Help for Low-Income Albertans |
There are a variety of social programs offered by the Government of Alberta and other social programs to help low-income Albertans and those who may need support covering the cost of their dental care needs. Patients are always invited to discuss payment options with their dental team within the practice you visit. As health professionals, dentists are committed to caring for you and your health.
Alberta Health Services Community Oral Health Programs
View a list of AHS Community Oral Health programs, which includes coverage and eligibility, to see which program might be the best fit for you or your loved ones.
For more information on Alberta Health Services Oral Health programs click here and visit the “Dental Services” section.
Community Dental Clinics
Click the name of each organization to be linked to their website
Eligibility – children, 17 years and younger, presenting with:
- significant special medical needs
- unique and challenging dental problems requiring additional expertise (e.g., amelogenesis imperfecta, ectodermal dysplasia, major oligodontia, velopharyngela incompetency)
- dental-related emergencies (e.g., trauma, severe infection)
The Alex Dental Health Bus provides essential preventative oral health services and support, primarily to children and youth at schools in identified high-need areas. They provide free dental care to low-income children and youth ages six to 24.
The dental clinic’s service area includes the neighbourhoods of Boyle Street, McCauley, and Norwood. Visits are by appointment. They do their best to accommodate emergencies and walk-ins.
Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)
Calgary Urban Project Society is a non-profit organization that was established in 1989 with the aim of helping people overcome the challenges of poverty and attain brighter futures.
Dental Outreach of Red Deer (DOoR)
Free urgent dental care service is available for clients ages five to 18 years who have no dental insurance, a lower income or trouble paying and who have pain, infection, visible decay or broken teeth. Clients will be asked to provide proof of income (i.e. pay stubs, notice of assessment).
Public Health – Dental Treatment Services
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The SHINE (Student Health Initiative for the Needs of Edmonton) Dental Clinic is a student run organization established through the University of Alberta and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Based out of the Boyle McCauley Centre, the organization provides dental care for youth in need at no cost to patients.
U of A School of Dentistry Patient Clinics
The School of Dentistry offers a full range of general and specialty dental services for the public at affordable and competitive prices.
Programs, Services, and Supports
Click the name of each program to learn more
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Program
The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides eligible Alberta residents with full coverage for medically necessary physician services, and some dental and oral surgical health services. Most residents of Alberta are already accessing this coverage through Alberta Health Services. New and returning residents of Alberta must apply for coverage.
OMDS (Oral and Maxillofacial Devices and Services)
The OMDS Program may provide funding for some high-cost dental services required in conjunction with an oral surgical procedure insured under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This means Albertans may have access to funding that supports certain procedures such as: severe oral/facial conditions caused by birth defects, jaw abnormalities (tumors), major facial trauma or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Benefits are limited to payment for services such as orthodontics, prosthodontics, dental implants and presurgical work-up fees. For more information on this program and whether or not your dental surgery is eligible speak to your dentists and/or dental team.
- Read the full schedule (outline of coverage) for OMDS
The Alberta Cancer Foundation raises funds in support of cancer research and prevention programs, and to enhance patient care at Alberta’s 17 cancer centres, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary.
WCB – Worker’s Compensation Board
If you are injured at work and need medical treatment, the Worker’s Compensation Board may be able to assist you throughout your recovery.
Catholic Social Services Alberta
Catholic Social Services is one of the largest multi-functional social service agencies in Canada. They offer a variety of programs to assist families, seniors, children, and adults with disabilities.
- Learn more about programs offered by Catholic Social Services
This Government of Alberta program provides income, employment, disabilities and community-based supports, family violence prevention, and family & community support services. If you or other household members have coverage through another health benefits plan, you must use that plan first. The Alberta Adult/Child Health Benefit plan may cover your remaining costs. Talk to your dental team for more information.
Dental health programs are available through:
Federal Programs for Immigrants
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who don’t have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage. These groups include: Resettled refugees, protected persons in Canada, refugee claimants, victims of human trafficking, and immigration detainees held under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.