I'll be honest - dental coverage isn't the greatest in Canada, but there are some options to help you limit costs while accessing dental services.
Let's split these into two categories: reduced cost clinics and dental benefits.
I. Free and reduced cost dental treatment in Vancouver
Vancouver's home to several reduced cost dental clinics.
Most clinics are open throughout the week, but it's best to phone first to confirm availability.
717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6A 3E4
604-254-9900
dentalclinic@vahs.life
2265 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 0K2
604-873-3602
2151 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3
604-822-6917
12 Hastings Street East, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1N1
778-371-0060
pcdc@phs.ca
1145 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3X3
604-254-1331
Sheway Dental Services
533 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P9
604-216-1684
601 Keefer Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 3V8
604-713-4485
info@strathcona-health.ca
2151 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3
604-822-2112
communications@dentistry.ubc.ca
2151 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3
604-827-4991
455 Hastings Street East, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P5
604-254-9900
dentalclinic@vahs.life
Headquarter at 455 Hastings Street East, Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P5
604-254-9900
dentalclinic@vahs.life
210 - 1669 Broadway East, Vancouver, BC, V5N 1V9
604-675-3981
II. BC Dental Benefits
Canada Dental Benefit
The interim Canada Dental Benefit lowers dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year. Parents and guardians may be eligible if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old who does not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
Depending on your adjusted family net income, a tax-free payment of $260, $390, or $650 is available for each eligible child. You can apply for a maximum of 2 payments per child.
While it was announced this benefit would be expanded to seniors, this has yet to happen yet.
Healthy Kids Program
The Healthy Kids Program provides coverage for basic dental treatment, optical care and hearing assistance to children (up to 19 years old) in low-income families, who are not in receipt of income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance.
You don't need to apply. Families who have been approved for MSP supplementary benefits will be signed up with the Healthy Kids Program. Your family must have an annual adjusted net income of $42,000 or less to be eligible for these benefits.
Coverage for people on social assistance
Everyone who receives assistance can access emergency dental services to relieve pain. If you receive income or disability assistance, you may also be able to have basic dental costs covered.
Basic dental services, such as restorations, extractions, and preventative services are provided to recipients of income assistance and disability assistance who are eligible for general health supplements. Basic dental services are also provided to children in receipt of BC Employment and Assistance.
Orthodontic services may be available to children in receipt of income assistance or disability assistance and adults with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) designation who have severe maxio-facial dental deformities.
Crown and bridge services may be available to persons with PWD designation or who meet the Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB) criteria who have a dental condition that cannot be corrected through basic dental services, and have a medical condition that prevents the use of a removable denture.
The provincial government has a dental help line at 1-866-866-0800.
First Nations Health Authority; Newcomer Benefits
If you're a member of a First Nation in BC, you may be eligible for dental benefits through the First Nation Health Authority, covering a range of items and services including but not limited to bridges, crowns, dentures, x-rays and exams, root canals, and fillings.
The Interim Federal Health Program covers urgent dental care for newcomers to Canada.
To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten
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