u/peachycompliment

I was approved for CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan) in June 2025 with 100% coverage. I had my first cleaning in November and didn’t have to pay out of pocket.

I had another cleaning in May and was charged $200. Their explanation to me from the receptionist didn’t make sense because they said I ran out of coverage, it was not covered this time but wouldn’t explain to me why or how, only that it renewed in November (my first visit), not in June. I have now learned through the internet that most dentists do not charge according to the outdated government health guidelines (they charge more). I’ve now asked for an itemized receipt and waiting to hear back. It’s crazy to me that I could only get one cleaning fully covered in less than a year and that they recommend cleanings every 4 months, paying out of pocket for the rest. My case is very simple and uncomplicated. Cleanings were done by a dental hygienist, I only saw the dentist for less than 5 mins each time and it was me talking about needing a nightguard, no issues with my teeth for extra.

Can anyone recommend a dentist who doesn’t overcharge or sneak in extra fees during the visit? I was fine with paying out of pocket for the cleaning as I was only told when I arrived there, but once I sat in the chair, they also told me fluoride and polishing weren’t covered either and I had to pay even more for that. I felt a bit duped and annoyed to be put in that situation while in the chair.

I have a simple and uncomplicated situation, no fillings, cavities or any issues with my teeth except the pressure on them which seems to be from clenching. The cleaning was performed by a dental hygienist and I only saw the dentist for less than 5 mins each time. It was mostly me asking about the nightguard and they didn’t bring anything else up.

I’m already getting a nightguard ordered (I know this is out of pocket) and put another $200 deposit for this and they wouldn’t tell me how much extra the final amount would be once it was ready, so I’m feeling like the transparency isn’t here with this clinic.

Born and raised Canadian, good credit of 810-850 (it’s currently on the lower side because I switched phone carriers a few months ago which reflected my credit check…huge regret in hindsight but it was 850 before), and low-mid 6 figures of savings.

I’ve worked freelance and contract jobs (normal in the industry) for most my life and my income has been unreliable but I’ve always had ample savings. Never been in debt, missed a payment. I’m currently looking for a permanent position, leaving that side of the industry and projected income to be $80k.

The only thing is that my name has never been on a lease. I’ve either lived at home or with partners, so I don’t have landlord references. I’ve lived “on my own” completely on short term work contracts where I was relocated. My original goal was to purchase a home but since the end of my relationship, it is not possible on my income to get approved for a mortgage.

I have enough savings for a down payment but now that home ownership is out of the question at this time, my next step is moving out of my parents’ home. I’m in my 30’s and honestly, moving back here has become toxic to my mental health. There’s also not enough space in the home in general. Anyone who has very traditional Asian immigrant parents can understand my plight. Even moving out with partners was a fight. I was always fed the mentality that renting is a waste of money and believed it, but now having no landlord history is putting me behind. My parents don’t support this decision and would rather have me live at home forever or until I get married, so they won’t co-sign. Now I feel stuck. After living with family, the last thing I want to do is have roommates.

I have no issues paying 3-6 months upfront, I can afford a year upfront but honestly wouldn’t prefer that because I’ve read that could mean non-attentive landlords when you need things to be fixed. I don’t even care if I’m in shoebox studio in the sky at this point. I just want to move out on my own. Would going with a rental management group/building be the best option in my case and then maybe working towards private landlords?

How do single women live alone in the city?

What is the longest time you’ve been unemployed? When was it and what is your industry/field?

Mine was 1.5 years.
I went on EI, was able to work short contracts in between and then went through a serious health issue for around 8 months.

So far now, this time around, I’ve been unemployed for 3 months.