How many times per year should I visit the dentist?
The number of annual exams depends on your particular needs. The Ordre des dentistes du Québec recommends a dental exam every six months. Depending on the results of the exam, your dentist may adjust the frequency of your visits.
What is the best age for a child's first dental exam?
Your child should see a dentist as soon as his or her first tooth comes in, or within six months, at around age 1. You should take your child to the dentist immediately, at any age, if you suspect a problem.
Why won't my dentist give me a price over the telephone?
Dentists do not normally give a price over the telephone, even if the treatment appears to be minor. To set their fees, dentists first have to perform an exam and then make a diagnosis and establish a treatment plan.
Can a dentist request payment for a missed appointment?
There are no laws preventing dentists from making such requests, although you are not obliged to pay the fee unless the dentist specifically informed you of the policy beforehand and you agreed to the conditions.
Are any dental services available for low-income patients?
The dentistry faculties of the Université de Montréal, McGill University and Université Laval offer dental services that cost less than dental services from a private practice. The dental services are performed by dental students, under the supervision of their professors.
Since these clinics do not offer walk-in emergency services, you will have to plan ahead and make an appointment. Note that there is a selection process for different types of treatment.
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Université de Montréal dental clinic
To become a patient of the clinic, you must complete an admission form you can request over the telephone or pick up at the clinic.
Roger Gaudry Building – Entrance B-1, reception window
2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec H3T 1J4
Tel.: 514 343-6750
www.medent.umontreal.ca under “Clinique dentaire”.
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Université Laval dental clinic
Dentistry Building
2420 rue de la Terrasse, Suite 1615
Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6
www.fmd.ulaval.ca under “Clinique dentaire”.
Undergraduate students’ clinic
Tel.: 418 656-5840
Graduate students’ clinic
Tel.: 418 656-5537
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McGill University dental clinic
First fill out the online application form, at www.mcgill.ca/dentistry/clinic/mccall/
1650 Cedar Avenue, Room A3-101
Montreal, Québec H3G 1A4
Tel.: 514 934-8042
Is some dental care covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec?
Yes. The Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) provides coverage for four types of services:
- Oral surgery in facilities operated by a hospital
- Dental services for children under age 10
- Dental services for employment assistance recipients who have held a claim slip for at least 12 consecutive months, and their dependents
- The program for acrylic dental prostheses for employment assistance recipients who have held a claim slip for at least 24 consecutive months, and their dependents
For more information on these programs, visit www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca.
Can I get a copy of my dental file?
The Code of Ethics of Dentists allows patients to request a copy of the documents that concern them in any record established for them (section 3.07.01). Your dentist may charge you reasonable fees not exceeding the cost for reproducing or transcribing documents or for transmitting a copy of documents, but must notify you of the approximate cost beforehand.
Are the x-rays taken by a dentist the dentist's property or mine?
Everything that comprises a patient’s physical file is considered the dentist’s property. However, the information contained in this physical file belongs to the patient. This means that you have a right to unlimited access to the information contained in your file and can obtain a copy of it.
Can I find out whether a dentist has a disciplinary file?
As of August 1, 1988, the public has been allowed to check whether a dentist has been the subject of a complaint to the Disciplinary Council by calling the Ordre des dentistes du Québec. See the Discipline section of this website for more information.
Is there a difference between a dentist and a dental surgeon?
There is no difference between these two professions. A dental surgeon is a generalist, i.e., a dentist who does not hold a certificate in a specialty. However, this should not be confused with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who is a surgical specialist.
Is there a guide for dental care fees?
Yes. The Association des chirurgiens dentistes du Québec publishes an annual reference guide entitled Fee Guide and Description of Dental Treatment Services to help dentists establish a fee structure for dental services performed under normal conditions. The guide is available from the Bibliothèque et archives nationales du Québec.
The fees for dental care vary from one dental practice to another. They are based on a number of factors, particularly the complexity and level of difficulty of the treatment and the type of technology used. Dentists must explain the treatment plan and costs to their patients and get their consent before beginning any treatment.