Dental care for children can be a significant financial burden, but there are a variety of free and low-cost programs available in Calgary. Below is a comprehensive overview of government initiatives, community organizations, and training clinics that provide free or affordable dental care for children.
1. Government Programs and Assistance
1.1 Alberta Child Health Benefit (ACHB)
Age groups:
- Children under 18
- Children aged 18–19 who live with their parents and are in school
Services covered:
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleaning
- X-rays
- Fillings and tooth extractions
Income criteria (single parents):
| Number of children | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $26,023 |
| 2 | $31,010 | | 3 | $36,325 | | 4+ | $41,957 |
Income criteria (married couples):
| Number of children | Maximum annual income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $31,237 |
| 2 | $36,634 |
| 3 | $41,594 |
| 4+ | $46,932 |
For each additional child, $4,973 is added to the limit.
1.2 Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Federal program for families with an annual income of less than $90,000:
- Regular checkups and professional cleanings
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Fillings and basic restorative care
- Preventive procedures (fluoride, sealants)
- Tooth extractions
1.3 Alberta Health Services (AHS) — Public clinics
AHS offers reduced rates (~20% of the Alberta Dental Fee Guide) for families without private coverage.
Basic services:
- Exams and X-rays
- Fluoride, scaling, sealants
- Fillings and tooth extractions
- Root canal treatment (front teeth)
Locations in Calgary:
- Sheldon Chumir Centre 403-955-6888
- Sunridge Medical Gallery (Nordheast) 403-944-9999
2. Community Programs
2.1 The Alex Dental Health Bus
Mobile clinic for children and youth ages 6–24:
- Dental exams
- Professional cleaning and fluoride treatments
- Hygiene education sessions
- Referrals to inpatient clinics
Contact information:
- Children ages 6–24: 403-615-9052
- Preschool program (ages 3–5): 403-919-3657
2.2 Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)
Services for vulnerable families:
- Hygiene care
- Fillings and extractions
- Root canal treatment
- Schedule: Thursday (covered), Friday (free)
2.3 Burns Memorial Fund
Grants of up to $2,000 per family over three years for urgent dental needs:
- Children under 21
- Need for emergency treatment
- Annual residence in Calgary ≥ 6 months
- Contact: 587-392-8256
3. Training programs and student clinics
3.1 SAIT and Columbia College (Calgary)
Student assistant clinics:
- Teeth polishing and cleaning
- Fluoride application and X-rays
- Limited scaling under supervision
3.2 Mike Petryk School of Dentistry (University of Alberta)
(Edmonton, accepts children aged 4–15 at reduced rates)
- Amalgam and composite fillings
- Hygiene care and sealants
- Stainless steel crowns
- Extractions and space maintainers
- Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide
- Contact: 780-407-5550
4. Special initiatives
4.1 Centre for Newcomers Partnership
Partnership for Newcomers:
- Basic hygiene: cleaning, fluoride
- Exams and x-rays
- Educational programs
4.2 Brush to Win Program
Chinook Village Dental provides:
- School visits by hygienists
- Monthly toothbrushing calendars
- Contests and prizes for students
5. Emergency dental care
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Specialized unit for children with complex medical and dental needs (Foothills Medical Centre).
- Kids R Us Dentistry (SW Calgary)
Accepts patients up to age 18, same-day emergency care.
- Smile Buddy Children’s Dentistry Accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan, emergency appointments available.
6. How to apply
- Alberta Child Health Benefit: Online through the Alberta Health Benefits Contact Centre
- Canadian Dental Care Plan:
Online at canada.ca
3. Local programs and organizations:
Direct contact via the phone numbers listed
7. Prevention and long-term support
- Early prevention reduces the risk of expensive procedures in the future.
- Regular checkups and professional cleanings every 6 months.
- Educational programs in schools and communities help establish good habits from childhood.
- Combine programs for maximum coverage — from The Alex mobile clinics to ACHB.