Dental care can be expensive and is not covered by the Alberta Health Insurance plan. Most Albertans have a private dental insurance plan (through their work or university or college) to help pay the costs of dental care. Keep your dental costs low by eating a healthy diet and cleaning your teeth every day.
If you cannot afford the cost of going to the dentist, a few options are available in Alberta:
The Alberta Child Health Benefit offers free children's dental care (up to age 17) to low-income families. If your family is eligible, you can make appointments for your children to see a private dentist at no cost. (phone: 310-0000/427-6848 for information) or visit: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/achb/index.html
The University of Alberta (in Edmonton) offers reduced-fee dental care to selected clients. The dental work is done by students, under close supervision of qualified instructors. For more information call 780-492-5182
University of Alberta students also provide reduced-fee care at three satellite clinics in Northern Alberta (High Level, LaCrete, MacLennan). For more information please visit: http://www.dent.ualberta.ca
Disadvantaged residents across several towns and cities in Alberta may be eligible to attend a dental visit for free on "Open Wide" Day - usually a Saturday in April. On this day, private dentists, dental hygienists and other professional staff donate their time and materials to help people who could not otherwise afford a dental visit. For more information contact:
Residents of the Calgary Health Region who earn a poverty-line income and have no dental insurance may be eligible to receive reduced-fee dental care at some community dental clinics. For more information call 403-228-3384 or visit: http://www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/hecomm/oral/reducedfeedental.htm
For more information, contact your Community Oral Health Program or dentist.
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