What's the Best Dental Insurance in Ontario for 2024?

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and dental insurance plays a significant role in ensuring access to essential care.

Unfortunately, in Ontario, dental health services are not well covered by public health insurance so having a private dental insurance becomes extremely essential.

But how do you pick the best Ontario dental insurance plan that suits your needs and budgets? This comprehensive article answers your questions about public and private dental care in Ontario, best policies, coverage, prices, and also get free quotes.

Our 2024 ranking of Ontario's best dental insurances

Sun Life dental insurance: Inclusive coverage options

Sun Life, one of the most prominent insurance providers in Canada, offers comprehensive dental insurance coverage that suits every need. The dental coverage can be purchased with the health insurance plan as an optional benefit and not as a standalone plan.

You can access dental care through Health and Dental Choice A where dental coverage is included by default however with restrictions. If you want more comprehensive coverage including restorative procedures like endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and more, you can add optional dental coverage through Health Choice B with dental and Health Choice C with dental.

Dental Coverage Options	Health and Dental Choice A	Health Choice B	Health Choice C
Preventive Coverage	Included	Optional	Optional
Reimbursement Rate	80%	80%	80%
Annual Maximum	$700	$700 combined	Year 1: $750, Year 2+: $1,000 combined
Restorative Coverage	No coverage	Optional Reimbursement Rate: 50% Annual Maximum: $700 combined Waiting Period: One year	Optional Reimbursement Rate : 50% Annual Maximum: Year 1: No coverage, Year 2+: $1,000 combined Waiting Period: One year
Restorative Services	No coverage	Endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, crowns, onlays, bridges, dentures (and repairs)	Same as B
Preventive Services	Examinations, tests, x-rays, white fillings, space maintainers, scaling, extractions, pit and fissure sealant, recall visits	Same as A, plus minor emergency treatments	Same as B, plus recall visits every nine months
Premium per month (for Ontario resident)	$90.56	$165.11 (Optional Dental included)	$214.26 (Optional Dental included)

Note: Preventive services focus on examinations, tests, and minor treatments, while restorative services cover more extensive dental procedures. The eligibility requirement is that everyone on the application must have had dental coverage through the client's group benefits plan.

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You can check out this pdf for more information on dental insurance offered by Sun Life.

If you like what Sun Life offers and think it could be the right fit for you or your family, you can get quotes directly from Sun Life and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Green Shield Canada Dental Insurance: Options for every budget

Green Shield Canada (GSC) offers three major health insurance plans that provide dental care in different ranges: Prism Continuum, Prism Spectra, and Prism Precision.

Prism Continuum is designed for comprehensive coverage, providing 80% coverage for preventive and basic care, no deductible or coverage limit. This plan at $317 is ideal if you want extensive benefits.

Prism Spectra, with a lower cost of $235, offers 80% coverage for preventive care and up to 80% for basic care. It has a first-year coverage limit of $500, making it a fair option with progressive coverage.

Prism Precision, affordable at $131, is a limited plan. It covers 70% of preventive care but does not cover basic care. The first-year coverage limit is $250, with no deductibles or coverage limits. This is a budget-friendly option.

Here's a table on the dental coverage from three major plans of GSC Insurance:

Plan	Dental Coverage	Premium
Prism Continuum®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics Coverage: 80%	$317
Prism Continuum®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 80% throughout	$317
Prism Continuum®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year	$317
PrismSpectra®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exam, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics. Coverage: 80%	$235
PrismSpectra®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining Coverage: 60% in first 12 months, 70% in next 12 months, 80% thereafter	$235
PrismSpectra®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges Coverage: 50% starting in the 3rd benefit year	$235
Prism Precision®	Basic: Preventative cleaning and polishing, routine exams, x-ray, filling, extractions, fluoride treatments, pit and fissure sealants, general anaesthetics. Coverage: 70%	$131
Prism Precision®	Comprehensive Basic: Periodontal treatment, endodontics, denture cleaning, repairs, rebasing, relining. Coverage: 60% in first 12 months, 70% in next 12 months, 80% thereafter	$131
Prism Precision®	Major Services: Dentures (full/partial), standard crowns, standard bridges. Coverage: 50% starting in 3rd benefit year	$131

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and extent of coverage. You can checkout this pdf for more information on dental insurance offered by GSC.

If you like what GSC offers and think it could be the dental insurance Ontario plan that's the right fit for you or your family, you can get quotes directly from GSC and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

GMS Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage

GMS, i.e. Group Medical Services, offers plans ranging from basic coverage to comprehensive health cover, all of which have the option to add dental benefits and/or drug benefits.

GMS health insurance provides dental coverage for basic services like exams, fillings, and polishing, promoting preventive care. The coverage also includes major services such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, offering comprehensive coverage for restoring or replacing teeth based on the specific policy you opt for.

Here's a table on what some popular GMS Dental coverage plans offer:

Plan Type	Dental Coverage	Premium
Essential Plan	Preventative Coverage: 80% coverage for regular check-ups, examinations, cleanings, and scaling. Basic Coverage: 80% coverage for checkups (every 6 months), polishing, fillings, etc. Major Coverage: 50% coverage for major dental services, inlays, onlays, crowns, bridges, dentures, etc. Combined Maximum: $1,000 for dental expenses (includes basic and major services) Accidental Dental: $2,000 per injury	$121.25
Basic Plan	Year 1: $500 (Preventative Care and Basic Services) Year 2: $750 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Year 3+: $1000 (Preventative Care, Basic and Major Services) Accidental Dental: $500 per injury	$70.75

The figures you see above and premiums will vary with the services you opt for and the extent of coverage. You could checkout this pdf for more information on the dental insurance offered by GMS.

If you liked what GMS offers and you think it could be the right fit for you or your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from GMS and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Blue Cross Dental Insurance: Flexible choice

Blue Cross offers several plans that include health benefits, drug, and dental coverage depending on your needs. Blue Cross health and dental plans vary across provinces and policies. However, all Blue Cross health insurance packages offer the option of adding dental cover.

There are Flex Plans that offer 80% preventive coverage and 50% basic coverage; one of their more affordable options for basic care. Their entry plans include dental maintenance services such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, and fillings.

Essential plans, in addition to the services in entry plans, cover extractions, root canals, and more. Enhanced plans further include periodontal services for gum health, major dental procedures, and even orthodontics.

It must be noted that dental care is an optional benefit that you can pick and choose from to add to your Blue Cross Health Insurance plan.

Here's a table summarising the dental care benefits offered under some major Blue Cross Health Plans:

Plan Type	Coverage	Premium
Flex Plan	Preventive Coverage: 80% reimbursement (examinations, X-rays, laboratory tests, preventive services, space maintainers) Basic Coverage: 50% reimbursement (removal of erupted teeth, restorative services, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery) Combined Maximum: $500 for first year, $1,000 for subsequent years; coverage ends at 65th birthday Accidental Dental: $1,000 per accident	$41.22
Entry	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (3 month wait) Basic Coverage: 60% ($500/year) (Fillings - 3 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$48.01
Essential	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (6 month wait) Basic Coverage: 70% (Fillings, extractions and root canal - 6 month wait) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$65.94
Enhanced	Preventive Coverage: Dental Exam & Cleaning, X-rays (6 month wait) Basic Coverage: 80% (Fillings, extractions and root canal - 6 month wait; Periodontal Services Coverage - 24 month wait (60% ($1,200 / year)); Major Dental Coverage - 24 month wait (60% ($500 / year)); Orthodontics Coverage (age 18 and under - 24 month wait (60% ($1,500 / lifetime)) Accidental Dental: $7,000/lifetime	$98.12

The figures and premiums vary with the extent of coverage. You could check this pdf for more information on the dental cover offered by Blue Cross.

If you liked what Blue Cross offers and you think it could be the right fit for you or your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from Blue Cross and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Manulife Dental Insurance: Multiple Plans for different needs

Manulife offers many comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans. Whether you are looking for dental benefits, drug benefits, or a combination, you will find a plan that suits you.

Manulife dental coverage is offered under four broad plans: DentalPlus Basic, DentalPlus Enhanced, ComboPlus Basic, and ComboPlus Enhanced. The extent of dental care varies from basic coverage like cleaning and scaling to extensive coverage like major restorative dental procedures based on the policy.

Here's a table on the Manulife health Insurance plans with dental cover:

The figures and premiums vary with the extent of coverage. You could check this pdf for more information on the dental cover offered by Manulife.

Plan Type	Dental Coverage	Premium
DentalPlus Basic	Year 1: 50% of first $1,150 (up to $575 every year)	$78.5
DentalPlus Basic	Year 2+: 80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year)	$78.5
DentalPlus Basic	Check-ups every 9 months	$78.5
DentalPlus Basic	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions	$78.5
DentalPlus Basic	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures	$78.5
ComboPlus Starter	70% of first $575 (up to $400 every year)	$80.9
ComboPlus Starter	Check-ups every 9 months	$80.9
ComboPlus Starter	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions	$80.9
ComboPlus Starter	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures	$80.9
ComboPlus Basic	80% of first $400 and 50% of next $860 (up to $750 every year)	$94.6
ComboPlus Basic	Check-ups every 9 months	$94.6
ComboPlus Basic	Included: Examinations, Cleaning, Scaling, Polishing, Fillings, Select Extractions	$94.6
ComboPlus Basic	Excluded: Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics (Root Canal), Orthodontics, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures	$94.6

If you liked what Manulife offers and you think it could be the right fit for you, your family, or both, you can now get quotes directly from Manulife and get a policy that suits your unique needs.

Why do you need private dental insurance in Ontario?

Private dental insurance is essential in Ontario because it provides additional coverage that public insurance often lacks. While public dental assistance programs like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) may offer limited services for specific groups, private insurance offers comprehensive coverage for routine check-ups, fillings, and other essential treatments.

OHIP does not typically cover routine dental services, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and other preventive measures. It also does not cover major dental procedures like root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Private dental insurance can fill this gap by providing coverage for a wide range of dental treatments.

With private insurance, you can choose from a broader network of dentists, ensuring better access to quality care. Unlike public programs, private plans often have no waiting periods, allowing you to seek immediate treatment when required.

Moreover, private dental insurance may cover cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics, services rarely included in public schemes. Having private dental insurance ensures peace of mind and protects against unexpected dental expenses, making it a valuable investment for maintaining good oral health.

What dental services are covered under OHIP?

Routine dental services are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. This means routine care like checkups and cleanings, x-rays, fillings and root canals need to be paid for or covered by private insurance.

However, OHIP covers a very limited and very specific range of dental services if performed in a hospital. These can include oral surgery like:

• fracture repair
• tumour removal
• reconstructive surgeries
• cleft-lip correction
• medically necessary tooth removal

How much is private dental insurance in Ontario?

The cost of private dental insurance in Ontario can vary widely depending on several factors as we have seen in the earlier sections of this page, including the level of coverage, the insurance provider, the age of the insured individual, and any specific dental needs or conditions.

On average, basic individual dental insurance plans in Ontario can range from approximately $40 to $80 per month. However, these figures are just rough estimates, and actual costs may be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned above.

Here's a basic table with dental insurance Ontario coverage and cost.

Coverage	Dental Services Included	Premium (Average per Month)
Basic	Routine check-ups and cleanings, X-rays, Basic fillings, Limited extractions, Partial coverage for dentures, No or limited orthodontic coverage	$40 - $80
Comprehensive	Routine check-ups and cleanings, X-rays, Fillings, Root canals, Extractions, Periodontal services, Oral surgery, Dentures, Orthodontic (braces) coverage	$80 - $120+

The cost of dental care in Ontario can quickly spiral to unmanageable levels. A private dental insurance could help either avoid completely or eliminate a majority of these costs. If you'd like to buy a dental insurance Ontario plan, you could use our comparison tool to see the best options available, get free quotes based on your unique needs and start saving.

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What does private dental insurance Ontario cover?

Dental insurance plans are either basic or comprehensive. They will cover between 70% and 100% of basic or basic and comprehensive costs. Basic dental insurance plans will typically cover simple maintenance as well as some minor work, while comprehensive dental insurance plans will cover rarer, more skilled dental services as well as aesthetic work.

Basic Services

• oral examinations and x-rays
• polishing and fluoride treatments
• fillings
• scaling and root planing
• minor repairs
• routine extractions

Comprehensive Services

• root canals
• treating gum diseases
• braces
• oral surgery
• crowns
• bridges
• dentures and repairs

How much does dental care cost without a dental insurance Ontario plan?

The cost of dental services in Ontario depends on the services required. We have compiled a chart of the most recent standard costs for basic dental care in Ontario.

Service	Cost
Cleaning	$114
Check-up	$35
Check-up: x-rays	$34
Tooth removal: simple	$160
Tooth removal: complicated	$247
White tooth filling: small	$190
White tooth filling: medium	$238
White tooth filling: large	$285
White tooth filling: very large	$352
White tooth filling: huge	$372
Root canal: front tooth	$532
Root canal: molar	$892

How do I buy private dental insurance in Ontario?

Private dental care is often included with private health insurance plans, but you can also find dental-only plans.

We highly recommend private health and dental insurance coverage to make sure you are protected for all of your medical needs. If you chip a tooth in Toronto, need a root canal in Richmond Hill or an orthodontist in Ottawa, dental insurance gives you peace of mind to know that your dental problem won’t also become a financial problem.

To buy private dental insurance in Ontario, research reputable insurance providers and compare their plans. Determine your dental needs, get quotes, and choose a plan that fits your requirements and budget. Enroll or apply online with the selected provider, make premium payments, and receive confirmation and an insurance card for dental visits.

While this process may seem daunting, you could simply use our comparator at the top of this page to get quick info on prices, coverage, and even get free quotes from providers in no time.

8 tips to get cheap dental insurance Ontario

Here are some essential ways to get the cheapest dental insurance in Ontario:

1. Shop around and compare plans to find affordable options using HelloSafe's easy to use comparator.
2. Consider group or employer-sponsored plans for lower premiums and better coverage.
3. Look for standalone dental plans that focus solely on dental coverage.
4. Opt for higher deductibles or limited coverage if you don't anticipate major dental issues.
5. Explore dental discount plans for cost-saving benefits.
6. Compare annual maximums to understand coverage limits.
7. Check co-pays to see your out-of-pocket expenses per visit.
8. Utilize eligible Medical Expense Tax Credits (under a Health Spending Account) to save on dental expenses.

To compare the coverage and prices of health and dental insurance Ontario plans, use our comparison tool to see the best options available. Get quick and free quotes based on your unique needs and budget.

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Are there dental benefits 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.

In order to be eligible for dental insurance as a senior in Ontario, the eligibility requirements you have to meet are:

Eligibility Criteria	Dental Coverage for Seniors in Ontario - Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program
Age	65 years of age or older
Residency	Resident of Ontario
Income Requirements	Single senior: Annual net income of $22,200 or less
	Senior couple: Combined annual net income of $37,100 or less
Other Requirements	Have no other form of dental benefits

The dental coverage for seniors in Ontario included under the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program are:

• Check-ups, including scaling, fluoride and polishing
• Repairing broken teeth and cavities
• X-rays
• Oral surgery
• Endodontic services
• Periodontal services
• Dentures are eligible for partial coverage covered.

To apply, you can fill out the Seniors Dental Care Program application form.

Is there low-income dental assistance in Ontario?

Ontario provides dental assistance programs for low-income individuals and families. One of the main programs is the Ontario Works (OW) dental benefit, which offers financial assistance for dental services to individuals receiving social assistance through the Ontario Works program.

In general, Ontario Works will provide dental coverage that includes basic diagnostic, preventive, restorative, endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, and oral surgery services.

Additionally, children from low-income families may be eligible for dental coverage through the Healthy Smiles Ontario program. The program covers a range of preventive, routine, and emergency dental services. These services, for eligible children and youth aged 17 and under, may include, but are not limited to:

• Regular check-ups and cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root canals on baby teeth
• Urgent or emergency dental care

To apply for the Healthy Smiles Ontario program, families can typically download the application form on the Ontario Ministry of Health page. The application form requires information about the child, their parent or guardian, and details about the family's income.

Once the application is completed, submit it to the local public health unit or dental provider for assessment and processing. If the child is found eligible, they will receive a dental card that covers the cost of eligible dental services for a specific period.

Does Toronto offer free dental insurance?

Toronto offers free dental care to residents who are unable to pay for treatment. Residents can contact one of the city's dental clinics. An eligibility assessment will be made in person. Find your local free dental clinic using the table below:

Centre	Address	Phone number
791 Queen St. E.	792 Queen St. E. Toronto, ON M4M 1H	(416) 392-6683
Anishnawbe Health Toronto	179 Gerrard St. E Toronto, ON M5A 2E5	(416) 338-6984
Bathurst-Finch Hub	540 Finch Ave. W Toronto, ON M2R 1N7	(416) 338-0631
Black Creek Community Health Centre	1 York Gate Blvd. Suite 202 Toronto, ON M3N 3A1	(416) 338-8415
Dundas West Walk-In Denture Clinic	2340 Dundas St. W. Toronto, ON M6P 4A9	(416) 392-0988
Etobicoke Civic Centre	399 The West Mall Toronto, ON M9C 2Y2	(416) 338-1486
Fairview Community Health Centre	5 Fairview Mall Dr Suite 357 Toronto, ON M2J 2Z1	(416) 338-1008
Kensington Clinic	340 College St. Toronto, ON M5T 3A9	(416) 392-1410
L.A.M.P.	185 Fifth St. Toronto, ON M8V 2Z5	(416) 338-7034v
North York Clinic	5100 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 5V7	(416) 338-8399
Parkdale Community Health Centre	1229 Queen St. W Toronto, ON M6K 1L2	(416) 338-5652
Rexdale C.H.C.	8 Taber Rd Toronto, ON M9W 3A4	(416) 338-1790
Rexdale Community Health Centre	222 Dixon Road. Suite 304 Toronto, ON M9P 3S5	(416) 338-7517
Rexdale Community Health Centre Hub	21 Panorama Court Main Floor Toronto, ON M9V 3S6	(416) 338-2205
Scarborough Civic Centre	150 Borough Drive Toronto, ON M1P 4N7	(416) 338-7442
St. Michael's Health Centre80 Bond Steet	80 Bond Steet Toronto, ON M5B 1X2	(416) 338-0905
Stonegate Community Health Centre	10 Neighbourhood Lane Toronto, ON M8Y 0C5	(416) 338-1120
The Hub	2660 Eglinton Ave. E Toronto, ON M1K 2S3	(416) 338-3764
Unison Health and Community Services	1651 Keele St Toronto, ON M6M 3W2	(416) 338-1224
Unison Health and Community Services	1541 Jane St Toronto, ON M9N 2R3	(416) 338-1254
Unison Health and Community Services	12 Flemington Rd. Toronto, ON M6A 2N4	(416) 338-2025

How to cancel private dental insurance Ontario?

To cancel, you need to contact your insurance provider directly. You can do this by calling the customer service number listed on your insurance card or policy.

Inform them of your decision to cancel the coverage and provide any required information, such as your policy number and personal details. Some companies may have specific procedures or forms for cancellation, so it's essential to follow their instructions.

Additionally, be aware of any notice periods or cancellation fees that apply. Keep records of your cancellation request for your reference and ensure that you receive written confirmation from the company acknowledging the cancellation.

How to file a claim for private dental insurance Ontario?

To file a claim, you should first receive dental treatment from your dentist. Your dentist will provide you with an itemized receipt or dental claim form detailing the services and associated costs.

Fill out the necessary information on the claim form and attach the receipt. Submit the completed claim form along with the supporting documents to your provider. You can typically submit claims through various methods, such as mail, online portals, or mobile apps, depending on your provider.

Once the claim is received and processed by the provider, they will reimburse you for the eligible expenses based on the terms of your policy. Be sure to keep a copy of all documents for your records and follow up with the provider if you have any questions about the claim process.