New to Canada: how dental care works in Ontario
Dental care in Canada is organised differently from medical care. Here's what newcomers to Toronto need to know.
In Ontario, OHIP covers doctor and hospital visits but not most dental care. People usually pay through workplace benefits, private insurance or public programs such as the Canadian Dental Care Plan, Healthy Smiles Ontario for eligible children, or the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program. You can book directly with a dentist; no doctor's referral is needed.
How dental care is paid for
Dentists in Ontario work in private offices. Most adults pay for dental care through an employer's health benefits plan, a private insurance plan they buy themselves, or out of pocket. OHIP pays for some dental surgery done in a hospital, but routine checkups, cleanings and fillings aren't included.
Many dental offices, including ours, bill insurance companies directly, so you pay only the portion your plan doesn't cover. Fees at our office follow the Ontario Dental Association suggested fee guide.
Public programs you may qualify for
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): for Canadian residents with no access to dental insurance, who have filed their taxes and have an adjusted family net income under $90,000
- Healthy Smiles Ontario: for children and youth 17 and under from eligible low-income families
- Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program: for eligible seniors 65 and older with low income
- Interim Federal Health Program: limited emergency dental coverage for some refugees and refugee claimants
- Ontario Works and ODSP: some dental benefits for recipients and their families
Which programs we accept
At Lilac Family Dentistry we accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the Interim Federal Health Program for refugees. We don't accept Healthy Smiles Ontario, Ontario Works or ODSP dental coverage.
About the Canadian Dental Care Plan
You apply for CDCP through the Government of Canada, not through a dental office. One requirement is filing a Canadian tax return, so newcomers usually need to file at least once before they can qualify. Depending on family income, you may pay no co-payment (under $70,000), 40% ($70,000 to $79,999) or 60% ($80,000 to $89,999) of the plan's set amount. Orthodontics is not covered. Our office accepts CDCP and explains any co-payment before treatment.
Booking your first visit
- Find a dentist near home, work or school; you don't need a referral
- Bring photo ID, your insurance or CDCP details and a list of medications
- If you have dental records or X-rays from your home country, bring them, even if they're in another language
- Expect a full exam, any needed X-rays and a cleaning, often at the first or second visit
- Ask about language support if you'd be more comfortable in your first language
Language and comfort
Explaining symptoms or understanding a treatment plan is easier in your own language. Our team speaks English, Farsi, Russian and Ukrainian. You can also bring a trusted family member or friend to help.
Dental terms can be confusing even in your first language. Ask the team to write down your treatment plan, including each step and what your insurance or program is expected to cover. You can take it home and decide in your own time.
Frequently asked questions
Are dental visits free for children in Ontario?
Not automatically. Children from eligible families may be covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario or the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Otherwise, costs are paid through insurance or by the family.
How often should I see a dentist in Canada?
Most people have a checkup and cleaning every six to twelve months, or more often if their dentist or hygienist recommends it.
Can I see a dentist before I have insurance?
Yes. You can book and pay directly. Ask the office to explain the expected fees before treatment so there are no surprises.
How do I know a dentist is licensed?
Search the public register of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, which lists every dentist allowed to practise in the province.
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Trusted health information
General information only; not a substitute for an exam. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-05.
Book your family's next visit
New patients welcome. We check your coverage before treatment.