Maintaining oral health often includes professional cleanings. But many Ontarians often wonder about the cost since dental care is typically not covered under Canada’s universal healthcare system.
If you’re a resident of Ontario, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $300 for a teeth cleaning. The total cost depends on a number of factors, such as clinic location and overhead costs. Regular professional teeth cleanings are beneficial to your health, and there are several options you can explore to help cover costs.
How Teeth Cleaning Costs Work in Ontario
The cost of teeth cleaning in Ontario generally ranges from $150 to $300. While these costs may seem like an investment, professional cleanings serve as a preventive measure against more serious and costly dental issues in the future.
Factors That Influence Cost of Teeth Cleaning
According to the Ontario Dental Association (ODA), fees for dental services vary due to several factors, including:
- How complex your treatment is
- How long your treatment takes
- Equipment, materials, and products used
- Safety procedures
- Staff salaries and continuing education
- Overhead costs like rent and utilities
These factors result in a variability in fees between dental clinics. Where a clinic is located may also influence its fees.
The ODA Suggested Fee Guide
The ODA’s Suggested Fee Guide outlines recommended pricing for various dental services. This guide is an annual resource that dentists and dental insurance providers can refer to, offering a framework of standard fees for services like teeth cleaning.
You can find hard copies of the fee guide in the reference section of public libraries. But be prepared that the Guide contains highly technical language and over a thousand codes representing all the dental procedures a dentist may perform.
It’s important to note that dentists are not mandated to follow the Guide’s fee suggestions. For this reason—and because the Guide can be challenging to understand if you’re not familiar with the industry—it’s best to consult directly with your dentist.
Our practice at Belman Centre is guided by an ethos of empathy and compassion. We’d be happy to discuss your questions around cost. Book an appointment today and ask away!
How to Pay for Teeth Cleaning
Public health insurance in Canada typically does not cover dental care. However, some people are eligible for certain benefits and many people receive dental benefits from their employer to subsidize costs.
Note: The following information may be updated at any time, so please visit official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Government Dental Benefits in Canada
This is a general overview of benefits available in Canada. Click on each benefit for more details about eligibility and coverage, as these may change over time.
- Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): Available to eligible individuals such as seniors, children, and adults with a valid federal Disability Tax Credit
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): Temporary support for eligible individuals such as resettled refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons, detainees, and victims of domestic violence or human trafficking
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program: Available to eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals
Government Dental Benefits in Ontario
Ontario also offers support for dental care. These include:
- Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- Ontario Seniors’ Dental Care Program
- Ontario Works
Note: OHIP does not typically cover dental care, but it may cover some inpatient dental surgeries and medically necessary tooth removals. Pre-approval may be required.
Group Benefits & Private Insurance
Many employed Canadians have dental insurance via group benefits provided by their employer. These plans can cover a significant portion of your teeth cleaning costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Key features to understand include:
- Co-payment: The portion of the bill you pay out of pocket, often 20% to 50%
- Deductible: The amount you have to pay out of pocket before your plan starts reimbursing you
- Direct billing: Sometimes, clinics can bill insurance plans directly without you having to submit a claim
For those without employer-sponsored benefits, private individual health insurance plans are another option. You can choose a plan that fits your individual needs, with options for preventive care coverage.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Did you know that preventive care may save you money in the future? The Canadian Dental Association recommends:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time
- Flossing at least once a day
- Quitting smoking and other tobacco products
- Limiting the amount of sugary foods and beverages you consume
- Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Dental cleanings can help prevent more serious problems like gum disease and tooth decay by removing plaque and tartar. Talk to your dentist about how often you should visit them for a cleaning, as this varies from person to person.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning at Belman Dental Centre
At Belman Dental Centre, our teeth cleaning fees range from $150 to $300. We also offer care for dental emergencies, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, restorative dental services, and more.
Our goal at Belman Dental Centre is to provide a patient-first approach that emphasizes comfort and thoroughness. Schedule your next teeth cleaning with us today.