Guide to Dental Insurance for Kids in Canada

What is dental insurance for kids?

Dental insurance for kids is a policy that covers some or all of a child’s dental care costs. Each child can get a policy with its own limits for dental services, from cleanings to fillings.

Kids dental insurance supports ongoing oral health by making regular dentist visits more affordable.

Young children are especially vulnerable to painful dental issues, so early coverage helps catch and treat problems before they become serious.

What does dental insurance for kids cover?

Dental insurance for kids covers most of the same services as adult plans. Dental care services are categorized in three main types:

• Preventive: Regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
• Basic: Fillings, extractions, and minor repairs
• Major: Crowns, root canals, and sometimes orthodontics

The exact services covered will depend on the plan in which you enroll your child. For instance, not all plans cover orthodontics. 

In addition to the types of services covered, you also need to understand a plan’s coverage limits and waiting periods:

Coverage limits: Each policy includes coverage for each type of service up to a certain annual limit (like $650 per person per year) and to a certain percentage (70% of basic services, 100% of preventive services). 

Waiting periods: A child may have to wait a set period to be eligible for different services. Common waiting periods are three months for preventive services, 12 months for basic services, and 24 months for major services.

Public vs. private dental insurance for kids

Kids in Canada have access to public and private dental insurance options in most regions. 

Public programs cover many kids, but eligibility and benefits vary widely across Canada. Dental programs don’t always offer enough coverage and not every Canadian child will qualify for subsidized provincial or federal dental care.

Public dental insurance (federal)

A child may qualify for the federal dental insurance plan in Canada, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, if the parents meet eligibility criteria.

Cost of services: $0 for eligible children

Covered services: Preventive, basic, and major services (may require pre-authorization)

Public dental insurance (provincial)

A child may qualify for provincial dental insurance plans in Canada. Coverage and eligibility vary by province and territory, usually based on income and age. 

• Alberta: The Alberta Child Health Benefit provides basic dental care for low-income youth under 18, including x-rays, fillings, and cleanings.
• British Columbia: The Healthy Kids Program provides basic dental services to kids 0-19 who receive Medical Services Plan (MSP) Premium Assistance. 
• Manitoba: Children from low-income households can receive coverage for dental care, including the Free First Visit Program for kids under 36 months.
• New Brunswick: The Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program provides dental care for children under 18 from low-income families who don’t have any other coverage.
• Newfoundland & Labrador: The Children’s Dental Health Program covers preventive and basic dental care for kids 12 and under.
• Northwest Territories: First Nations and Inuit children have complete dental coverage.
• Nova Scotia: The Children’s Oral Health Program covers basic dental once a year for youth 14 and under with a valid MSI health card.
• Nunavut: First Nations and Inuit children have complete dental coverage.
• Ontario: Healthy Smiles Ontario provides free dental care to low-income youth.
• Prince Edward Island: The Provincial Dental Care Program (PDCP) covers a percentage of dental care for kids under 18 (up to 100%) based on household income.
• Quebec: The Children’s Dental Care Program covers basic diagnostic, restorative, and oral surgery for kids under 10 (but no fluoride treatments).
• Saskatchewan: Low-income children get basic dental coverage through the Family Health Benefits program.
• Yukon: The Children’s Dental Health Program covers some services for preschool and school-aged children.

Most of these programs cover 100% of preventive dental services for qualified children, but may not cover other services like major surgery or orthodontics.

Private dental insurance

A private health insurance plan with dental benefits can cover a child for a range of dental problems, from oral health care cleanings with a pediatric dental care provider to orthodontic treatments.

Eligibility: Must apply for dental insurance coverage (some policies have underwriting, others are guaranteed coverage)

Cost of services: Depends on the dental treatment and the policy 

Covered services: Depends on the policy (preventive, basic, major, orthodontics)

If a child needs dental visits beyond what is covered by a provincial or federal plan, a private policy can help close the gaps. When a child ages out of a provincial plan around 10 or 12 years of age, private dental insurance can ensure continuity of care.

Group vs. individual dental insurance for kids

Your child might be eligible for dental care through your coverage. That is, you may be able to add them as a dependent to your employer-sponsored policy or your private individual plan.

Employer/group plans

Private individual plans

Coverage gaps to watch for: Orthodontics, night guards, sedation, and specialized care often fall outside the range of typical coverage for both employer plans and private plans. Always review limits and exclusions before you sign up for a policy.

How much does private dental insurance for kids cost?

The cost of dental insurance in Canada for a child ranges from $40 to $75 per month.

Here are the factors that may affect cost:
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• Plan type: Basic plans cost the least, while mid-tier and comprehensive plans cost more. 
• Coverage limits: You’ll pay more for a higher annual maximum, like $2,000 per year instead of $750.
• Family size: You might save some money with more people on the plan. Look for family packages.
• Location: Dental fee guides vary by province. For instance, B.C. and Ontario residents tend to pay more than people in Quebec and the Prairies.

Best dental insurance for kids in Canada

The best providers of private dental insurance for Canadian kids are PolicyMe, Manulife, and Sun Life. Here’s a quick comparison of plan options, coverage limits, and other considerations.

To choose the right plan:
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• Consider your child’s dental needs and expenses
• Find providers who offer those services
• Compare waiting periods, exclusions, and lifetime maximums
• Request quotes from several companies
• Read recent customer reviews
• Sign up for dental insurance

Is dental insurance worth it for kids?

For most Canadian kids, dental insurance is a good investment — but it depends on your family.

Cost/benefit: If a child only needs routine care, then paying out of pocket may cost less than monthly premiums. But if the child needs more than routine care, like fillings, and you’d prefer to have a predictable monthly expense, then private dental insurance is a good solution.

Long-term oral health: When kids visit the dentist often and early, you can fix cavities and alignment issues earlier to avoid costly treatments later. Plus, regular visits with fluoride treatments and sealants can reduce long-term oral health risks and help kids maintain healthy habits.

Dental insurance is worth it when your child is cavity-prone, if you expect more than just basic cleanings, or if you want to protect your wallet from unpredictable dental bills.

FAQ: Dental insurance for kids

Prices listed on this page are based on information available as of October 2025. The prices shown are for general reference only and may vary based on factors like your age, location, and product selection.