New data regarding medical and dental benefit coverage from 2024 has been released. This data has provided insights into various elements of dental benefit coverage across the Canadian population. While the data is largely positive, some disparities exist. The data has provided some key takeaways.
Data regarding dental benefits coverage from 2024 has been released [1]. The data has provided interesting insights into how dental benefits play a role in oral health services in Canada.
Among the headline findings is that approximately two thirds of employees in Canada reported having workplace medical or dental benefits through their main job [1].
Generally, higher rates of employer benefits is positive to see. It suggests that employers care about the oral health of their employees – which subsequently contributes to strong overall health.
However, the data did reveal differences across Canadian provinces and territories. In some areas, disparities exist.
Background
The data was provided by Statistics Canada. Statistics Canada provides data to the public regarding the economy, society, and environment.
As mentioned, data from 2024 has been released. The focus of this data was on medical and dental benefits [1].
In terms of definitions, employees aged 15 and older who report having access to supplemental medical or dental care through their main job are classed as those with medical or dental benefits [1].
As discussed, there are a few key takeaways from the statistics that have been released. These takeaways will help to guide policymakers in the future.
More employers are providing dental benefits
One of the main findings was that 66.8% of employees in Canada reported having workplace medical or dental benefits through their main employment [1].
This proportion has been steadily rising since 2021. This is positive to see, with Statistics Canada suggesting that it is a sign of quality of employment [1].
In fact, in 2021, the percentage was 63.3% [1]. Therefore, in three years there has been a 3.5% increase – representing a positive change.
Most working-age Canadians rely on coverage provided by their employer for dental care. While many provinces and territories assist in supplemental dental care coverage for children and seniors, this isn’t the case for those of a working age [1]. Therefore, this percentage increase is positive to see.
Full-time employees are likelier to have medical or dental coverage
Those working full-time or with permanent jobs had higher rates of coverage compared to part-time employees or those with temporary jobs [1].
In fact, temporary employees (22.8%) were nearly four times more likely than permanent employees (5.8%) to agree or strongly agree that they may lose their job in the next 6 months [1].
Clearly, temporary employees have greater job insecurity. Additionally, less than 3 in 10 temporary employees received either dental or medical benefits through their job [1].
Employees in permanent positions have enjoyed a rise in the likelihood of having medical or dental benefits in recent years [1]. For example, 71.9% of permanent employees had medical or dental benefits in 2024, compared to 26.1% for temporary employees [1].
Disparities across provinces and territories
A somewhat concerning takeaway is that there are disparities across Canadian provinces and territories [1].
In 2024, Saskatchewan (71.7%), Manitoba (70.3%), British Columbia (70.0%), and Alberta (69.7%), had the highest rates of workplace medical or dental coverage [1]. These were positive rates and outperformed the national average.
However, on the other hand, Quebec (60.6%), Prince Edward Island (63.2%), and Newfoundland and Labrador (63.6%), had the lowest rates [1]. These were all below the national average.
This does create a situation where the level of care a person gets can be affected by where they live. It is important to note that some provinces and territories do provide supplemental coverage to residents.
Males are likelier to have dental coverage than females
Another takeaway is that males are likelier than females to have dental coverage [1]. A caveat to this though is that this is driven by higher rates of full-time work in men.
In 2024, 63.8% of women had workplace medical or dental benefits. Conversely, 69.5% of men had medical or dental benefits [1].
But among full-time employees, there was only a minimal difference, with 75.5% of female and 76.6% male full-time employees having medical or dental benefits [1].
Younger employees are less likely to have dental coverage
The statistics showed that in 2024, younger employees were less likely than their older counterparts to have medical or dental benefits [1].
Just 27.6% of those in the 15-24 age group had medical or dental benefits [1]. This compared to 75.1% of those aged 25-54 [1].
Statistics Canada suggested that young employees may be reliant on coverage from their parents’ health insurance plans [1]. Therefore, those with parents without insurance are at heightened risk of having poor access to oral healthcare services.
Public sector and unionized employees have higher rates of coverage
A final takeaway is that the data shows that employees that are part of a union, or those working in the public sector, have higher rates of coverage [1].
Unions are able to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, which is why this rate is higher. In fact, unionized employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement had an 83.0% rate of medical or dental benefit coverage [1].
This compared to 59.7% of those not covered by a collective bargaining agreement [1]. Therefore, this represents quite a large difference and underlines the benefits of being in a union.
Similarly, those who work in the public sector had a far higher rate of dental benefit coverage compared to those in the private sector [1].
80.9% of public sector employees had coverage, compared to 62.1% of private sector employees [1]. Again, this represents a large difference.
Summary
The findings suggest that Canadian employers are moving in the right direction. The more people that have coverage, the better the health of the nation will be.
There are legitimate concerns for those who are part-time, from certain provinces, and young. But hopefully disparities will lessen in forthcoming years.
But with many having a dependence on an employer for access to medical or dental coverage, it does raise the concern that variations in employer-provided coverage could result in health outcome inequalities among workers.
Thinking points…
[1] Whether you have dental coverage or not, it is very important to attend the dentist regularly! Even if you do have coverage, it is important to not get complacent. Therefore, irrespective of your circumstances, make sure you attend a check-up at least once every six months. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a thorough look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
[2] If you are aged 16-25 and reading this, or if you are reading this and have any dependents in this age bracket, the above information is very important! It shows that those in this bracket face disparities compared to those that are older. If you are in this age group, make sure to take particular care of your oral health! Similarly, if you have a dependent or know anyone who is this age group, you could send this article to them now to remind them of the importance of their oral health!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Lovei, M., & Abdille, A. (2025). Medical or dental benefits coverage, 2024. Available: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/14-28-0001/2025001/article/00003-eng.htm. Last accessed: 23rd August 2025.
