive services:
- 60% coverage
- Includes endodontic/periodontal treatment and denture services
- Major services:
- Year 3+: 50% coverage
- Includes crowns, bridges, dentures, and repair of natural teeth
Manulife Dental Insurance
Manulife offers both healthcare and dental insurance to those who don’t have insurance through their employer or who want to supplement their coverage. There are seven plans to choose from for all kinds of budgets and needs. Depending on the plan, up to $920 of dental expenses are covered per year.
Moreover, if you sign up for the Manulife Vitality program, you can save 10% on your premiums during the first year, and even more in subsequent years.
Desjardins Dental Insurance
Desjardins offers personalized health insurance that includes dental care, depending on the plan and add-ons you choose. This may include dental cleanings and orthodontic treatments.
Additional dental care plans from Desjardins offer enhanced services, including basic and enhanced plans. The Basic Plan includes services like full examinations, scaling, cleaning, fillings, and x-rays. The Enhanced Plan includes even more services, including wisdom tooth removal, gum grafting, root canals, and orthodontic treatments.
Canada Protection Plan Dental Insurance
Canada Protection Plan offers a variety of health and dental plans that can help cover the cost of both medical and dental services. Different levels of coverage are offered, meaning that you can pick a plan that works best for you.
Moreover, if you have group insurance benefits and want to switch, you can apply for dental insurance with Canada Protection Plan without requiring a medical questionnaire or exam. Currently, Canada Protection Plan offers two main health and dental care programs:
- FlexCare – This program allows you to choose the type of coverage you want based on your budget and needs. You can opt for a basic or more comprehensive dental plan. It also allows you to add medical and drug coverage if you want.
- FollowMe – This program is for those who recently lost their group insurance or want to switch. If you apply within 90 days of losing or quitting your group insurance, you do not need a medical questionnaire or exam. Moreover, it offers four different plans that provide coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and hospital benefits.
Canada Life Dental Insurance
Canada Life offers a variety of plans for all kinds of budgets and needs, including:
- Basic Plan
- Comprehensive Plan
- Premier Plan
- Core Plan
- Core Plus Plan
- Elite Plan
Covered services and coverage amounts vary, and become increasingly comprehensive with each level.
Ontario Blue Cross Dental Insurance
Ontario Blue Cross offers dental plans to supplement the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) by covering some of the costs of oral surgeries and common dental treatments that OHIP doesn’t cover.
Moreover, there are no deductibles and all plans come with a 24/7 virtual health care service that offers free advice and support to manage your health.
Final Thoughts
Dental insurance can be a good idea, especially if you find yourself requiring frequent and complex dental care. Besides being able to save money on expensive dental treatments, you’ll also be able to better maintain your oral health if you see a dental professional regularly. By purchasing dental insurance, you’re investing in your medical and financial health, which is a great investment to make.
