Access to Dental Care in Canada and Pakistan
Author: Siawash S.
Level: 7
Instructor: Marlaina R.
Photo Credit: lacheev / 123rf Stock Photos
Article ID: 3495 [Health- Summer 2025]
Access to dental care in Canada and Pakistan differs significantly due to variations in healthcare systems, economic conditions, and infrastructure. In Canada, dental care is private and not covered under the publicly funded healthcare system. However, some provinces provide dental care for vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, or those receiving social assistance. The cost of dental care can be high, with a simple check-up and cleaning ranging from $100 to $300, and more complex procedures like root canals or crowns costing so much more.
In contrast, dental care in Pakistan is also largely private, but it is more affordable compared to Canada. However, public dental services are often limited in what they can do and the quality of their work. Insurance coverage is rare, and most people pay out of pocket. In both countries, there is a huge gap between urban and rural access to dental care. Urban areas in Canada and Pakistan usually have more clinics, better-trained professionals, and modern equipment, while rural areas often face shortages of dentists and lack of facilities, making dental care less accessible and sometimes delayed or neglected.