Key facts
- The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers preventive, basic and some major services; implants and veneers are not listed as covered.
- CDCP co-payment: 0% under CA$70,000 adjusted family net income, 40% at CA$70,000–79,999, 60% at CA$80,000–89,999.
- Lucid Dental, Seoul: implants and LUCINATE veneers are quoted after an exam.
- Vancouver–Incheon nonstop flights take about 11 hours 45 minutes.
- Implants usually need 3–9 months of healing (Cleveland Clinic), so two trips are common.
How are dental fees set in Canada?
Canada has no single national dental price. Provincial dental associations publish suggested fee guides, and dentists set their own fees around them, so the same treatment can cost noticeably more in one province than another. Most adults pay through workplace insurance, private plans or out of pocket.
Since 2024, the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has helped eligible residents without dental insurance. According to Canada.ca, it covers preventive care, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, extractions and some sedation. Implants and veneers are not listed among covered services, and the government notes that orthodontic services are currently not available under the plan.
Is treatment in Canada covered by the CDCP?
| Treatment | Typically covered by CDCP? |
|---|---|
| Single implant with crown | Not listed as covered |
| Porcelain veneer, per tooth | Not listed as covered |
| Bone graft | Check with CDCP/provider |
| Inlay | Check with CDCP/provider |
| Night guard | Check with CDCP/provider |
Seoul fees are confirmed after an exam. Individual results vary, and a consultation and exam are required. For how Seoul treatment is quoted, see our guide to dental fees in Seoul.
When does it make sense for Canadians to compare Korea?
Mainly when you need treatment that insurance and the CDCP do not cover, such as implants or veneers, and several teeth are involved. If the CDCP or your employer plan covers most of a treatment at home, staying in Canada is usually the better choice.
- Likely worth comparing: multiple implants, a multi-tooth veneer plan, or combined restorative work paid out of pocket.
- Usually not worth traveling for: check-ups, cleanings, single fillings or care your plan covers.
- Special case: Canadians already living or teaching in Korea may find it practical to finish treatment before moving home.
How do I compare a Canadian quote with a Seoul quote?
- Ask your Canadian dentist for an itemized estimate with procedure codes, lab fees and what your insurance or CDCP will pay.
- Send X-rays and photos to Seoul through an online consultation for a preliminary view.
- Match the line items, such as implant, abutment, crown, grafting and imaging, so you compare like with like.
- Add travel: Vancouver–Incheon nonstops take about 11 hours 45 minutes, and implants usually mean two trips because healing takes three to nine months (Cleveland Clinic).
- Keep a reserve for follow-up with a Canadian dentist, which you will usually pay for yourself if treatment was done abroad.
Also remember that Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists ended on 31 December 2025. Cosmetic work is VAT-taxable in Korea, so ask whether VAT is included. Our guide to paying for dental treatment in Korea covers payment practicalities.
What about braces or clear aligners?
Canada.ca states that orthodontic services are currently not available under the CDCP, so most adults pay privately or through workplace plans. Orthodontics usually needs regular visits over many months, so it tends to suit Canadians living in Korea rather than short-stay visitors.
Will my Canadian insurance reimburse treatment done in Korea?
Possibly, for some treatments. Some employer or private plans may reimburse eligible dental care received outside Canada, often limited to what they would pay at home and subject to annual maximums. Cosmetic treatment such as veneers is often excluded. Ask your insurer before you travel and request itemized English receipts and treatment records from the clinic.
Which treatments do Canadians most often ask about?
Implants and veneers are the most common questions, followed by crowns and bite-related work. See the implant cost breakdown for detail. For veneers, the LUCINATE veneers page explains the three tiers, and our dental crowns in Seoul page covers crowns.
All treatment planning at Lucid Dental is led by Dr. Park Hyun-min, a dentist certified in esthetic dentistry (심미치과 인정의) with a DDS from Kyung Hee University College of Dentistry, who also completed an endodontics continuing-education program at the University of Pennsylvania.
For flights from Toronto and Vancouver, visas and travel tips, read dental trips to Korea from Canada, or start at our international patients page.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Chief Dentist.
Book a consultation
Send your X-rays, photos and Canadian estimate via WhatsApp or text +82-10-8354-2975 in English. We can help you line up the items so the comparison is fair.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan pay for treatment in Korea?
The CDCP is designed around oral health providers in Canada, so do not assume it will pay for treatment abroad. Check the official Canada.ca guidance or contact the plan before you travel.
Why do Canadian dental fees vary so much between provinces?
Each province has its own dental association fee guide, and dentists set fees around local costs such as rent, wages and lab fees. That is why the same treatment can cost more in one city than another.
Is a crown cheaper in Korea than in Canada?
It depends on material and province, and a crown may be covered in part by your plan or the CDCP at home. Compare your out-of-pocket cost in Canada with the Seoul fee, not the full list price.
What records should I bring back to my Canadian dentist?
Ask for X-rays, a written treatment summary, and the materials and implant system used, all in English. This helps your dentist maintain the work and handle any issues.
Do Canadians need a K-ETA to visit Korea?
Canadian nationals are temporarily exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026, according to a KPMG summary of Korean Ministry of Justice guidance. Confirm current entry rules before you travel.
Can I get a written estimate before I fly?
You can get a preliminary estimate from photos and X-rays, but the final plan and fee are confirmed only after an in-person exam and scan in Seoul.
Sources
- Canada.ca – What services are covered in the Canadian Dental Care Plan
- hellodent – How much do dental implants cost in Canada?
- Markham Smile Centre – Porcelain veneers cost in Canada
- Cleveland Clinic – Dental Implants
- FlightConnections – Vancouver to Incheon nonstop flights
- KPMG – South Korea: Extension of Temporary K-ETA Exemption (2026)