Learn
Your source for financial wellness education and insights.
Topics
All
- All
- Dental Community
- Student & New Dentist
- Banking
- Tax & Accounting
- The LOOP
- Continuing Education
- Video
- Wellness
- Insurance
- Investments
- News
Handling the Financial Side of “Divorcing” Dentistry
As with any major life transition, careful planning for both the immediate and long-term financial impact is essential.
Travelling Within Canada? Here’s What Your Health Plan May Not Cover
While you may not be crossing international borders, one thing often gets overlooked: travel insurance is still important.
Growing Your Dental Practice
A structured growth plan is integral when expanding your dental practice.
Continuing Education: Discovering the Benefits of Your Members’ Assistance Program
CDSPI and TELUS Health take you through the free, confidential resources available through the Members’ Assistance Program.
Continuing Education: Should You Buy, Join or Start Your Own Dental Practice?
This course shares essential insights for dentists and dental students navigating the decision to buy, join, or start a dental practice.
Building A Cash Flow Plan: A Guide for Aspiring Practice Owners
"You need a plan that ensures you can meet your obligations, pay yourself, and keep your business healthy.”
Diagnosing Hidden Inefficiencies in your Dental Practice
A look at how you can identify hidden inefficiencies in your dental practice — and take the right steps to improve its profitability?
Estate Freezes for Dentists
Planning for the eventual transfer of your dental practice or corporate wealth requires foresight and careful planning.
A NEW Cash Back + Free Trades Offer from Qtrade
Qtrade has a new and exciting no-hurdle Cash Back + Free Trades Offer beginning August 6, 2025.
Trusts for Dentists: What You Need to Know
"How do I make sure my kids inherit wisely, not just quickly?"
Capital Dividend Accounts: A Guide for Dentists
A look at how dentists can unlock tax-free dollars using permanent life insurance.
The LOOP Volume 5: Building Wealth With Purpose
A career in dentistry offers tremendous earning potential—but true financial independence isn’t just about income.
Essentials for Dentists Buying a Home
Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. We'll walk you through what you need to know to protect your new investment and your financial future.
Dr. Soumya Jain: From International Graduate to Practice Owner
For Dr. Soumya Jain, the road to dentistry wasn’t just about obtaining a license—it was a journey marked by cultural shifts, academic rigor, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling a dream.
Emergency Information for Wildfires in Western Canada
In the event of a wildfire in your area, please be aware of the following useful information.
Tariff Update: Insights and analysis on the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canada
U.S. President Trump followed through on his threat that April 2 would mark a “Liberation Day” of tariff hikes to counteract what the White House perceives to be ‘unfair’ trade practices.
Canada’s Most Stolen Vehicles in 2024—And How to Protect Yours
From high-end SUVs to pickup trucks, some vehicles are more at risk than others.
CDSPI Funds Top the Table for the Second Year in a Row!
For the second consecutive year, CDSPI’s Family of Funds ranked #1 in investment performance based on data from Morningstar Direct.
How to Help Keep Your Home Safe from Natural Disasters
Extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and tornadoes are becoming more frequent and intense, causing costly damage.
Pay Up or Else! The Rise of Ransomware
All it takes is one wrong click and ransomware can be deployed to wreak havoc on individuals, businesses, and organizations of all sizes.
Reap the Benefits: Life Insurance vs. Mortgage Insurance
What are these products, how do they compare, and how can they ensure your family can continue living in the family home if something happens to you.
Cyber Hygiene: Protecting Dental Practices in the Digital Age
While it may seem odd to link dental care to the care of digital assets, in today's world, it's a vital connection to make.
A Grain of Salt
If you're turning to social media for your financial advice, this is what to watch out for.
Debt: Minimizing Stress and Maximizing Benefits
The odds of successfully managing debt, and your stress are better when you create a clear plan of action to pay it down.
A Market Update from Cumberland Private Wealth
Our partner, Cumberland Private Wealth, has prepared an exclusive Quarter-End report on the current market volatility following recent geopolitical events.
The LOOP Volume 4: The CDCP and Your Liability
The introduction of the CDCP marked a significant shift in the dental landscape in Canada. This influx of new patients presents both opportunities and challenges for dental professionals.
Beyond the Practice: How Dr. Mark Eckler is Shaping His Own Retirement
For Dr. Mark Eckler, orthodontics has always been more than a career—it’s a legacy, one that began in childhood as he learned about the profession from his father.
The LOOP Volume 3: There’s still time to optimize your finances in 2024
With 2024 coming to a close, it's the ideal time to take stock of your financial health and minimize your tax burden before year-end.
Investing as a New Dentist – What You Need to Know
We'll help you create a financial plan that balances risk and reward to help you achieve your financial goals.
Passing Down the Family Cottage: An Interview with Shawna Perron
For those who wish to keep the cottage in the family, careful planning is essential to avoid significant tax burdens that come with inheriting a property.
Continuing Education: Understanding Disability Insurance for Dentists
An overview of disability insurance for dentists and dental students, including a deep-dive on understanding the key features of a disability insurance policy.
A Guide to Multifactor Authentication: Why Your Password Isn’t Enough
A strong password isn't enough to keep your data safe. Increase your cyber-defenses with multifactor authentication.
Continuing Education: Common Dental Malpractice Claims and how to Avoid Them (Part 2)
A comprehensive overview of the dental malpractice landscape, and our best tips for dentists to avoid a potential lawsuit while maintaining a patient-focused practice.
Continuing Education: Protect Your Dental Practice from Cybercrime
Practical insights for dentists on how to protect their practice from cyber threats.
Don’t Pay Unnecessary Taxes: 6 Tax Minimization Tips for Dentists for 2024
Keep more of your hard-earned income by planning ahead.
Continuing Education: What Happens When a Patient Sues you for Malpractice (Part 1)
An in-depth look at dental malpractice claims, including valuable insights and best practices for reducing your risk factors for a potential claim.
What the 2024 Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Change Means for Professionals
The Canadian government recently announced an increase in the capital gains inclusion rate from 50 percent to 66.67 percent.
The LOOP Volume 2: So, sue me!
Protecting yourself and your practice starts with ensuring you have enough insurance to cover both the breadth of risks and the depth of risk you face.
A Business Model Made for Life in Canada: Dr. Pat Redmondr
In May of 2024, Dr. Pat Redmond made Canadian healthcare history when he became the first dentist to provide care under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Bridging Cultures and Technology: The Journey of Dr. Kamea Aloha Lafontaine
A general dentist by training and an entrepreneur by nature, Dr. Lafontaine has made it his life's work to improve healthcare for Indigenous communities.
Five Key Financial Considerations for Dental Grads
As new dental graduates embark on their careers, equipping them with financial knowledge sets them up for success.
Advice on Handling a Malpractice Claim
These are some of the ways you can fortify your "defensibility", and what to do if an issue does arise.
Best Practices for Malpractice Prevention
Implementing strict protocols and continuous education is essential for effective malpractice prevention in dentistry.
Consider Making Your Corporation Part of Estate Planning
The goal is to meet your own needs during your lifetime, while maximizing what you leave for others. That’s where your dental corporation can play a key role.
Burnout: Warning Signs and How to Recover
Warning signs are helpful reminders to take a step back and re-evaluate your self-care.
The LOOP Volume 1: Why the Top Disability Risk in Dentistry Might Surprise You!
Dentists are more prone than other professionals to a certain category of disorders, and most importantly, what you can do to help avoid it.
Drain Pain: The Hidden Risks of Uninsured Sewage Backups
They've become the number one home insurance claim in recent years. Is your home adequately protected?
Work and Self-Worth: Redefining Identity Beyond the Dental Chair with Dr. Kiran Atwal
“Throughout my journey I really took a step back and looked at things through a different lens. I had to redefine who I was, what I wanted to be, and how I described myself moving forward."
BC Dental Students Experience Dentistry Through SSP Program
A unique opportunity for incoming fourth-year dental students to practice dentistry, within approved competencies, for up to seven weeks in any city across British Columbia.
Customize Your Retirement: Consider an Individual Pension Plan (IPP)
If your practice is incorporated and you are looking for a more significant nest egg with even better income tax protection than an RRSP, an Individual Pension Plan could be the answer.
Demystifying Trust Funds for Dentists
They can provide long-term financial flexibility that creates many options for sharing and preserving wealth and optimizing tax savings.
What Dentists Should Know About Illness and Disability
Not being able to do what you love, and serve your patients, is a major setback. But you can protect yourself.
How Dentists can Protect Their Dental Partnership with the Right Insurance
Now that you’ve got your dental partnership agreement signed, sealed and delivered, it’s important to protect it. That’s where insurance can help.
How Life Insurance can Safeguard your Estate…and Help Keep the Family Cottage
Immediate financing arrangements are a financial planning strategy that allows incorporated practice owners to buy life insurance coverage while having access to funds for other investment opportunities.
Interest Rate Hikes Spark Interest in Annuities
How would you like to have an investment that is considered safe and will pay you a guaranteed income every year for the rest of your life?
When Buying a Dental Practice, Ensure you’re Insured
Without the proper insurance in place, a potential practice purchase can be in jeopardy. Discover which insurance policies most banks require.
If Life Insurance is the Answer, Then What is the Question
John Wordsworth, CLU, explains the important role a life insurance policy plays in reducing tax and other financial burdens when liquidating an estate.
What Dentists Need to Know About the 2024 Federal Budget
Our tax & accounting partner, MNP, shares how to the 2024 federal budget will impact dentists.
Preventing Spring Water Leaks
The snow has its last hurrah and warmer days are back for good... or almost. Since spring also means rain, there’s unfortunately also a higher risk of water damage.
Beyond the Stars: CDSPI Shines with Morningstar Ratings
When it comes to measuring fund performance, the Morningstar Rating system is one of the most widely used tools to offer guidance for investors.
The Diamond Dentist: Overcoming Key Pressure Points for a New Dentist (Part 2)
In the final part of this series on identifying and overcoming the pressures of being a new dentist, we examine the phenomenon of imposter syndrome in dentistry.
Diversifying Your Portfolio: Understanding Asset Classes
Diversification might sound like a financial buzzword, but it is key to building a healthy and resilient investment portfolio. Think: don't put all your eggs in one basket.
CDSPI Launches Cyber Insurance Coverage
In a move to help protect dentists from the escalating threat of cybercrime within the healthcare sector, we're pleased to launch Cyber Insurance for our clients.
Why are Data Breaches Increasing?
What are businesses getting wrong with cyber security, and what needs to change to protect your organization from threats?
Elevating Patient Privacy in Dental Communication with CDA Secure Send
In today’s healthcare landscape, the need for efficient and secure communication is paramount. CDA Secure Send can help.
How to Effectively Protect Your Dental Practice from Cyber Security Threats
What are businesses getting wrong with cyber security, and what needs to change to protect your organization from threats?
Are You at Risk for Heart disease?
Heart disease—a major health risk that can have tragic consequences—is considered a leading cause of death globally according to the World Health Organization.
The Diamond Dentist: Overcoming Key Pressure Points for New Dentists (Part 1)
In the first part of this two-part series on identifying and overcoming the pressures of being a new dentist, we look at the importance of financial wellness.
Laddering: Safely Scale to New Financial Heights
Laddering is a straightforward, low-risk investment strategy that involves systematically investing a set amount at regular intervals in low-risk investments.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: A Smoother Path to Success
While it might sound complicated, dollar-cost averaging is a simple concept that can lead to results that are anything but average.
Transitioning from Dental Student to Associate
Now that you’re about to earn your own income, it’s a good time to start thinking ahead to take stock of your goals.
New Dental Grad? Here are 5 Smart Ways to Manage your Debt
With the cost of dental school ranging from $60,000 to over $200,000, depending on the school, you’ve just obtained the most expensive university degree in Canada.
Graduating from Dental School? Is it Time to Buy a Home?
Fortunately, as a dentist, your potential strong future earnings can help make home ownership a reality. Before taking the leap into home ownership, however, there are several important factors to consider.
5 Things for Dental Students to Consider When Financing Their Education
The cost of tuition for a four-year degree from a Canadian dental school can run over $200,000. But the good news is you’ve got options.
3 Smart Strategies for Financing Dental School
There are options that can help, ranging from government student loans to bank student line of credits, scholarships and bursaries.
Five Ways to Simplify Your Life
Mary Pipher, clinical psychologist and best-selling author, shares advice on how to slow down, relax, and achieve a greater sense of happiness and peace in life.
The New Dentist Study Club Announces its 2024 Program
Six learning sessions are planned on a range of topics covering technical and non-technical subjects including oral radiology, complaint handling, and career planning.
Dr. Bruce Ward: Asking for Help has Always Been the Right Thing To Do
A lot has changed since Dr. Ward started practising dentistry nearly half a century ago. But one thing remains true—dentists need to help each other succeed and be there to support each other.
Dr. Matthew Moore Shares his Experience with Water Damage in his Dental Practice
The extreme cold had caused the pipes in his office's sprinkler system to burst, resulting in water damage throughout the practice.
Understanding Malpractice Risk: Advice for New Dentists
Many new dentists tell us that anxiety over potential malpractice claims weighs on their minds, and they are unsure of the role insurance plays in safeguarding their careers and financial futures.
Rev up Your Knowledge: 8 Car Insurance Myths
From "red cars cost more to insure" to "my friend's insurance will cover me if I borrow their car," we're about to debunk 8 of the most common car insurance myths once and for all.
A Conversation with 2023/2024 FCDSA President: Allister Mason
As the newly elected President of the FCDSA, Allister Mason is focused on solidifying the federation’s role in the Canadian dental student community.
The First Home Savings Account: Your Questions Answered
The first home savings account, or FHSA, is a new savings tool to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home by offering tax advantages.
The Importance of Wellness for Dentists: Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dentists, like other frontline medical professionals, faced heightened levels of stress and anxiety throughout the pandemic, particularly during those fraught first months in 2020.
High Costs and Nature’s Fury: The Dual Threat to Dental Practices Today
Two of the biggest global stories of 2023 have been inflation and extreme weather. On their own, each has the potential to negatively impact your practice.
The Power of Giving Back with Dr. Brian Cole
During this recent mission, Bridge to Health's dedicated team collaborated closely with Ugandan dental officers, and an assembly of volunteers to provide free dental procedures.
Bringing Together the Dental Community to Build Strong and Collaborative Teams
Dr. Aisling Whitaker has been around dentists all her life and grew up wanting to be one. You could say it is a family affair.
Five Ways New Dentists can Kick-Start Their Financial Plan
How quickly should I pay off my debt? When should I start saving? How much will I need to retire? Is this the right time to incorporate my practice?
Let the Experts Manage Your Wealth so You can Manage your Life.
If your attention is pulled in too many directions, it may be time to delegate the job of investment management to a team of experts who specialize in the needs of high-net-worth professionals.
9 Proven Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
Traditional travel tips often remind you to have a valid passport, but there are other considerations that will make your adventures more exciting and less stressful.
How to Make Your Dental Practice More Attractive to Potential Buyers
You may not even realize what elements of your practice will attract buyers, and which will be red flags that may push them away, or drive the price down.
Co-Insurance and the 90% Rule
It’s important to understand co-insurance and the 90% rule because it affects the amount payable in the event of a claim.
Simple Tips for Managing a Successful Dental Practice
Here are five ways to help your practice thrive.
Tips for Financial Success After Dental School
If you’re currently in dental school or a recent grad, here are five ways to help you start your career on solid financial footing.
Using Digital Technology to Transform Your Dental Practice
From streamlining appointments to improved diagnosis and treatment options, digital technology is transforming today’s dental practice.
Five Ways to Improve Your Dental Practice Cash Flow
As a dentist, caring for your patients is your top priority, however you may sometimes face some difficult decisions that could impact your cash flow.
Should you Open a Second Dental Practice?
While expanding your practice may be financially rewarding, there are several points you’ll want to consider ensuring that your second location is as successful as your first.
Escalators, Elevators and Swings. Advice for Riding the Stock Market.
In the world of the stock market there’s an old truism that you might have heard—as a general rule, markets take the escalator up and the elevator down.
Perspectives on Wellness: Dr. Diana Liu
An associate at a busy practice in Sechelt, B.C., shares her approach to balancing the pressure of work.
9 Budget Tips for Dental Students
A dentistry degree is one of the most expensive degrees to obtain. These tips can help set you up for success.
Simple Tips to Find the Right Home Insurance Coverage
Regardless of whether you own or rent your home, the right home insurance helps ensure your space and your possessions are properly protected.
Advice for Your Younger Self
Hindsight is always 20/20. Dentists share what they wish they knew when they were starting out in their careers.
Community Participation Builds Trust
Dr. Kevin Urness, a general dentist in Red Deer, Alberta, shares his insights on how to build a sense of community in your dental practice.
TFSA or RRSP? It Depends on Your Financial Plan.
Every year around this time, we get asked whether it's best to invest in an RRSP or TFSA. Like many things, it depends and both accounts have their benefits.
Be Mindful: Five Steps to Improve your Mental Health
As we lead increasingly busy lives, the practice of mindfulness reminds us to pause and take in the present moment.
The New Dentist Study Club
Dr. Sanjukta Mohanta founded The New Dentist Study Group as a welcoming environment for dentists to learn skills in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Ready to Buy or Lease Real Estate for Your Practice?
Whether you are starting a new practice or have outgrown your current practice's location, there can be benefits to both leasing and buying real estate.
Best Practices for Dentists Treating Newcomers
With the number of newcomers and visitors to Canada continuing to grow, it is increasingly likely that you will be asked to provide care for patients who are being treated for the first time in our country.
When You Can’t Work
Claims data from CDSPI shows that the leading cause of disability in dentists is from musculoskeletal injuries.
A Profile in Multitasking: Nima Laghapour Lighvan
Meet Nima Lighvan, former president of the FCDSA discusses his move to Canada from Iran as a teenager, and the state of dentistry in Canada.
Dash Cams can Provide Economical and Effective Protection to Drivers
Dash cams—or dashboard cameras—allow you to record video and audio of your surroundings while you drive. If you’re considering this investment, here are some benefits and tips to think about.
Are You Financially Prepared for Maternity Leave?
There are many challenges young families face such as figuring out how to manage finances, work, debt, and plans for the future.
Dr. Jeff Williams Shares his Personal Experience With a Career Changing Disability
When it comes to insurance, it’s easy to get hung up on the monthly cost—the money you have to give away to an insurance company in exchange for a payout you may never redeem.
Outdoor Living and Your Home Insurance
Transforming a backyard into an oasis can be both a fun project and a worthwhile investment. Here’s a list of the most common outdoor upgrades and insurance considerations to keep in mind.
Building and Keeping Your Dental Team
Recruiting and retaining staff within a dental practice is one of the many challenges faced by dentists.
What is Equipment Breakdown Insurance and How Can it Protect Your Dental Practice?
An overview of the equipment breakdown option offered in TripleGuard insurance policies, including "what" it is, and "how" it protects dentists.
Tax Considerations for Professionals That Divorce: Dividing Assets
Divorce can be a contentious and costly process for professional practice owners. MNP offers options to divide assets in both a tax efficient and fair manner.
Coping with Feelings of Fear and Anxiety About Violence
Acts of violence, whether they occur locally or abroad, can affect our sense of safety —about the present and the future.
Saif Matti: Stepping Up and Working Hard are in his DNA.
Sitting down with Saif Matti at a local coffee shop it didn’t take long to understand why his fellow students elected him as the President of the FCDSA.
TFSA Strategies
For more than a decade, advisors across the country have been pushing their clients to invest in one of the greatest tax strategies Canadians have at their disposal: the TFSA.
Insurance Premium Payment Options
CDSPI makes things easier by offering several payment options to suit your needs.
Dealing with Cultural Differences in the Workplace
Since workplaces are more culturally diverse than ever before, the approach you take in relating to others may require some extra effort.
Mental Health: Cultural and Ethnic Stigmas
Mental illness is of such significant concern that the World Health Organization (WHO) has implemented a global Special Initiative for mental health.
Tips for Helping Your Child Through a Traumatic Event
For a parent or guardian, a traumatic event is frightening. It can be even more frightening and unsettling for children.
Managing Stress After a Natural Disaster
It can be very challenging to manage stress after a natural disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.
Supporting Employees Affected by a Natural Disaster
An employee affected by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, may need support from you as a manager.
Helping Young Children Cope After a Natural Disaster
Children who have been involved in a natural disaster are afraid of many of the same things that adults are afraid of: that the event will happen again.
How to Prepare Your Home For a Wildfire
Did you know over 7,400 forest fires occur in Canada every year?
Reduce Your Retirement Stress
If you are getting close to retirement, or have just recently retired, there is a long list of business, personal and financial details that you need to address.
All in the Family: The Story of Bailey Buckley Family Dentistry
Following in your family’s footsteps takes on new meaning at Bailey Buckley Family Dentistry.
In Conversation with Dentists at Every Age and Stage: Retired (Video)
Learn how CDSPI and Cumberland have supported Dr. Kiazyk over the years, and how they have helped the couple avoid financial stress.
In Conversation with Dentists at Every Age and Stage: Approaching Retirement (Video)
How CDSPI and Cumberland have been able to help Dr. Kowal with his plans to retire.
In Conversation with Dentists at Every Age and Stage: Practising (Video)
Hear how CDSPI has been able to help Dr. Thompson plan for the purchase of her first practice.
How Dentists Can Ensure Their Disability Insurance is Enough
Dentists who make the right choice are often very thankful for it.
Graduating Dental School During Covid: Dr. Nima Khosraviani
Dr. Nima Khosraviani shares his experience completing his studies and starting his career during these uncertain times below.
New Dentist FAQs
When does it make sense to open or buy a practice? When should I incorporate? (And more, FAQs answered)
Reopening His Dental Practice During the Pandemic: Dr. James Bonar
On May 4, Dr. Bonar reopened his practice in Brandon, Manitoba, and he shares his journey below.
Economies of Scale & Combining Dental Practices With Your Spouse: Dr. Mahsa Soraya
Dr. Mahsa Soraya and her husband, Dr. Alex Galo, were solo practitioners running efficient, successful practices for over twenty years.
Starting Out as a Couple – Planning Your Shared Financial Future
This is an exciting life milestone, when you start making long term plans as a couple – shared goals, shared dreams.
How to Make Difficult Employee Conversations Easier
It’s not easy, but here is some advice from Telus Health to help you have a more productive conversation.
Year 2—A Time of Decision for Young Dentists: Dr. Khash Gharavi
Dentists find where their niche is, where they want to be in five years and how they can contribute to the community.
Listen Now: Tips to Help Dentists Avoid a Malpractice Lawsuit
Bernice R. Bowley, a lawyer with Fillmore Riley LLP, offers 4 tips to avoid a malpractice lawsuit and ways you can help your lawyer defend you if one does arise.
Interviewing the Toronto Raptors Team Dentist: Dr. Peter Nkansah
Nothing in my career can compare with the excitement of the 2019 Raptors play-off run.
8 Tips to Help You Keep a Healthy Credit Score
Maintaining a high credit score is an essential when it comes to things like buying a home or a dental practice.
Good and Bad Stress: Do You Know the Difference?
Whatever the kind of stress we experience, one thing is clear: it’s unavoidable.
True Wealth is a State of Mind: Drs. Wowchuk and Kiazyk
We spoke with two dentists—clients for over 40 years—who have taken great joy from their careers, and their lives.
An Interview with Canada’s NHL Hockey Dentists
They don’t wear pads or carry a stick, but they’re definitely part of the team—they’re NHL team dentists.
An Interview With a Military Dental Student: Dan Shirvani
I have learned organization, discipline and how to pay attention to detail, which are all necessary to be a great dentist.
Step or Level Payments—What’s Right for You?
There are so many disability insurance products to choose from—each with their own unique options.
A Successful Dental Practice Sale Takes Time: Dr. Brenda Thompson
Start at least five years in advance—it may seem like a long time, but there’s a lot to do.
An Unconventional Journey to Dentistry: Dr. Raylien Chao
"I wasn’t into science as an undergraduate. In fact, I was studying finance."
Five Tips to Help Avoid Back Injuries
You can reduce your risk of back injury substantially by following a few simple preventative steps.
One New Dentist, Three Practices: Dr. Khash Gharavi
It’s helpful to be exposed to diverse schools of thought to help me figure out my style and approach.