I don't have numbers to compare, but it, eyes, and prescriptions, are a glaring gap in our public healthcare, and I'm not sure people from elsewhere realize.
We don’t. The going legend in the US is that all things healthcare related are socialized and cheap in Canada. Well, except for the Trumpiers. I can’t speak to what they think, or if they think.
Our liberal federal government has begun to include dental coverage under our healthcare. They started with elderly and those under 18 (I believe), but have expanded it recently.
It should eventually be "free" for everyone, just like our healthcare is (paid through taxes).
It's a racket. Fine if you have insurance, but it's a luxury many people cannot afford and as many of us know, if you leave teeth too long it masks other issues and then you end up in emerge and cost the state more money than if you got a cleaning every 6-9 months.