Dental Insurance in Canada: What You Actually Need to Know

Dental coverage in Canada varies widely between plans. Understanding a few key terms helps you avoid surprise bills and get the most from your benefits.

What most plans cover

Preventive care — checkups, cleanings, and X-rays — is usually covered at or near 100%. Basic work like fillings is often covered at 70–80%, while major work such as crowns is typically covered less.

Terms worth knowing

• Annual maximum: the most your plan pays in a year.
• Deductible: what you pay before coverage kicks in.
• Coinsurance: the share of each bill you're responsible for.
• Waiting period: time before certain treatments are covered.

Check compatibility before you book

SmilesMatch lets you filter for dentists who accept your specific plan, so you know your coverage works before you're in the chair.