Quality dental care in Canada is an important part of overall health and well-being for many newcomers to the country. The provision of dental care in Canada operates within a mixed healthcare system with a private delivery model and a publicly funded safety net. This presents Canadians with various options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Being familiar with the Canadian dental care system is essential if you are looking for appropriate and affordable options.

This guide will go into the various details of dental care in Canada, focusing on the traditional private system and the newly introduced public option.

Overview of Dental Care Delivery in Canada

CanaMigrate

In Canada, dental care is not considered a universal health service, so it is financed mainly through private means. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 60% to 70% of Canadians have private dental insurance, usually provided through employer-sponsored plans, while others pay for services out of pocket. The lack of a universal public dental plan has led to inequalities in access to necessary dental services, particularly among low-income households.

Statistics Canada data has revealed that dental care expenditures accounted for 5.6% of total health expenditures in 2024, highlighting the significance of oral health care within the broader health care system. The decision to live without dental insurance greatly impacts the dental health status of many Canadians, as they may delay or forego necessary treatment due to costs.

Public Dental Care in Canada

CanaMigrate

Publicly-funded dental care in Canada is limited and overlaps with specific government programs targeting particular demographic segments, such as children, seniors, or low-income families. Various provinces and territories have implemented programs to provide dental care through different social assistance programs. For example:

  • Children’s Dental Care: Many Canadian provinces cover some dental services for children under 18 by partnering with the local dental community and providing treatment options based on specific income criteria.
  • Seniors’ Programs: Public funding for dental care services varies for seniors, with some provinces offering limited coverage for necessary dental procedures based on income brackets.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

The reliance on a private model has also created significant inequalities in access to care. Recognizing this gap, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a publicly funded program to provide dental coverage to eligible Canadian permanent residents who do not have access to private dental insurance.

Its implementation is being rolled out in phases, starting with seniors 65 and older, adults with a valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate, and children under 18. The application schedule outlines specific dates for different age groups to apply to eventually extend coverage to all eligible Canadian permanent residents and citizens.

Coverage Under the CDCP

The CDCP aims to cover a significant portion of the costs for a wide range of essential oral health care services when recommended by an oral health provider. These services include:

  • Diagnostic and Preventive Services: Dental exams (including routine, specific, and emergency), X-rays, cleaning (scaling), fluoride applications, and sealants. These services are important for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious issues.
  • Basic Services (Restorative): Permanent and temporary fillings, pain control for diseased teeth, and other treatments for cavities. These address common dental problems.
  • Endodontic Services: Root canal treatments, pulpectomies, procedures to reduce infection and relieve pain, and re-treatment of previously completed root canals (requiring preauthorization). These are necessary for treating severely damaged or infected teeth.
  • Periodontal Services: Cleaning under the gumline, treating abscesses, bonding for mobile teeth (requiring preauthorization), post-surgical evaluations (requiring preauthorization), and non-surgical gum disease management.
  • Major Services (Restorative): Posts and post removal, repairs to crowns and re-bonding of crowns and posts, crowns (requiring preauthorization), cores (to support crowns) (requiring preauthorization), and posts for crowns (requiring preauthorization).
  • Removable Prosthodontic Services: Complete dentures, denture repairs, relines and rebases, placing a lining in dentures to condition oral tissues, complete immediate and overdentures, and partial dentures (requiring preauthorization).
  • Oral Surgery: Removal of teeth and roots, surgical removal of tumors and cysts, surgical incisions (including draining), and treatments for broken jaw bones.
  • Anesthesia or Sedation Services: Minimal (conscious) sedation and moderate, deep sedation, and general anesthesia (all requiring preauthorization). These help manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures.

Private Dental Care in Canada

CanaMigrate

Private dental care in Canada is the predominant method Canadian permanent residents and citizens receive dental services, constituting a for-profit model. Individuals typically rely on employer-sponsored insurance plans or purchase their dental insurance policies. This private sector structure introduces various types of coverage, with plans often differing regarding deductibles, co-payments, and the range of services included.

This system has created a high standard of clinical care, with Canadian permanent residents and citizens accessing a wide range of dental services and dental professionals. Most Canadians can access private dental insurance through Canadian employers, significantly influencing their dental care options and experiences.

Comprehensive Coverage Offered by Private Insurance

Private dental insurance in Canada can vary widely, but generally covers a broader range of services than public options. Coverage typically includes:

Preventive Services

Preventive services form a cornerstone of private dental insurance in Canada. Regular dental exams, professional cleanings, necessary X-rays, and fluoride treatments are frequently included, often with a high level of coverage or even fully covered.

Basic Services

Basic services, addressing common dental issues, are also a standard component of most private plans. Procedures such as fillings to repair cavities, tooth extractions, and simpler root canal treatments are generally covered. While co-payments or deductibles might apply, the overall cost for these essential treatments is usually lower for insured individuals than for those without coverage.

Major Services

Major services involving more complex and expensive treatments often receive partial coverage under private dental insurance. Procedures like the placement of crowns, the construction of bridges to replace missing teeth, and the provision of dentures are frequently included in policy benefits. However, you should anticipate potentially higher out-of-pocket expenses for these services, as coverage limits and co-insurance percentages vary considerably between insurance plans.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment, which focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, is where private insurance often provides a significant advantage over public options. While generally excluded from publicly offered dental programs, many private plans include coverage for orthodontic services, particularly for children and adolescents.

Public Vs. Private Dental Care in Canada

Gaining insight into private and public dental care details is essential if you’re seeking to fulfill your dental care needs and make informed decisions about coverage and treatment in Canada. Below is a comparative table for public vs. private dental care in Canada.

Aspect of Dental Care Public Dental Care (CDCP & Other Programs) Private Dental Care (Insurance-Based)
Coverage Scope Limited to specific demographics (children, seniors, low-income families) through specific programs and the CDCP Broad coverage for a variety of services, including preventive, basic, major services, and orthodontics
Access to Services Available to eligible Canadians without private insurance, especially children, seniors, and low-income groups Widely available through employers or individual plans; more accessible to those with higher incomes
Eligibility Criteria Requires no access to private insurance, Canadian residency for tax purposes, and income below 90,000 CAD No income threshold; available to anyone who can pay premiums or has employer coverage
Financial Cost No out-of-pocket costs for eligible services, but coverage is limited; requires co-payment for certain services based on income Insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-payments apply; potential high out-of-pocket costs for major services
Preventive Care Covers basic preventive services such as exams, cleanings, and x-rays for eligible individuals Comprehensive preventive care is typically fully covered under private plans
Variety of Treatments Includes a limited range of services (e.g., diagnostics, basic restorative care) but lacks coverage for orthodontics and advanced procedures without preauthorization Extensive variety of treatments available, including orthodontics, major restorative work, and specialized services
Complexity of Services Limited access to orthodontics and elective cosmetic treatments Often includes orthodontic care, especially for children; cosmetic procedures may be partially covered
Quality of Care Quality can vary depending on provincial funding and the availability of services; waiting for services may affect outcomes High standard of care due to competition and the profit model; more choice in providers and treatments
Coordination With Other Benefits CDCP can coordinate with other government programs; coverage gaps may occur for those with private insurance No coordination with public plans for individuals with private insurance; may rely solely on employer benefits
Administrative Complexity Requires tax filings and income assessments for eligibility; annual renewal process Generally straightforward claims process; less administrative burden on the patient

FAQs

What is the Future of Dental Care in Canada?

The future of dental care in Canada will likely see a greater emphasis on public funding and accessibility, as evidenced by the introduction and phased expansion of the CDCP. This move suggests a trend toward recognizing oral health as an important part of overall health, potentially leading to further inclusion with the Canadian healthcare system.

How Can I Renew My CDCP Coverage?

To renew your CDCP coverage, you must confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements annually, generally starting in March. You can renew your coverage online through the renewal application tool or via your My Service Canada Account (MSCA). If you cannot renew online, you can call the automated phone service or request assistance from a trusted person or a delegate.

Are There Any Affordability or Accessibility Issues of Dental Care in Canada?

Yes, significant affordability and accessibility issues have historically existed in Canadian dental care, mainly due to its reliance on a private, fee-for-service model and the lack of comprehensive public coverage for adults. This has resulted in inequalities in oral health outcomes, particularly for low-income individuals, seniors, and those without employer-sponsored insurance.