Dental Emergencies and Work
Severe dental pain, abscesses, and post-extraction complications can make it impossible to work. Dental conditions absolutely qualify for sick leave in BC.
When You Need a Sick Note
- Severe toothache preventing concentration
- Dental abscess (medically dangerous)
- Post-extraction complications
- Jaw surgery recovery
- Dental trauma from accidents
Can Your Employer Refuse?
No. Under BC Employment Standards, sick leave covers any illness or injury including dental conditions.
Dental vs. Medical Documentation
Some employers prefer physician documentation. A physician can address broader health impacts of dental conditions.
Getting Documentation
MedLetter's CPSBC-registered physicians provide sick notes for dental emergencies same day. Our online process means no clinic visit needed.
What Employers Need to Know
Canadian employment law balances employer interests with employee privacy:
- Employers can request confirmation of illness but not specific diagnoses
- The note should state: dates of absence, that the employee was/is unfit for duties, and expected return date
- Employers cannot contact the physician directly without employee consent
- Requiring a note for every single-day absence may constitute harassment in some jurisdictions
Cost Considerations for Employers
- Walk-in clinic notes cost employees $20-50 and require 2-4 hours away from work
- Virtual sick notes reduce time away from work to minutes
- Some employers reimburse sick note costs as a best practice
- The cost of replacing a sick employee for a day far exceeds the cost of documentation
Dental Emergencies That Qualify for Sick Leave
Not all dental issues warrant time off work. Here's what typically qualifies:
| Condition | Severity | Typical Time Off | Note Required? |
|-----------|----------|-----------------|----------------|
| Tooth extraction (simple) | Moderate | 1-2 days | Usually for 2+ days |
| Wisdom teeth removal | High | 3-5 days | Yes (surgical procedure) |
| Dental abscess | High | 2-4 days | Yes (infection risk) |
| Root canal | Moderate | 1-2 days | Depends on employer |
| Broken/fractured tooth | Varies | 1-3 days | If emergency treatment needed |
| Severe toothache | Moderate | 1 day | Usually not required |
| Jaw injury | High | 3-7+ days | Yes |
| Post-surgical complications | High | Varies | Yes |
Can a Physician Issue a Sick Note for Dental Issues?
Yes. While dentists can also provide documentation, a physician can issue a sick note for dental-related absence because:
- Dental pain is a legitimate medical reason for inability to work
- Post-surgical recovery affects overall health and function
- Dental infections can cause systemic illness (fever, swelling, inability to eat)
- Medication side effects (painkillers, antibiotics) may impair work ability
BC Dental Coverage and Sick Notes
Important distinctions in BC:
- MSP does not cover dental care (unlike physician visits)
- Emergency dental visits cost $200-800+ depending on treatment
- The BC Dental Fee Guide sets recommended fees, but dentists can charge more
- Low-income BC residents may qualify for dental coverage through the BC Dental Supplement Program
- The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers some adults with income under $90,000
What Your Sick Note Should Say
For dental emergencies, your sick note should state:
- You are unable to perform your work duties due to a dental/medical condition
- The expected duration of absence
- Any restrictions upon return (e.g., no heavy lifting, limited speaking)
- It should NOT specify the exact dental procedure or diagnosis
Recovery Tips That Affect Return to Work
| Procedure | Return to Desk Job | Return to Physical Job | Return to Customer-Facing |
|-----------|-------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
| Simple extraction | Next day | 2-3 days | 1-2 days (swelling) |
| Wisdom teeth (all 4) | 3-4 days | 5-7 days | 3-5 days |
| Root canal | Same/next day | 1-2 days | Same/next day |
| Dental implant | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days |
| Abscess drainage | 2-3 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 days |
Employer Obligations for Dental Emergencies
Under BC employment law:
- Dental emergencies qualify as legitimate illness for sick leave purposes
- Employers cannot deny sick leave because "it's just dental"
- Pre-planned dental procedures (wisdom teeth) should be scheduled with notice when possible
- Emergency dental situations (sudden abscess, broken tooth from accident) are treated like any other medical emergency
Related: [Sick Note Vancouver](/online-sick-note-vancouver) | [Sick Note Surrey](/online-sick-note-surrey) | [Online Sick Note BC](/online-sick-note-bc)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in British Columbia?
Yes. CPSBC-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by all BC employers.
How much does an online sick note cost in BC?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This is often faster and more affordable than visiting a walk-in clinic.
Will my BC employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How many paid sick days do I get in BC?
BC employees are entitled to 5 paid sick days per year after 90 days of employment, plus 3 additional unpaid sick days.