Our partner, Cigna, offers newcomers peace of mind. Get a free quote!
Find the best immigration program for you. Take our free immigration quiz and we’ll tell you the best immigration programs for you!
Learn everything you need to know about Canadian immigration
If you need help with your immigration, one of our recommended immigration consultant partners can help.
Calculate your estimated CRS score and find out if you're in the competitive range for Express Entry.
Take the quiz
Your guide to becoming a student in Canada
Take our quiz and find out what are the top programs for you.
Learn more
Watch on YouTube
This guide will help you choose the best bank in Canada for your needs.
Get your guide
latest articles
Read more
By Dane Stewart
Advertisement
This article gives you the background information you need about Canadian dental care plus a province-by-province guide to finding the best local dentist in your area.
Let’s begin with an anecdote. When I was 14 years old, I slipped while running up the stairs. I fell face-first into the stairs and broke my two front teeth in half. Since that fateful day, I’ve been in and out of the offices of dentists and orthodontists across Canada for emergency repairs, root canals, crowns, and more. So—I understand the importance of having a dentist you can rely on and I’m here to help.
Get immigration updates & new resources to help you move to Canada and succeed after arrival.
Before you find a dentist, it’s important to understand how dental care works in Canada. This is something that I learned, like it or not, way back when I was 14 with my two front teeth looking like I’d just been in a hockey fight!
In Canada, most general dental care is provided by dentists and their staff of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and more. However, for those requiring advanced procedures, surgery, or medical treatment, dental care might be provided by another type of professional.
To become a dentist in Canada, you must complete a general dental degree. In practice, dentists provide general dental care. This often includes cleaning, fillings, cavities, crowns, gum disease, broken teeth, and cosmetic procedures.
Think of your dentist like your family doctor, but for your teeth! In most cases, your dentist will be your first line of defense for oral health. However, oral health sometimes involves other professionals.
To become an orthodontist in Canada, you must complete a general dental degree plus an additional three-year specialist degree. Orthodontists specialize in tooth and jaw alignment and are often consulted for patients requiring braces, retainers, or intervention for jaw realignment.
If you require orthodontic treatment, your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist. In some cases, your dentist’s office may even have an orthodontist on site.
An endodontist is a dental specialization focused on treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp (including teeth nerves and blood vessels). An endodontist may be required to diagnose and treat injuries to the teeth, infections, and root canal issues.
Although some dentists are trained to perform root canals, in other cases patients are referred to an endodontist for a root canal procedure. For example, after breaking my front teeth in half, I went to an endodontist for to get a double root canal (if possible, I recommend avoiding the need for a double root canal!).
This is just a small selection of dental professionals. It is possible that you may encounter other medical professionals who perform work related to your oral health like oral surgeons, periodontists, and more! In the event of a dental issue, it’s best to begin by contacting your dentist who can refer you to the proper specialist, if needed.
In the event of a medical or dental emergency, you can always call 9-1-1 or go directly to a hospital emergency room.
In some cases, Canadian residents may be eligible to have certain dental care covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). However, not everyone is eligible, and not all care is covered. It’s important to understand your dental coverage before you seek care.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is a federal government program that gives access to dental care for eligible Canadian residents who don’t already have dental insurance and who have a household income of less than CAD $90,000 per year. If you qualify for the CDCP, this program covers some or all of the cost of certain dental services including diagnostic services, restorative services, endodontic services, and more.
For full details on eligibility, services, and coverage amounts, please refer to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Many employers in Canada offer private dental insurance plans to their employees. Typically, these plans will provide partial or full coverage for dental care. Often these plans will cover spouses and dependent children. Check with your employer to learn more about dental services options.
You may also be eligible to purchase a private insurance plan on your own. Private medical and dental insurance plans provide Canadian residents with peace of mind about their access to medical and dental services. As a self-employed worker with a history of dental issues, I pay for a private medical & dental insurance plan. Although the cost isn’t cheap, I like knowing I have coverage and I prefer a predictable monthly bill over an unexpected (and often substantial) dental bill.
If you’re in Canada temporarily—as a visitor, worker, or student—you can also want to consider purchasing private health insurance. To learn about your private health insurance options, get started with a free quote from Cigna—they offer private health insurance with the possibility for dental coverage.
Many cosmetic dental procedures—like tooth whitening—will not be covered by your insurance plan. It’s important to double-check your insurance coverage before purchasing dental services. Your dentists’ office will be more than happy to check your insurance coverage prior to starting a procedure.
For more tips on managing the cost of dental care, check out our guide on the topic.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of understanding dental care, we’re ready to discuss how to find a dentist in Canada. As with most healthcare and social services, each province and territory runs things a little differently. So, we’re going to break things down for each province. To get started choose your province from the list below.
Generally, each province offers a directory you can search to find local dentists. Another great way to find a reliable dentist in your area is to ask for referrals from friends, family members, and co-workers who have been living in the community for some time.
We suggest calling the dentist’s office to ask your questions and assess their customer service. If you’re satisfied, you can ask to open a file and book your first appointment.
Jump to:
The Alberta Dental Association & College directory helps locate providers province-wide. Start here to begin searching for a dentist near you.
Low‑income adults and families can access services through AHS Public Health Dental Clinics. University clinics—like the University of Alberta Oral Health Clinic and student-run SHINE Clinic in Edmonton—offer significantly lower fees, often 50% of regular costs.
Although Alberta does not offer a single provincial dental plan, dental coverage is available to certain Alberta residents through other benefit programs:
The BC Dental Association hosts a “Find a Dentist” directory by location and specialty. Search this directory to find options for dental care near you.
For affordable care, consider community clinics such as Cool Aid Dental Clinic in Victoria which offers low-cost, full-service care (e.g., fillings, extractions, dentures) with discounts for those on income or disability assistance. Another affordable option is the Community Dental Access Centre in Vernon which offers reduced fees tailored to low-income residents in the North Okanagan.
BC’s provincial dental assistance provides low-income residents with up to $1,000 every two years for adults and $2,000 (plus $1,000 for hospital-anaesthetic treatments) for children under 19. Non‑profits in Metro Vancouver—like REACH, KEYS, and Abbotsford Food Bank Clinic—also receive government funding to support vulnerable populations.
To find a dentist in Manitoba, begin by searching the Manitoba Dental Association directory which lists providers province-wide.
Affordable options are available in Manitoba, including Winnipeg’s Mount Carmel Clinic (sliding scale rates for families) and the University of Manitoba College of Dentistry, which offers student-supervised, lower-cost visits.
Begin your search for a dentist in New Brunswick by consulting the New Brunswick Dental Society online directory. Services for low-income adults and children are funded through the New Brunswick Health Services Dental Plan with some clinics offering payment plans.
Find a dentist in Newfoundland & Labrador by searching the “Find a Dentist” directory provided by the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association.
Newfoundland & Labrador’s health services fund basic dental care for eligible low-income adults and children. Clinics in St. John’s and Clarenville often work with public assistance plans.
Find a dentist in the NWT by searching the Northwest Territories & Nunavut Dental Association. Dentists registered through the NWT Licensing Board primarily operate in Yellowknife and Rankin Inlet. The territorial government funds community oral health programs for low-income, Indigenous, seniors, and remote residents, through the NWT Extended Health Benefits.
To find a dentist in Nova Scotia, begin by searching the online provider directory from the Dental Board of Nova Scotia.
For more affordable options, you may want to consider the Dalhousie Dental Clinics in Halifax which deliver student-supervised care at reduced cost. The province also offers income-based assistance for vulnerable groups (e.g., children, seniors) through a selection of Nova Scotia Dental Programs.
Find a dentist in Nunavut by searching the Northwest Territories & Nunavut Dental Association. Nunavut’s Department of Health oversees government-run dental services in Iqaluit and regional communities. Primarily serving Indigenous beneficiaries, these clinics also provide basic care for newcomers depending on eligibility.
The Ontario Dental Association offers a “Find a Dentist” tool which allows you to search for dentists based on their name, location, and/or specialty. This is a good place to start your search for a dentist in Ontario. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) also maintains a public register where you can confirm a dentist’s credentials and license status.
For lower-cost or subsidized dental care, Ontario offers a variety of options for low-income individuals and families. The Healthy Smiles Ontario program provides free dental care for eligible children and youth under 18, covering exams, cleanings, fillings, and more. Adults receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) benefits may qualify for basic dental services through their respective programs.
Several dental schools in Ontario operate clinics that provide care at reduced rates. These include:
There are also community health centres and public dental clinics across the province, such as:
Dentist listings in PEI are available through the PEI Dental Association—start your search here. Charlottetown has the most clinics, a few offering sliding scale fees or payment flexibility. Notably, there are no university dental clinics on the island. Low-income residents may be eligible for dental coverage through the PEI Provincial Dental Care Program.
The Ordre des dentistes du Québec maintains a comprehensive public registry of dentists. To find a dentist in Quebec, begin by searching here. In Quebec, you may want to ask which languages are available for services as certain dentist’s offices will only provide service in French.
Quebec’s public health plan (RAMQ) covers basic dental services for children and select low-income adults. University‑affiliated clinics—like McGill Dental Centre in Montreal—provide supervised, reduced-fee care. Montreal community health centres (CLSCs) may also offer care on a sliding scale.
Licensed dentists are listed online through the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan. This is where you should begin your search for a dentist in Saskatchewan.
Low-income and Indigenous residents can access care at community health centres in Regina, Saskatoon, and rural areas. Clinics tied to provincial dental programs often offer fee concessions or income-based pricing.
Find a dentist in Yukon by searching the available dentists via the Yukon Dental Association. The Yukon Dental Program supports dental care for children and low-income individuals. With fewer private clinics available in the Yukon, recipients should check public clinic wait lists.
Finding a dentist can be a bit of a pain. But take it from someone with two fake front teeth who’s seen many dentists across Canada: having a reliable dentist who you can trust makes oral health easy. Oral health is important to long-term health. Do your research and you’ll have clean teeth and a healthy mouth for years to come!
Search results
results for “”