The Long Term Costs of Not Having A Private Dental Plan

It's a well-known "fact" that Canadians have access to free healthcare. A lot south of the border assume this includes dental, as well. Sadly, though discounted extremely lower than our US neighbours, medical is only "free" for those in very low income brackets - the rest of us pay monthly premiums, which we are not able to opt out of.

Some employers pay these premiums, though we are later taxed on the premium payments as income. Dental? Only those under the age of six and families on income support receive "free" dental coverage.

For those of us not covered under a company health plan, self-employed or unemployed peoples or those working in an environment where benefits are not offered, dental costs can see staggering. And especially when you're already putting your hands into empty pockets, you just can't find the motivation to fork over money out of (empty) pocket for a mere cleaning.

There's a major problem with this scenario - putting off dental care until you can afford it or are covered by a company plan - it will cost you more in the long run. The estimated costs in Vancouver for a regular check-up and cleaning at the dentist (which should happen twice, yearly) start at about $100. Fillings can start somewhere around the same rate, per tooth. Want to really rack up some money? Get your kids braces. Those can typically cost upwards of $5,000.

So, let's be a little candid here. If you and your kids visit the dentist for two cleanings a year, brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and rinse, floss and avoid excess dietary sugar, the odd are that you'll not need cavity fillings. Unless your genes have it in for you. So a family comprised of a mother and her two children could end up spending $900 a year on just cleaning services. Heaven forbid that one or both children have cavities! Or that mom needs a root canal!

A simple solution to this out-of-pocket cost is to find a private dental plan that covers services that you'll need. There are literally hundreds of websites devoted to dental insurance providers, but a good place to start looking is your dentist's office, as they may have restrictions on plans they do not work with or they might recommend a plan that works with your family's future dental concerns. Ultimately, they'll be able to tell you just how much your normal, non-emergency services will cost.

If you do Google a dental plan provider, be prepared to find little to no information online - insurance is sales-based after all and those salesmen want your information so they can follow up on your purchase progress.

An example: I found for a single parent under the age of 44 with dependants, a plan that included extended medical and dental coverage for $79.50 per month, with dependants being an additional $39.75 - if you don't need the extended health, it would obviously be a lower rate. So that family of three they could get fillings, cleanings, x-rays for $159 per month, plus prescription drugs, physiotherapy and even some counselling, maybe.

So, what do you think? $900 for just cleanings, another $1,000 a year for practically every service you'd need, or just avoid it until you no longer can decide and just have to pay someone however much they require to have teeth removed due to decay and infection? Door number one, two or three?

Did you also know that dental costs and premiums can be claimed as a medical expense when you file your Canadian Income Tax Report? This can translate to a decreased tax balance owing.

So, why were you putting off that visit, again?