What Dental Services Are Covered by OHIP and What Aren't?

If you are trying to figure out whether your dental care is covered by Ontario's health insurance, the short answer may disappoint you. Generally no, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover dental services . OHIP dental coverage applies only to specific circumstances, primarily emergency dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting . However, the landscape of dental coverage in Canada is rapidly changing. The new Canadian Dental Care Plan, launched in 2024 and now serving millions of Canadians, provides comprehensive dental coverage for people without private insurance. Combined with provincial programs for children, seniors, and people receiving social assistance, more Ontario residents than ever before have access to affordable or free dental care. This guide explains what OHIP covers, who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and where to find low-cost dental services in Toronto.

What dental services does OHIP actually cover?

While OHIP does not cover regular dental check-ups, cleanings, or fillings, it does cover certain dental procedures — but only when medically necessary and performed in a hospital setting . OHIP extends its coverage to dental surgery directly related to certain medical conditions. These specialized treatments require hospital settings, and include: Corrective Jaw Surgery for those with severe jaw abnormalities causing disease or significant dysfunction, Reconstructive Surgery post-accident that addresses complex facial and dental trauma, Tumor Removal within the oral cavity to combat oral cancer . OHIP is Ontario's health care plan but it does not cover dental care, with the notable exception of some in-hospital dental surgeries (e.g. fracture repairs, tumor removal, reconstructive surgery). Medically necessary tooth removal is also sometimes covered, provided it has prior approval by OHIP . If you have a severe dental infection requiring hospital admission, jaw fractures from trauma, or complex oral surgery that cannot be performed safely in a dental office, these services may be covered by OHIP when performed by oral surgeons in a hospital operating room.

What dental services are NOT covered by OHIP?

Services like regular cleanings, dental check-ups, and fillings are considered the responsibility of the individual and must be paid out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Even procedures such as tooth extractions, when performed outside of a hospital setting, fall outside OHIP's scope. The same applies to orthodontic treatments like braces, as well as cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening or veneers . OHIP does not cover routine dental exams, professional cleanings and scaling, fillings for cavities, tooth extractions performed in a dental office, root canals, crowns and bridges, dentures and dental implants, orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners, or cosmetic dentistry including teeth whitening and veneers. These services, which make up the vast majority of dental care that people need, must be paid for through private insurance, government dental programs if you qualify, or out of pocket.

What is the Canadian Dental Care Plan and who qualifies?

All eligible Canadians can now apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) . The CDCP is a federally funded dental insurance program that provides coverage for essential dental services to Canadians without private insurance. To be eligible in 2025, applicants must meet all four of the following criteria: ... AFNI is calculated based on Line 23600 of your T1 tax return, adjusted for benefits like the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) income. Families under $70,000 AFNI receive the most generous coverage; those between $70,000 and $89,999 receive scaled benefits. ... Applicants and their dependents cannot have access to any employer-sponsored, professional association, pension plan, or private dental coverage—even if they choose not to use it . You and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable) must have filed your Canadian income tax return for the previous year and received a Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency . This means that if your household income is below 90,000 dollars, you have no access to private or employer dental insurance, you are a Canadian resident, and you have filed your taxes, you may qualify for the CDCP.

What dental services does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover?

The CDCP will reimburse a portion of the cost of your treatment, but it may not pay the full amount. You may have to pay additional charges directly to the oral health provider, if: your adjusted family net income is between $70,000 and $89,999, the cost of your oral health care services is more than what the CDCP will reimburse for these services . The CDCP covers a comprehensive range of dental services including dental exams, including complete, routine, specific and emergency exams , preventive care like cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants, diagnostic services including X-rays, fillings and restorations for cavities, root canals for infected teeth, periodontal treatments for gum disease, crowns when medically necessary, dentures including complete and partial dentures, tooth extractions and oral surgery, and sedation for certain procedures. These services provide sedation and pain management during dental procedures. ... These are not available yet. A specific range of orthodontic services will be available in the future, at a date to be determined . Families earning under 70,000 dollars per year pay nothing out of pocket, while those earning between 70,000 and 89,999 pay a percentage of the cost.

How do I apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan?

Sign in or create your My Service Canada Account (MSCA) using the first button below to apply for the CDCP online, which is the fastest and easiest method. You will need your Social Insurance Number, your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency showing your income, information about whether you have any private or employer dental insurance, and personal information for yourself and any dependents you are applying for. Applications for the current CDCP benefit year (2025-2026) close on April 14, 2026. Applications for the 2026-2027 benefit year will open on June 2, 2026 . You can ask someone you trust or a delegate to help you apply for the CDCP. ... You can ask a trusted person to help you apply by phone . Once approved, you will receive a welcome package with your CDCP member card and information about how to book dental appointments with participating providers.

Do I need to renew my Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage every year?

Yes, the CDCP is not a one-time enrollment and requires annual renewal to verify your ongoing eligibility. Final Deadline: June 1, 2026. Your renewal application must be submitted by this date. Coverage Lapse Date: If you fail to renew by the deadline, your current benefits will end on June 30, 2026 . Missing the Canadian Dental Care Plan renewal deadline will result in a lapse in coverage. Any dental care received during this gap, including routine check-ups and cleanings, fillings, or even emergency treatment, will not be covered or reimbursed by the CDCP . Renewal requires that you have filed your most recent tax return and received your Notice of Assessment, as your income is reassessed each year to determine your continued eligibility and co-payment level. You will receive a renewal letter with instructions on how to complete the process online through your My Service Canada Account.

What free dental programs are available for children in Ontario?

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) is a government-funded dental program that provides preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households . Children aged 17 and under are automatically eligible and enrolled in the HSO program if they or their families receive Ontario Works (OW), Temporary Care Assistance, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, or the Ontario Disabilities Support Programme (ODSP) . Covered services include regular checkups, preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments, X-rays, fillings, and urgent dental treatments. In some cases, emergency oral surgeries may also be included . Healthy Smiles Ontario services are not provided at regular dental offices but are available through public health units, community health centres, and Aboriginal Health Access Centres across Ontario. Families can apply through ServiceOntario, directly with their local public health unit, or through participating dental providers.

What dental coverage is available for seniors in Ontario?

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government-funded dental care program. It provides free, routine dental services for low-income seniors who are 65 years of age or older . Be at least 65 years old. To qualify, applicants must be an Ontario resident with an annual income of $22,200 or less (single) or $37,100 or less (couple) . The program covers dental exams, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, root canals, and tooth extractions. Seniors can access dental services under this program only through: ... Learn more on the Ontario government website or by calling 416-916-0204 or toll-free at 1-833-207-4435 public health units, community health centres, or Aboriginal Health Access Centres. Seniors who do not qualify for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program but have incomes below 90,000 dollars may qualify for the Canadian Dental Care Plan instead.

What dental benefits are available if I receive ODSP or Ontario Works?

If you are receiving ODSP support, you and your spouse (18 years and over) may be able to get coverage for: ... Additional services if your disability, prescribed medications or prescribed treatment affects your oral health. If you have any children who are 17 years and under, they will be automatically enrolled in Healthy Smiles Ontario . ODSP provides dental coverage for basic services like exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures, with additional services available if your disability or medication affects your oral health. If you are receiving Ontario Works, you and your family may be eligible for certain health-related benefits including emergency dental services. Both ODSP and Ontario Works dental benefits are processed through the ministry's dental program, and you will need approval before receiving treatment. Your caseworker can provide information about what is covered and how to access services.

Can I have both CDCP and another government dental program?

If you are covered under other government dental programs (such as Healthy Smiles Ontario and the Ontario Disability Support Program) and are eligible for the CDCP, you will be able to apply. Benefits will be co-ordinated between the programs, which means that your coverage will not be duplicated . This coordination ensures that you receive the maximum benefits available without double-billing. For example, if Healthy Smiles Ontario covers part of a service and the CDCP covers additional aspects, the programs will work together to ensure the service is fully covered. When you apply for the CDCP, you will be asked about any other government dental programs you are enrolled in so that benefits can be properly coordinated.

Where can I find low-cost dental care in Toronto if I do not qualify for programs?

If your income is too high for government programs but you do not have private insurance and cannot afford regular dental fees, Toronto has several options for lower-cost care. University dental schools including the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry offer dental services provided by supervised students at significantly reduced rates, typically 30 to 50 percent less than private practices. Community health centres across Toronto provide dental care on a sliding scale based on income, with some offering care at no cost for people without insurance. Some private dental offices offer payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of treatment over several months. Dental hygiene schools also provide cleanings and preventive care at reduced rates performed by supervised students. Some charitable organizations and churches occasionally run free dental clinics or can connect you with discounted services.

How much do common dental services cost without insurance in Ontario?

Without insurance or government coverage, dental costs in Ontario can be significant. A routine dental exam and cleaning typically costs 150 to 300 dollars. A filling for a cavity ranges from 150 to 400 dollars depending on the size and location. A root canal can cost 800 to 1,500 dollars or more. Crowns typically cost 1,000 to 2,000 dollars per tooth. Dentures range from 1,500 to 3,000 dollars for a full set. Tooth extraction costs 100 to 500 dollars depending on complexity. Emergency dental visits can cost 100 to 300 dollars just for the consultation before any treatment. These costs vary widely depending on the dentist's location, experience, and the complexity of your case, but they illustrate why dental insurance or coverage through programs like the CDCP is so valuable.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency and cannot afford care?

If you have a dental emergency like severe pain, infection, trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding and cannot afford care, go to a hospital emergency department. Alleviation of Significant Oral Pain impacting overall health In such cases, the urgency and necessity of the procedure typically streamline coverage under OHIP, ensuring that acute dental emergencies don't escalate into major health issues . While hospitals cannot provide routine dental care, they can treat acute infections, control bleeding, provide pain relief, and stabilize you until you can see a dentist. Some hospitals have dental clinics that operate on certain days and may see emergency patients. The Interim Federal Health Program (IFPH) covers emergency dental care for refugees. "Emergency" is defined as procedures to reduce pain and active infection, hemorrhage and the result of oral trauma . Community health centres may also be able to accommodate dental emergencies on a sliding scale or at no cost. Do not delay seeking help for a dental emergency due to cost concerns, as untreated dental infections can become life-threatening.

Key tips for accessing dental care in Ontario

• Apply for the Canadian Dental Care Plan if you qualify: If your household income is below 90,000 dollars and you have no private insurance, the CDCP can cover most or all of your dental costs.
• Check eligibility for children's and seniors' programs: Healthy Smiles Ontario serves kids under 18 from low-income families, and the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program serves low-income seniors 65 and older.
• File your taxes every year: Many dental programs including the CDCP require a Notice of Assessment to verify income eligibility.
• Renew your CDCP coverage annually: Missing the renewal deadline will result in a gap in coverage, leaving you responsible for 100 percent of dental costs.
• Explore community health centres and dental schools: These options provide quality care at reduced rates for people without insurance.
• Do not delay emergency care: Hospital emergency departments can treat acute dental emergencies even if you cannot pay, and OHIP may cover necessary hospital-based procedures.
• Ask dentists about payment plans: Many dental offices offer financing options that make treatment more affordable by spreading costs over time.

While OHIP covers very little routine dental care, the launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the expansion of provincial programs for children, seniors, and people receiving social assistance means that more Ontario residents than ever before have access to affordable dental services. By understanding what is covered, checking your eligibility for government programs, and knowing where to find low-cost care in Toronto, you can protect your oral health without facing financial hardship. Dental care is essential to your overall health, and with the right information and resources, you can access the care you need.