... to think that dental health is not part of overall health. You would think that just the fact that a bad dental infection could kill you would be convincing enough....

Good question! And mental health too!

But eye infections, cataract observation, and cataract surgery etc. are. When I had my eyes tested and got new glasses, he found a cataract in my left eye, which will be checked yearly (covered by the health care system), and when surgery is required (in 5 to 10 years, probably nearer 5 based on it's rate of growth) that is covered too.

It is also the case that, compared to the money that Americans pay (waste) on insurance + deductibles + copays + other out of pocket costs, the money that Canadians save paying for health care through taxation (savings averaging $3100 a year or more) buys an awful lot of fillings and glasses. (also, before I retired, full vision and dental care were covered for 35 years by employer provided insurance as a benefit).

A nose job for cosmetic purposes is not covered, but nasal surgery because of a birth defect, accident, or illness is. A tummy tuck for cosmetic purposes is not covered, but abdominal surgery for birth defect, accident, or illness is. Even if the procedure is exactly the same, if surgery is done for a necessary medical reason, it's covered, if it's only for cosmetic and non medical reasons, it's not.