Can I Claim Dental Expenses on My Taxes in Canada?

You may be wondering: "Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Canada?"

Especially if you’ve recently had dental work, such as a root canal or wisdom teeth removal. 

The short answer is yes, you can. 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows you to deduct eligible dental expenses using the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). 

This means that treatments from licensed dental professionals can lower your taxable income, especially if you had several procedures in a year.

If you live in Ontario and wonder, "Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes Ontario?", the same rules apply. 

However, let's explore the subject further below.

What Dental Expenses Are Eligible in Canada?

Under the CRA, you can claim most dental procedures if they are necessary. 

These treatments include:

• Dental cleanings and checkups
• X-rays, fillings, crowns, and bridges
• Root canals and tooth extractions
• Braces and Invisalign treatments
• Dentures and implants

For example, if you had a root canal in Canada, you can claim those costs if your insurance didn’t reimburse you.

Still, you cannot claim cosmetic procedures like professional teeth whitening in Ontario because they are for aesthetic purposes, not medical needs.

How to Claim Dental Expenses on Your Taxes in Canada

To claim your dental expenses, follow these steps:

1. Always collect invoices that include your dentist’s name, address, and registration number.

2. Total your expenses by adding up all eligible dental expenses paid over the last 12 months ending in the current tax year.

3. Report your expenses on Line 33099 for yourself or your spouse, and Line 33199 for dependents.

4. Subtract insurance payments and only claim the amount you paid out of pocket. 

For example, if your wisdom teeth removal in Ontario costs $1,500 and your insurance reimburses $900, you can claim $600.

However, keep in mind that:

• If you have dependents aged 18 or older, or if you support other dependents like parents, grandparents, or siblings, you can claim dental expenses on Line 33199.
• You don’t need to send receipts with your tax return unless the CRA asks for them.

Claiming Dental Expenses in Ontario

Patients often ask: "Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Ontario?"

Well, yes. You don’t need a separate form for your claims. 

The CRA manages both federal and provincial claims.

At Junction Family Dental Care, many of our patients file expenses for treatments like:

• Braces and aligners
• Crowns in Ontario
• ‍Veneers
• Tooth extractions

The same CRA medical credit applies whether you are filing in Toronto, Mississauga, or anywhere else in Ontario.

Who Can You Claim Dental Expenses For?

You can claim dental expenses that you or your spouse paid for, including costs for:  

• Yourself  
• Your spouse or common-law partner  
• Dependent children under 18  
• Dependent parents or relatives who depend on you  

For example, if your child had braces or your parent needed a dental implant, you can include those expenses on your tax return.

How Much Can You Claim?

You can claim any amount for eligible expenses, but first your medical and dental costs must be more than the lower of 3% of your income or about $2,834 (this is the threshold for 2025). 

For example, if you earn $70,000, 3% is $2,100. 

You can claim any medical and dental expenses that go over this amount.

Lesser-Known Dental Expenses You Can Claim in Ontario

Some costs you might overlook but can claim include:

• Travel expenses: If you traveled more than 40 km (one way) for dental treatment not available near you. 
• Dental lab fees: When these fees are billed separately from the main procedure. 
• Prescriptions and aftercare: This includes painkillers or antibiotics linked to your dental treatment. 

For example, if you had your wisdom teeth removed and got stitches, both the surgery and the prescribed medication are eligible costs.

FAQs About Claiming Dental Expenses on Taxes in Canada

1. Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Canada?

Yes.

You can usually claim most necessary dental treatments under the CRA’s Medical Expense Tax Credit.

However, be careful about the treatments you cannot claim.

2. Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Ontario?

Ontario follows the same federal guidelines, so you don’t need any extra provincial forms.

3. Are braces or Invisalign covered?

Yes, orthodontic treatments are deductible.

4. Do I need insurance to make a claim?

You can still claim eligible out-of-pocket expenses even if you don’t have insurance.

5. What cannot be claimed?

The CRA clearly states what you cannot claim on your taxes. 

If a dental procedure is performed solely for aesthetic purposes, such as teeth whitening, cosmetic veneers, or elective smile makeovers, it does not qualify for the Medical Expense Tax Credit. 

This also includes over-the-counter products like whitening strips, mouthwash, or toothpaste. 

Dental Grants don't enter in this equation either.

In Summary

If you’ve been asking yourself: "Can I claim dental expenses on my taxes in Canada or Ontario?, the answer is yes. 

Keep your smile healthy with help from Junction Family Dental Care. With the right care and documentation, you can save money on your next tax return. 

Schedule an appointment with us.

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