Access to dental care in Canada isn’t the same for everyone. While many Canadians visit the dentist regularly, others struggle to get the care they need—especially seniors, low-income families, and people without insurance. Your income, where you live, and whether you have dental coverage all play a big role in whether you can afford and access dental services.
Even though more people are going to the dentist today than in the past, serious gaps still exist. This article looks at who is getting dental care in Canada, who is being left behind, and what can be done to make dental services more fair and accessible for everyone.
Are Canadians Going to the Dentist More Often?
Yes! A national survey found that more people are visiting the dentist now than before. In 2001, about 60% of Canadians went for a dental check-up each year. By 2012, that number grew to over 75%. That’s great news!
But not everyone has equal access to dental care. For example, many seniors over 71 have a harder time going to the dentist because they don’t have dental insurance after retirement.
What Affects Your Ability to Get Dental Care?
Several key factors make it easier or harder for Canadians to get dental care:
1. Income and Insurance
- People with higher incomes and dental benefits go to the dentist more often.
- Those with lower incomes are more likely to skip dental visits because of the dental cost.
- Many middle-income Canadians are losing work benefits and must pay out of pocket, which can be tough.
2. Where You Live
- If you live in a city, you likely have easier access to dentists.
- People in rural or remote areas may have to travel long distances to find care.
Who Pays for Dental Care in Canada?
In Canada, most dental care is paid for privately. In 2015, dental costs added up to $13.6 billion, and about 94% came from private sources like:
- Work insurance plans
- Private insurance
- Out-of-pocket payments
Only 6% came from government-funded programs—and those are mostly for children, seniors, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities.
Who Faces the Biggest Challenges?
Certain groups in Canada have a harder time getting dental care:
• Children
Tooth decay in children (called early childhood caries) is still common. Many experts believe free dental care for kids under 18 would help prevent serious dental problems early on.
• Seniors in Care Homes
Older adults in long-term care often have medical conditions that make dental care harder. Experts recommend creating care plans that include daily mouth cleaning and regular dental checkups in care homes.
• Indigenous Communities
Many Indigenous people live in remote areas with few dental clinics. They also face cultural and financial barriers. More support, funding, and culturally appropriate care are needed.
Resources
1. Statistics Canada – Factors Associated with the Use of Oral Health Care Services Among Seniors
This article explores how dental insurance, income, and age affect access to dental care among Canadian seniors, highlighting barriers related to affordability and insurance coverage.
Read the article
2. Government of Canada – Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
This is the official government resource outlining the Canadian Dental Care Plan, including who qualifies, how to apply, and what services are covered.
Visit the CDCP page
3. Canadian Dental Association – The State of Oral Health in Canada
A comprehensive report by the CDA that includes data on dental visits, insurance coverage, public vs. private funding, and oral health gaps between income groups.
Download the CDA report
4. Canadian Academy of Health Sciences – Improving Access to Oral Health Care
This in-depth report reviews access barriers among vulnerable populations and offers actionable policy recommendations to improve equity in oral health care across Canada.
View the CAHS report
5. Canadian Institute for Health Information – National Health Expenditure Trends
This CIHI report includes data on how much Canadians spend on dental care, broken down by public and private sources, offering insight into the financial structure of dental care in Canada.
Access CIHI health expenditure trends
