Understanding whether you have dental coverage, and what that coverage includes, can help you plan your care and manage costs. In Canada, coverage for dental services can come from several different sources, depending on your personal, professional, or financial situation.
Many Canadians have dental insurance through their employer, union, or professional association. Others purchase individual or family plans directly from private insurers.
These plans help cover a portion of the cost for dental care, such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other treatments. The amount covered and the share you pay, known as the co-payment, varies by plan.
For example, a plan may pay 80% of the cost for preventive services and 50% for major procedures. Always review your plan booklet or contact your insurance provider to confirm:
What procedures are covered
Annual maximums or deductibles
Claim submission requirements
If you do not have private dental insurance, you may be eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) , a federal initiative to improve access to oral health care for Canadians with lower and middle incomes.
The program is being introduced in phases, with eligibility based on household income and other criteria. The CDCP helps reduce the cost of basic dental services for those who qualify.
For current information, including eligibility and enrolment details, visit the Government of Canada’s CDCP webpage.
In addition to national programs, each province and territory administers its own public dental programs. These typically focus on specific populations, such as:
Children and youth
Seniors
Individuals or families with low incomes
People with disabilities
Coverage levels and eligibility vary across jurisdictions. To learn more, visit your provincial or territorial health ministry’s website or contact a local public health unit.
Your dentist’s office can help you interpret your coverage, provide estimates for upcoming treatment, and explain how to submit claims.
