All Canadians receive medically necessary doctor visits, diagnostic tests, and hospital care – largely through the taxes we pay as citizens of our wonderful country. However – dental care is not covered under the free health care we receive and often has to be paid for out-of-pocket by the patient. In BC, there are a few great health care plans to choose from which can be added on to an existing health care plan, or purchased individually – but not all of these dental plans cover orthodontic care, which as many as 20 percent of Canadians end up needing within their lifetime.
The following health care plans, which are available in BC, include options for orthodontic care in Vancouver:
Pacific Blue Cross
Pacific Blue Cross’ group plan includes an option for an enhanced dental add-on. This included orthodontic coverage – for dependent children only, with benefits beginning in year 3. The lifetime maximum for orthodontic coverage under the Pacific Blue Cross plan is $1000 per dependent child.
Manulife Flexcare
Manulife offers two options that include orthodontic treatment: either their ComboPlus Enhanced plan or their Dental Plus Enhanced plan. Both plans cover orthodontics after year 3, and to a maximum of $1,250 per person, per three-year period.
BCAA
BCAA offers one add-on option to all plans called the “Dental 3” option. This option covers 60 percent of expenses in years 1 and 2, and 80 percent of expenses in all subsequent years. Anniversary year maximums are as follows: year 1 – $700, year 2 – $900, year 3 and subsequent years – $1,200 per year.
Sunlife Financial
SunLife offers orthodontic care in Surrey under their group benefit plans. They have four plans to choose from Omnident, Multident, MultidentPlus, and Flexident, which range in the balance between coverage and affordability. These plans cover orthodontic care only if there are a minimum of 10 participants in the group plan.
To avoid paying out-of-pocket for costly dental expenses such as orthodontic care, it may be useful to look ahead and cover yourself and your family through one of the many available extended dental plans in BC. That way, when the time comes for braces – you know you are covered.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
