Dental care is one of the biggest out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for Canadians, with no provincial health coverage for most dental work. The average Canadian family spends $1,000–$3,000 per year on dental care — and a single crown or root canal can cost $2,000–$4,000 without insurance. In 2025, Canadians have two main paths to dental coverage: the new federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (for uninsured, income-eligible Canadians) and private dental insurance. This guide covers both.
Unlike physician and hospital services, dental care is not covered under the Canada Health Act, leaving Canadians to pay out of pocket or through employer benefits. Statistics Canada data shows that approximately 6.5 million Canadians — roughly 22% of adults — have no dental insurance and delay or avoid dental care due to cost. The consequences of delayed dental care extend well beyond oral health, with links to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and systemic infections.
The federal Canadian Dental Care Plan, launched in 2023–2024, represents the largest expansion of publicly funded dental coverage in Canadian history. The CDCP provides dental benefits for Canadians who do not have access to private dental insurance and whose family income is below $90,000.
For detailed eligibility, covered services, and how to apply, see our dedicated Canadian Dental Care Plan guide.
Key CDCP facts:
For Canadians who do not qualify for the CDCP or want more comprehensive coverage, private dental insurance is available through:
Covered at 80–100% by most plans:
Covered at 50–80% by most comprehensive plans:
Covered at 50% by most plans with a lifetime maximum (typically $1,500–$3,000):
| Plan Type | Coverage | Monthly Premium (approx) | Annual Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic individual (single) | Preventive only, 80% | $25–$50 | $500–$1,000 |
| Moderate individual (single) | Preventive + major (50%), no ortho | $60–$100 | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Comprehensive individual (single) | Preventive + major + ortho | $100–$180 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Comprehensive (couple) | Same as above, two adults | $180–$300 | $2,000–$3,000 each |
| Comprehensive (family) | Two adults + dependent children | $220–$400 | $2,000–$3,000 + ortho |
| Provider | Plan | Best For | Waiting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manulife | CoverMe Dental | Flexible coverage levels | 3 months for major |
| Sun Life | Sun Life Go Dental | Online purchase, families | 3 months for major |
| Blue Cross | Personal Dental Plan | Comprehensive, no waiting for basic | 6 months for major |
| Canada Life | Flexcare Dental | Modular customization | 3 months for major |
| Green Shield | Attend2Health | Drug + dental bundles | 3 months for major |
| Industrial Alliance | Smile+ | Competitive individual rates | Varies |
Individual dental insurance — unlike group employer plans — typically has waiting periods:
The waiting period exists to prevent adverse selection — people buying insurance specifically to cover treatment they know they already need. Plan for at least one year of premiums before major dental work is covered under a new individual plan.
Some insurers offer "no-waiting-period" plans that allow immediate major coverage, but these plans typically have higher premiums or lower coverage percentages to compensate.
Run a break-even analysis before purchasing individual dental insurance:
If you are in good dental health and only need two cleanings and an annual exam per year (total cost ~$300–$500 at most Canadian dentists), paying $60–$100/month ($720–$1,200/year) for a basic-to-moderate plan may not be cost-effective — especially once you account for waiting periods on major work.
Individual dental insurance becomes worthwhile when:
Many Canadians without employer dental benefits are better served by a dental savings account (a dedicated TFSA or savings account for dental costs) rather than individually purchased dental insurance, unless they have high expected dental needs.
No dental insurance? Build a dental savings fund with KOHO. Set up an automatic savings goal for your annual dental budget, earn cash back on purchases, and never be surprised by a dental bill again.
Get KOHO Free — Code 45ET55JSYARoutine dental care is not covered by OHIP. OHIP covers dental procedures performed in hospital that are medically necessary (e.g., complex oral surgery, dental treatment under general anesthetic). For everyone else, dental care must be paid out of pocket or through private/employer dental insurance or the CDCP.
Basic preventive-only individual plans start around $25–$40/month and cover cleanings, exams, and X-rays at 80%. These are the most affordable entry point to dental coverage in Canada. For more comprehensive needs, expect to pay $60–$120/month for major restorative coverage.
Yes. A Health Spending Account (HSA) can be used for any dental expense eligible under CRA's medical expense tax credit rules — essentially any dental procedure including cleanings, fillings, crowns, braces, and implants. If your employer provides an HSA, it is an excellent way to cover dental costs with pre-tax dollars.