The rates charged for dental treatments may vary from one dental office to another. However, prior to treatment, the dentist must always inform their patient as to what treatment plan they are proposing and the costs, and then obtain the patient’s agreement.

The Code of ethics of dentists stipulates that the dentist must establish and present fair and reasonable fees to the patient, i.e., in proportion to the services rendered. The Ordre des dentistes du Québec encourages patients to discuss fees with their dentist before treatment begins.

Examples of factors taken into consideration when establishing fees

  • The time devoted to performing a professional service
  • The difficulty and importance of the service to be rendered
  • The amount of expenses involved in the treatment

The Ordre des dentistes du Québec does not set dental rates. It does not provide rates by phone and does not assess the rates set by a dentist.

Dental care insurance plans

Many people benefit from group insurance plans, usually offered by their employer, which cover certain costs related to medical and dental care. The types of care covered and eligible costs vary from one plan to another. The employer should be able to explain them clearly.

You may also ask your dentist to provide your insurer with a treatment plan in advance. This allows you to know what care is covered and what part of the expenses will be reimbursed by your group insurance plan.

Plans that reimburse all dental expenses are rare. Usually, a portion of the dental expenses is non-reimbursable and must be paid by the insured person. In addition, the plans often include an annual deductible and a maximum annual reimbursement amount.

Important points to remember

  • It is up to the beneficiary of the group insurance plan, and not the dentist, to find out from their insurer what part of the treatment plan will be covered by the plan.
  • The dentist does not have to respect the rates set by the insurer.
  • The dentist cannot change the fees they usually charge simply because the patient is covered by an insurance plan.



Services covered by the RAMQ

At hospitals, all insured persons are entitled to certain oral surgery services in the event of injury or illness. These services are provided free of charge. Examinations, local or general anesthesia and x-rays related to a surgery are also covered. However, tooth and root extractions are not covered by the RAMQ.

Examples of services covered

  • bone graft
  • drainage of an abscess
  • removal of a cyst or tumour
  • reduction of a fracture
  • repair of a laceration
  • repositioning of the jaw
  • treatment of bone inflammation
  • treatment of the jaw joint
  • treatment of salivary glands

For children under age 10

Children under age 10 receive the following services free of charge, some at a dental clinic, others in a hospital, and some at both places :

  • annual examination
  • emergency examinations
  • x-rays
  • local or general anesthesia
  • grey amalgam fillings for the back teeth
  • fillings using esthetic materials (white) for the front teeth
  • prefabricated crowns
  • sedative dressings, i.e., temporary fillings to reduce pain
  • endodontics (including root canal treatment, apexification, pulpectomy, pulpotomy and emergency opening of the pulp chamber)
  • tooth and root extractions
  • the oral surgery services covered for all

The costs of cleaning, plaque removal and fluoride application and pit and fissure sealing are not covered by the RAMQ for children under age 10.

For recipients of last-resort financial assistance and their dependants

The Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale du Québec determines the conditions for entitlement to covered services. If you have any questions regarding covered services, contact your local employment centre.

Source : RAMQ website