UBC Student Dental Care

Being a student already comes with a lot to think about. Think about classes, deadlines, finances, and future-proofing your life. Dental care usually is not top of mind.

That is where UBC Student Dental Care comes in to support eligible students in taking care of their oral health. This is one way they can stay healthy and confident through their studies.

From routine dental checkups to major procedures such as crowns and bridges, having coverage through UBC Student Dental Care can help you plan your finances while staying on track of your education. In this read, we'll help you navigate through finding out if you are eligible for the plan, what is included in your insurance details, how much coverage you can expect for your treatment, and everything else in between.

Know About the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan

The AMS/GSS Dental Plan works like health insurance in which a percentage of the cost of your treatment is covered depending on the procedure done. Coverage can be partial or full depending on specific clauses. But ultimately, the goal of UBC Student Dental Care is to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for more affordable and predictable care. Here's what else you should know:

Coverage is based on a percentage of costs

The AMS/GSS Dental Plan covers 40-70% of your treatment cost. This is based on the Provincial Dental Fee Guide Cost in the province where service was performed.

Studentcare Dental Network provides additional discounts

Aside from the insured portion, you are also entitled to further cost coverage of 20-30% if you visit a network dentist. This means that along with your AMS/GSS Health & Dental plan, you can receive up to 100% coverage.

A wide range of dental treatments are included

The plan typically covers preventive services such as recall exams and cleanings, basic procedures such as fillings, oral surgery, endodontics, and periodontics, and major restorative care such as crowns and bridges.

Policy year runs from Sept 1, 2025 to Aug 31, 2026

This means that coverage is active for this defined year. Your benefits will reset annually and unused coverage will not carry over to the next year. Using your coverage within this timeframe helps you maximize your dental care plan.

Automatic coverage with self-enrolment options

Many eligible students are automatically enrolled in the plan. But, there are students and dependents who have the option to self-enrol.

Find Out if You Are Covered

UBC Student Dental Care through the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan applies to many, but not all students. Ultimately, as long as the AMS fees for the Health& Dental Plan are paid, students are automatically covered. And although self-enrolment can be an option, reviewing your eligibility criteria can help you understand if you meet the requirements of the plan.

Domestic Students

Most are automatically covered, but basic health coverage may be required before accessing extended benefits through UBC.

International Students

Automatic coverage upon payment applies. But, you must be covered by BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) in order to make claims for your Student Plan benefits.

Sponsored Students

Coverage is usually tied to whether the fees are included in the sponsorship agreement. Opting out may be accepted but only from the enrolled student, if within the designated Change-of-Coverage period, and with proof of comparable alternative coverage.

Indigenous Students

The Health & Dental Plan works in tandem with other benefits you may have, which can help reduce or eliminate personal costs. Opting out is also an option as long as the specifications for it are followed.

Exchange Students and Self-Enrolment

As automatic coverage does not apply, self-enrolment can be done through the official Student Care website here. The deadline for enrolment applies depending on the term.

Couple and Family Enrolments

Dependents may also be included in the plan through self-enrolment. Additional fees will apply on top of your individual fee as a Plan member. Dependents include your spouse and dependent children (as long as they are not married or in any other formal union and are under the age of 22).

Dental Coverage Details

Eligible for the plan? If yes, then the next thing you should know is your coverage information, what portion is insured and what you need to pay on your own, the specifics and limitations of treatment, and other considerations.

Dental plan coverage chart

This is the breakdown of the dental services by category and outlines how much the plan will pay and what portion may be out of pocket.

Maximum coverage is at $750

The dental plan has an annual maximum of $750 per policy year. Once this is reached, additional costs will be your responsibility.

Frequency limitations for treatments

Recall exams are covered once every 12 months. Cleaning/polishing, bitewing X-rays, hygiene instructions, and fluoride application are covered every 6 months, maximum twice per policy year. Scaling is up to 2 units per policy year. And a new patient exam is only covered once per 36 months.

Treatment considerations for fillings

Silver (amalgam) fillings are covered for all teeth, while tooth-coloured (composite) fillings are covered for front teeth and pre-molars only. If you choose composite material as filling for your back teeth, reimbursement will follow the amalgam fee and any excess to the cost will be personally charged to you.

Treatment plan is required for treatment of $300 or more

If your treatment has an estimated cost of $300 or more, a pre-treatment plan from your dentist is required. This will allow your insurance provider to review the procedure in advance and determine how much will be covered.

How to Use Your Plan

The two main steps in using your AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan benefits are:

1. Find your eligible provider

• Choose any dentist in Vancouver (or elsewhere). Coverage will be based on the insured percentage portion and the Provincial Dental Fee Guide Cost for General Practitioners.
• Optional: Visit a member of the Studentcare Dental Network for added discounts. This is not required, but can help reduce your fees.

2. Submit claims via the Pacific Blue Cross Policy

• Know your key plan details: your insurer is Pacific Blue Cross with policy number 43979. Your ID number is your student number which you will use for PBC access.
• Claiming can be done directly via your Pay-Direct Card for immediate reimbursement, through the Pacific Blue Cross mobile app, online submission via the PBC website, or by paper/mail.
• Keep your receipts in case you will be asked to send them in. All claims must be received no later than 90 days after the end of policy year in which claims were incurred or 90 days after the end of your coverage.

UBC Student Dental Care – FAQs