Can you access affordable dental care without dental insurance?

(NC) Dental insurance is often seen as an important perk of a “good” job, but not everyone has access, even if they’re working hard. 

But just because you don’t have dental insurance doesn’t mean you can’t get access to affordable dental care. There are options available, like the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is now available for all eligible Canadian residents with an adjusted family net income below $90,000, and no access to dental insurance.

The plan helps cover the cost of many important oral health services, including examinations, cleaning, fillings, X-rays, dentures, root canals and oral surgeries.

Are you eligible? Applying is quick and easy online or by phone. To qualify, you’ll need to meet four criteria:

• You’re a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
• You filed your tax returns in Canada for the previous year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also need to have filed their tax return.
• Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000.
• You don’t have access to dental insurance.

Will it cover 100 per cent of your costs? No—it’s not a free dental care plan. The plan will reimburse a portion of the treatment costs, but you may have to pay additional charges directly to your oral health provider if:

• Your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999—you’ll have a co-payment and need to pay a share of all covered costs.
• Your oral health care services cost more than what the plan will cover.
• You and your oral health provider agree to services that aren’t covered by the plan.

How long does the plan last? You can get coverage for as long as you’re eligible, but you do have to renew every year, online or by phone, by calling 1-833-537-4342. If your adjusted family net income changes, you may see a change in your co-payment.

Learn more about the plan at canada.ca/dental.