[2022] Free Dental Care in Canada: The Complete Guide

If you are wondering if free dental care is available in Canada, you have come to the right place.

This blog post will discuss how to access free dental care in Canada and what services are covered. We will also provide resources that can help you find free or affordable dental care in your area.

There are a few ways to access free dental care in Canada. One way is through provincial or territorial health insurance plans. Each province and territory in Canada has its own health insurance plan and programs that provide free or low-cost dental care for residents:

• OHIP Dental Coverage and Free Dental Care Ontario in 2022
• [2022] Free Dental Care in Alberta: The Complete Guide
  

Also, there are 4 long-standing federal government dental plans for free dental care:

• (NIHB) Non-Insured Health Benefits, free dental care for eligible First Nations people and Inuit, paid by Health Canada.
• (IFHP) Interim Federal Health Program, free emergency dental care for refugees, paid by the Government of Canada.
• (VAC) Veterans Affairs Canada, free dental services for Canadian veterans, paid by Veterans Affairs Canada.
• (CSA) Correctional Services Canada essential health services to federal inmates paid by Correctional Services Canada.

We will discuss these 4 Canada dental plans later in this blog post. But, first, let's turn our attention to the newly announced Federal Dental Care Program for Uninsured Canadians:

THE FIVE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DENTAL PLANS in 2022 

CANADA DENTAL BENEFIT

(Free Dental Care for Middle-Income and Low-Income Canadians)

Canada Dental Plan OR Universal Dental Care Canada OR Canada Dental Benefit?

There is considerable confusion and misinformation on the internet about this new national dental care program. For example, there is confusion about the name of this program; it is often incorrectly referred to as:

• Canadian Dental Care Plan 
• national dental care program
• Canada dental plan
• Dental Plans Canada
• Dental Plan Canada
• Federal Liberal-NDP Free Dental Care Program
• universal dental care Canada

All of the above refer to the Canada Dental Benefit, which is the official name of this federal government dental plan. In this blog post we will use all these names interchangeability. 

The Origin of the Universal Dental Care Canada.

In a political move that allows Justin Trudeau to remain the Prime Minister of Canada until 2025, his minority Liberal federal government made a deal with the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Jagmeet Singh. This coalition, formed in March 2022, gives Justin Trudeau majority federal government control. In return, amongst other concessions, the NDP gets to advance its vision of universal dental care for all Canadians.

The last time the federal government seriously considered funding a Canada wide dental plan was before the Canada Health Act was introduced in 1984!

The Canadian government has recognized that seeing an oral health professional is important not only for our oral health, it is essential for overall health as well. In Canada, one third of Canadians do not have dental insurance and are unable to visit an oral health professional to prevent or treat oral diseases because it is too expensive. That is why the Government of Canada is taking concrete measures to address cost barriers to dental care for families in Canada.

Who is eligible for the Canada Dental Plan?

Families with an annual income of less than $90,000 and lacking employer-based dental insurance are eligible for coverage.

About 6.5 million Canadians are estimated to be eligible for the plan.

Starting on Dec.1, 2022, as the first phase of the program, the interim Canada Dental Benefit is extended to children under the age of 12. To be eligible, families need to meet ALL of the following conditions for each child they apply for:

• Have a child under 12 years of age who does not have access to private dental care
  coverage (employer-based or purchased through the applicant or other family member);
• Have an adjusted family net income under $90,000 per year;
• Have filed last year’s income tax and benefit return (for the taxation year 2021, to be
  eligible in 2022—for more information on how to file a return, visit Canada.ca/doingyour-
  taxes);
• Be the parent (or legal guardian) who receives the Canada Child Benefit for that child;
• Have incurred—or will incur—out of pocket costs for the dental care of the eligible child
  which have not been fully reimbursed under another federal, provincial or territorial
  government program; and
• Provide information on the recent or planned oral health care visit that the benefit
  would be used to pay for, along with information about the oral health care provider.

When will the Universal Dental Care Canada program start?

The plan is being phased in over three years before the Liberal-NDP agreement expires in 2025. 

Starting on December 1, 2022, children under 12 will become eligible for the Canada Dental Benefit; it became law on Nov.17, 2022. The program will cover expenses retroactive to October 1, 2022.

Children already covered under another free dental care government program, such as Healthy Smiles Ontario, are also eligible if not all dental care costs are paid by that program.

500,000 Canadian children will benefit from this first phase of the program.

In 2023, the coverage will be extended to those under 18 years of age, seniors, and people living with disabilities.

The federal government remains committed to full implementation of the Canada dental plan for all members of households with incomes under $90,000 by 2025. Helping children under 12 to get the dental care they need, starting on Dec.1, 2022, is just the first step while a comprehensive national dental care program is developed.

How do I apply for the Canada Dental Benefit free dental care program?

Starting on Dec.1, 2022 parents or guardians of children under 12-years-old can apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to receive direct, up-front tax-free payments to cover dental expenses. 

Eligible children need to be 11 years old or under as of December 1, 2022, for the first year of

the benefit, and 11 years old or under as of July 1, 2023, for the second year of the benefit.

The benefit is up to $650 per year per child, for up to 2 years, as such take the required preliminary steps NOW to make sure that you will be ELIGIBLE to apply on Dec. 1, 2022 and get your payment for the 2022 year:

• File 2021 taxes: you and your spouse or common-law partner must have filed 2021 taxes: this will be used by CRA to confirm your income and eligibility
• CRA My Account: make sure you have access to your "CRA My Account": fastest way to apply
• Canada Child Benefit: confirm that you applied for Canada Child Benefit (CCB), apply if you have not, because receiving CCB for the eligible child is a requirement to access the Canada Dental Benefit
• Direct Deposit: set up direct deposit with CRA: payments within 5 business days!

• Parents and guardians must keep their dental receipts for 6 years in case the CRA contacts them in the future to validate eligibility. Applicants that are found to be ineligible for the benefit during the verification processes will be will be required to repay the benefit they received

For the second benefit period, applications will be opened on July 1, 2023.

With this benefit, which will run until 2024, families can start addressing some of the basic dental care that their young children need while the Government continues to develop a long-term Canadian dental care program.

What will this federal government dental plan cover?

The Canada Dental Benefit will provide payments of up to $650 per child per year for families with adjusted net income under $90,000 per year and without private dental coverage:

• $650 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is under $70,000.
• $390 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $70,000 and $79,999.
• $260 would be provided for each eligible child if the family’s adjusted net income is between $80,000 and $89,999.

The Canada Dental Benefit can be used for any dental procedure provided by any licensed oral health professional ( dentist, dental specialist, dental hygienist, denturist) practicing anywhere in Canada. ALL dental procedures will be eligible for coverage, including:

• diagnostic services, including examinations and radiographs;
• preventive services, including scaling, polishing, sealants, and fluorides;
• restorative services, including fillings and crowns;
• endodontic services, including root canal treatments;
• periodontal services, including deep scaling;
• prosthodontic services, including partial and complete dentures;
• surgery, including extractions;
• orthodontic services, including non-cosmetic braces;
• and adjunctive services, including sedation and general anesthesia. 
  
  

Nothing is "free" how much will this federal government dental plan cost taxpayers?

The proposed Canada dental plan under the new Liberal-NDP agreement will deliver the most significant expansion of Canada's public health care system in decades.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) estimated the cost of the NDP's dental plan during the 2019 election campaign. The PBO estimated the cost to be about 1.7 billion dollars ( $1,700,000,000) per year!

However, the first 12 months of the program is expected to cost the taxpayers 4.6 billion dollars due to an expectation that an initial surge of people with unmet dental needs would seek care when they become eligible.

On April 7, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, released Budget 2022: "A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable." The budget proposes funding for dental care of $5.3 billion over five years to Health Canada, with ongoing funding of $1.7 billion annually in year six and beyond.

(NIHB) NON-INSURED HEALTH BENEFITS- HEALTH CANADA

( free dental care for eligible First Nations people and Inuit)

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a national health-benefit program for eligible First Nations people and Inuit. This program provides coverage for various health benefits that are not covered through other social programs, private insurance plans, or provincial or territorial health insurance.

The program covers a range of dental services, including diagnostic (e.g., X-rays), preventive (e.g., cleaning, fluorides), restorative (e.g., fillings, crowns), endodontic (including root canal treatments), and periodontal/ oral surgery.

DESCRIPTION:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is Health Canada's national, medically necessary health benefits program that provides coverage for benefit claims for a specified range of drugs, dental care, vision care, medical supplies and equipment, short-term crisis intervention mental health counseling, and medical transportation for eligible First Nations people and Inuit.

A benefit will be considered for coverage when:

• The item or service is on a NIHB Program benefit list or NIHB schedule;
• It is intended for use in a home or other ambulatory care settings;
• Prior approval or predetermination is obtained (if required);
• It is not available through any other federal, provincial, territorial, or private health or social program;
• The item is prescribed by a physician, dental care provider, or other health professional licensed to prescribe; and
• The item is provided by a recognized provider.

ELIGIBILITY:

An eligible recipient is entitled to receive benefits such as vision care, prescription drugs, or other benefits or services from the NIHB Program.

An eligible recipient must be identified as a resident of Canada and one of the following:

• A registered Indian according to the Indian Act;
• An Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit Land Claim organizations; or
• An infant less than one year of age whose parent is an eligible recipient.

When recipients are eligible for benefits under a private health care plan or public health or social program, claims must be submitted to these plans and programs before submitting them to the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.

Anyone seeking information about dentists that accept NIHB should call the National Dental Predetermination Centre at 1-855-618-6291. 

COVERAGE:

• Diagnostic services (e.g. examinations or x-rays);
• Preventive services (e.g. cleanings);
• Restorative services (e.g. fillings);
• Endodontics services (e.g. root canals);
• Periodontal services (e.g. deep cleanings);
• Prosthodontic services (e.g. removable dentures);
• Oral surgery services (e.g. removal of teeth);
• Orthodontic services (e.g. braces); and
• Adjunctive services (e.g. general anaesthetics or sedation).

HOW IT WORKS:

First, you must be an eligible client under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. Then, you must be examined by a dental provider who will establish a treatment plan and discuss the services you require.

The dental provider should tell you what is covered by the NIHB Program because certain services may need to be pre-approved by the NIHB Program.

Suppose your provider doesn't know whether the NIHB Program covers the service. In that case, you can obtain that information by contacting the Health Canada regional office or the National Dental Predetermination Centre (NDPC) for those regions which have been centralized and asking about the dental benefits staff and what is and is not covered.

What does "predetermination" mean?

• Predetermination, also known as pre-approval, is obtaining approval in advance. This process involves reviewing the case against established NIHB policies, criteria, and guidelines before the service is rendered.
• Predetermination or pre-approval is required for specific dental services.
• Your dental provider's office must send all cases requiring predetermination to the appropriate Health Canada regional office or NDPC for review and a coverage decision before treatment begins.

(IFHP) INTERIM FEDERAL HEALTH PROGRAM

(free dental care for resettled refugees)

The Interim Federal Health Program (IFPH) covers emergency dental care for refugees. “Emergency” is defined as procedures to reduce pain and active infection, bleeding, and the result of oral trauma.

The IFHP provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits to people in the following groups who aren’t eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance:

• Protected persons, including resettled refugees;
• Refugee claimants; and
• Certain other groups.

VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA DENTAL SERVICES

(free dental care for Canadian veterans)

DESCRIPTION:

Canadian veterans are entitled to various health care benefits, including dental treatment. Federal: GOVERNMENT/ DEPARTMENT: Veterans Affairs Canada.

ELIGIBILITY:

Veterans may qualify to receive financial support for treatment benefits if they are:

• in receipt of a disability benefit;
• in receipt of services through the Veterans Independence Program;
• in receipt of financial assistance through the Long Term Care program; or
• in receipt of the War Veterans Allowance.

COVERAGE:

Provides coverage for basic dental care and some pre-authorized comprehensive dental services. Services provided should be generally accepted practices and the most cost-effective treatment essential to good oral health.

The VAC dental program covers up to 100% of the Provincial Dental / Denturist Association fee guide rates.

Examples of services that are covered:

• annual basic treatments up to $1500 annually
• exams, polish, and fluoride treatments every 9 months
• scaling (8 units per year)
• fillings and extractions
• standard dentures once every 7 years

Examples of dental services that require pre-authorization from VAC: (Before any treatment is received, a dental treatment plan is to be submitted to VAC for preauthorization.):

• basic treatment exceeding $1500 annually
• crowns
• bridgework (x-rays required)
• specialist treatment (referral required)
• early replacement of dentures as determined by your dentist or denturist

Examples of services that are not covered:

• gum surgery
• implants
• equilibrated/custom/semi-precision dentures
  
  

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CANADA

(free dental care for federal inmates)

DESCRIPTION:

Correctional Services Canada provides essential health services to inmates (access to screening, referral, and treatment services). Essential services shall include dental care for acute conditions. Federal: Correctional Services Canada.

ELIGIBILITY:

All inmates of federal prisons.

COVERAGE:

Dental care for acute dental conditions where the inmate is experiencing swelling, pain, or trauma; preventive treatment (i.e., necessary fillings, extractions, etc.) subject to the motivation displayed by the inmate to take an active part in the process; and removable dental prostheses as recommended by the institutional Dentist. All other dental care will be initiated and funded by the inmate.

SUMMARY: FREE DENTAL CARE IN CANADA in 2022

For many years, free dental has been available in Canada through four federal government dental plans for underserved Canadians: First Nations people and Inuit, refugees, Canadian veterans, and federal inmates. Respectively, the dental services have been paid for by the Non-Insured Health Benefits, Interim Federal Health Program, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Correctional Services Canada.

More recently, in March 2022, the federal government unveiled a plan for universal dental care Canada program. This new federal government dental plan for uninsured Canadians aims to provide dental care coverage for middle-income and low-income Canadians. 

The Canada Dental Benefit is being phased in over 3 years, starting on Dec. 1, 2022 with children under the age of 12. The federal government remains committed to full implementation of the Canada dental plan for all members of households with incomes under $90,000 by 2025.

Approximately 75% of Canadians see a dentist regularly. About 67% of Canadians report having dental benefits that cover all or part of their treatments; roughly 50% of Canadians have employer-provided dental benefits. These statistics prove that there is a significant portion of the population that does not have access to dental care. The newly announced federal government dental plan will improve equity in oral health of Canadians.

FAQ ABOUT FREE DENTAL CARE IN CANADA

Are braces free in Canada?

Patients' employers pay for most dental costs in Canada through employer-sponsored dental insurance; also know as "private dental insurance". Most of these dental insurance plans do not cover braces; when they do cover braces, the coverage is only partial. It is rare for private insurance to cover braces fully.

The government does sponsor free dental programs in Canada, however none of these programs cover braces. There is no such thing as a free braces program in Canada.

Is dental care free in Canada?

In the best interest of your health and well-being,

Dr. Joanne Baldos and Dr. Adam Szymczak