A guide to dental insurance in Canada
Looking for private dental insurance in Canada? Learn more about how dental insurance works with our comprehensive guide below and get a free quote today.
get a quote onlineDo I need dental insurance in Canada?
Dental insurance isn’t mandatory in Canada, but for many people, it’s a smart way to manage costs – especially since routine care and unexpected procedures can add up fast. While many Canadians have existing coverage through their employer, here are some groups who may benefit from having their own plan:
Self-employed
Without access to employer benefits, self-employed individuals can use dental insurance to manage the cost of procedures (for themselves and their family).
Visitor to Canada
Temporary residents, including international students, may want dental insurance to help cover routine procedures, as well as unexpected dental care while in Canada.
Retired or senior
Retirees often lose access to dental benefits through work, but still need coverage for regular procedures, as well as age-related dental issues like gum disease, dentures, or implants.
Top-off coverage
If your current plan has low annual limits or doesn’t cover certain procedures (e.g. orthodontics), you can purchase additional dental insurance to fill those gaps.
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What is dental insurance?
Matt Hands, VP, Insurance
Dental insurance is a type of health coverage that helps pay for dental care. This can include routine services like checkups, cleanings, and fillings, as well as more extensive procedures, such as root canals and crowns. Depending on the plan you choose, some or all of the costs may be covered.
While many employers offer dental insurance, it can also be purchased individually. If your current plan doesn’t provide enough coverage, topping it up with additional insurance can also be a good idea. Overall, dental insurance makes routine care more affordable and helps reduce the financial impact of unexpected procedures.
Am I covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is the government’s dental coverage program that helps provide dental care at no cost for many Canadians. As the plan gradually expands to include more people, you might be wondering: Am I covered? To qualify, you need to meet four specific requirements:
- You are a Canadian resident
- Your adjusted family net income is below $90,000Â
- You (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) filed taxes for last yearÂ
- You have no access to dental insurance, including coverage from employment benefits, professional and student organizations, pension plans, and private policies
If you don’t meet these requirements, you can still explore dental coverage on your own. Learn more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan using the link below.
Common dental insurance terms you need to know
Every dental insurance policy comes with its own set of terms and limits, so it’s important to read your plan carefully to make sure it fits your needs. As you compare options, here are three common dental insurance terms to understand:
| Term | Description |
| Deductible | This is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before your dental insurance begins covering services. For example, if your deductible is $200 and you need a $1,000 crown, you’ll pay the first $200 before your insurer covers the rest (subject to your plan's terms). |
|---|---|
| Coinsurance | Many dental plans require you to share the cost of treatment with your insurer. For instance, your plan might cover 80% of the cost for a filling, leaving you to pay the remaining 20%. The split can vary depending on whether the service is preventive, basic, or major. |
| Annual maximum | Dental insurance typically comes with an annual maximum—the most your plan will pay in a given year. For example, if your plan has a $1,500 annual maximum and you've already used $1,200, you’ll only have $300 left in coverage for the rest of the year. Any costs beyond that become your responsibility. |
What does dental insurance cover?
Here are some common dental insurance coverage areas a comprehensive plan can help pay for – but remember, each policy varies, so be sure to review your specific terms carefully:
Preventive & basic care
Covers routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, simple extractions, and minor gum treatments to maintain everyday oral health.
Major procedures
Includes extensive work such as crowns, root canals, dentures, bridges, gum disease treatment, and restorative services like bonding or inlays.
Emergency dental care
Provides coverage for urgent dental issues like toothaches, injuries, or infections.
Orthodontics
More advanced plans may include braces or aligners, often with specific provisions for children or teens.
Oral surgery
Covers procedures like wisdom tooth removal or surgical extractions – and possibly, anesthesia or sedation.
Periodontal care
Involves treatment for gum disease, such as deep cleanings or root planing.
Do you need to buy health insurance to get dental coverage?
Not necessarily – while dental insurance is often sold bundled with health coverage, you can still buy standalone dental plans. A combined plan can be convenient if you need both types of coverage and want to avoid managing multiple policies.
However, if you already have sufficient health insurance coverage but want to enhance your dental benefits, topping up with an additional, standalone dental plan can make sense. For example, if your child needs braces and your employer’s plan doesn’t include orthodontic coverage, adding a second dental plan can help fill the gap.
How much does dental insurance cost?
The cost of dental insurance will depend greatly on the plan you choose (and more specifically, its coverage terms). To benchmark a price, we can look at quotes for a sample policy – this one includes coverage for routine checkups, X-ray imaging, preventative therapy, restorative dentistry, scaling and root planing, prosthetic repair, and routine extractions. It also has a $100 deductible, along with a waiting period (time at the start when you can't access benefits) for 3 months. The scale for reimbursement is also sliding as time progresses, based on this model:
| Policy term | First 12 months | 13-24 months | 25 months+ |
| Reimbursement (coinsurance) | 60% | 70% | 80% |
| Annual maximum | $500 per person | $750 per person | $1,000 per person |
And because dental plans can cover just one person or an entire family, the cost can vary significantly based on who the policy covers. With that in mind, here are three sample quotes for the above policy based on three different profiles: an individual, a couple, and a family.
| Coverage for | Monthly rate | Annual rate |
| 45-year-old female | $42 | $476 |
| 45-year-old male + 45-year-old female | $86 | $976 |
| 45-year-old male + 45-year old female + 15-year old child | $138 | $1,574 |
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Tips for buying dental insurance in Canada
If you’re thinking about getting dental insurance, it’s worth taking a bit of time to understand how it works – and what you’re actually paying for. Not all plans are created equal, and the right coverage for one person might not be the best fit for someone else. Whether you’re buying it for yourself, your family, or topping up an existing plan, here are a few things to keep in mind before you sign up:
Understand what's actually covered
Not all dental plans are the same. Some just cover the basics – like checkups and cleanings – while others include things like crowns, root canals, or even orthodontics. Make sure the plan fits what you (or your family) actually need.
Look at the annual limits
Most plans have a maximum they’ll pay out each year. Once you hit that cap, anything else comes out of your pocket. So if you expect to need a lot of dental work, double-check those limits (and make sure it's enough).
Watch for waiting periods
Some plans won’t cover certain services – like major procedures or braces – until you’ve had the plan for a few months. If you’re hoping to use your coverage right away, this is something to look out for.
Compare individual vs. family plans
If you’re covering more than one person, a family plan might be cheaper than buying separate policies. It’s worth comparing both options.
Don’t forget the fine print
A lot of plans don’t cover things like orthodontics, cosmetic work, or anything considered pre-existing. Always read the details so you’re not surprised later.
Consider bundled vs. standalone plans
You can buy dental insurance on its own or as part of a health and dental bundle. Bundles might save you money overall, but standalone plans may be sufficient, especially if you already have health coverage.
Think about your dental habits
Do you just go for a cleaning twice a year, or have you needed more serious work in the past? Choose a plan based on your personal (or family’s) history and what you realistically think you’ll need.
Get a few quotes before committing
Coverage and pricing can vary a lot between providers. Take the time to shop around, so you can get the best value for what you need.