Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Getting a Sick Note for Dental Surgery in Ontario
Dental surgery, from wisdom teeth extraction to implants, often requires time off work for recovery. Here's what you need to know about documentation in Ontario.
Common Dental Procedures and Recovery Times
| Procedure | Recovery Time | Note Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom teeth (simple) | 2-3 days | 3 days |
| Wisdom teeth (impacted) | 5-7 days | 1 week |
| Dental implants | 3-5 days | 5 days |
| Root canal | 1-2 days | 1-2 days |
| Jaw surgery | 2-6 weeks | As needed |
Who Provides the Note?
Your dentist or oral surgeon can provide documentation for the procedure itself. However, you may need a medical sick note if:
- Your recovery is longer than expected
- You develop complications (infection, dry socket)
- Your employer specifically requires a physician's note
- You need to extend your initial time off
Your Rights
Under Ontario law:
- Dental surgery recovery is a legitimate reason for sick leave
- Your 3 ESA sick days can be used for dental recovery
- Having documentation protects you from disciplinary action during recovery
How MedLetter Helps
If you need additional recovery time beyond what your dentist documented, or if your employer requires a physician's note specifically, MedLetter can provide same-day documentation.
Ontario Employment Standards: Your Rights
Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year (some employers offer paid days). Important provisions:
- Employers cannot require a doctor's note for ESA-protected sick days as of January 2024 (Working for Workers Act amendments)
- The Ontario Human Rights Code requires employers to accommodate medical conditions to the point of undue hardship
- Federally regulated employees in Ontario get 10 paid sick days under the Canada Labour Code
- Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)
Statistics: Healthcare Access in Ontario
According to Ontario Health and Statistics Canada (2025-2026):
- 2.3 million Ontarians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner
- Average emergency room wait time in Ontario: over 4 hours for non-urgent cases
- Walk-in clinic wait times in the GTA: 1.5-3 hours on average
- Ontario has the lowest physician-to-population ratio of any large province
Practical Steps for Ontario Employees
1. Know the ESA - Your your employer faces consequences for penalizing you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) offer 5-10 paid sick days beyond the ESA minimum
3. Unionized workers - OPSEU, CUPE, and Unifor contracts typically provide 12-18 paid sick days annually
4. Document everything - Keep a record of when you called in and who you spoke to
5. Accommodation requests - If you have a chronic condition, consider requesting formal workplace accommodation under the OHRC
When a Sick Note May Not Be Required
While Ontario law has specific rules, most employers still require documentation. Here's when you need to protect yourself:
- Your 3 annual ESA sick days (Working for Workers Act, 2024)
- Family responsibility leave (up to 3 days)
- Bereavement leave (up to 2 days)
- Domestic or sexual violence leave
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
Urgent Scenarios: When You Need a Note Fast
Dental emergencies and unexpected complications don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule. You might find yourself in an urgent situation where you need a sick note immediately. Common scenarios include:
- Your boss is demanding a note by tomorrow morning, and your dentist's office is closed.
- You called in sick without a note, assuming you'd feel better, but the pain or swelling has worsened.
- It's the weekend or evening, and walk-in clinics in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga are either closed or have massive wait times.
- You're recovering from surgery and simply cannot leave your bed to sit in a waiting room in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas) or Hamilton.
In these high-stress situations, a virtual service like MedLetter is invaluable. You can New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time. from your phone without leaving your bed, ensuring you meet your employer's requirements without compromising your recovery.
Ontario-Specific Details: Navigating Local Requirements
The landscape for sick notes varies depending on where you work and who you work for in Ontario.
Major Employers and Their Policies
Large employers often have strict HR policies regarding absenteeism. If you work for major corporations like Shopify, TD Bank, or RBC, or public sector entities like the Ontario Public Service, TTC, or OPG, you may be required to provide documentation for absences extending beyond a few days. Even workers in Amazon warehouses across the province frequently need medical notes to justify time off for dental recovery.
Local Healthcare Challenges
Accessing a doctor for a simple note can be a nightmare depending on your city. In London, Kitchener, and Windsor, finding a walk-in clinic that is open and accepting patients can take hours. This is why virtual care, adhering to CPSO telemedicine guidelines, has become a critical lifeline for workers needing an Ontario sick note.
Navigating the System
If your dental surgery results in a prolonged absence, you might need to interact with other provincial bodies. For instance, if the surgery is related to a workplace injury, the WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) will require specific medical documentation. If you face discrimination due to your medical needs, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is the body that handles such disputes.
Comparing Your Options for a Sick Note
When you need a sick note for dental surgery recovery, you have a few options. Here is a comparison to help you decide the best route:
| Option | Cost | Time Required | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your Dentist/Surgeon | Often Free (included in surgery cost) | Varies (may need to call or visit) | High (if arranged beforehand) | Initial planned recovery time |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20 - $50+ | 2 - 4+ hours | Low (requires travel and waiting) | When you also need a physical exam |
| MedLetter (Online) | $49 | Minutes to apply, delivered same-day | Very High (do it from bed) | Urgent needs, extended recovery, weekends/evenings |
| Family Doctor | $20 - $40+ | Days to weeks for an appointment | Medium | Non-urgent, long-term issues |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies).
How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.
Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.
What if my employer refuses to accept a note from an online doctor?
Employers in Ontario are generally required to accept valid medical certificates from licensed physicians, regardless of whether the consultation was in-person or virtual, provided it adheres to CPSO guidelines. If they refuse, they may be in violation of the ESA or human rights codes.
Can a sick note cover me retroactively if I was too sick to get one yesterday?
Yes, in many cases, a physician can issue a note that covers a recent past absence if the medical history and symptoms align with your claim, though it's always best to seek documentation as soon as possible.
Does OHIP cover the cost of a sick note?
No, OHIP does not cover the cost of third-party medical forms or sick notes. This is an uninsured service, which is why clinics and online services charge a fee.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | Understanding the Working for Workers Act