There are over 700 private dentists in Calgary, but not all of them accept new patients right away. The fastest and most reliable way is to use the Alberta Dental Association's official search engine, as well as confirm availability by phone and find out about prices, schedules, and languages spoken.
1. Where to find a dentist who accepts new patients
| Tool | How it works | What to check | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find-a-Dentist (Alberta Dental Association) | Search by index, type of services, languages | Select “Accepting New Patients” | albertadentalassociation.ca → Find a Dentist |
| Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) – list of clinics | List of Calgary clinics participating in the federal program | “Accepting CDCP Patients” = accepting new patients | canadiangovernmentdentalplan.ca → Calgary AB |
| Online booking on clinic websites | “Book/Request Appointment” forms | The manager will confirm availability | Calgary Dental Centers, Centre Street Dental |
| Phone + Google/Yelp | Call: “Do you accept new patients?” | Immediately clarify the price of the examination and whether a deposit is required | Yelp: “Dentists Calgary 2025” |
2. Step-by-step: checking the clinic
- Find the address: enter your zip code in Find-a-Dentist → “Accepting New Patients”.
- License/reputation: check the dentist through “Verify a Dentist” at the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta.
- Call:
- “Are you accepting new patients right now?”
- “What is the fee for a new-patient exam and cleaning?”
- “Do you follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide 2025?”
- Schedule: ask about evening hours or Saturdays.
- Language: is there Ukrainian/Russian-speaking staff?
- Payment: private insurance, ACHB, CDCP, direct billing.
3. How much does the first visit cost?
| Service (Alberta Dental Fee Guide 2025) | Average rate, CAD |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive new patient exam (01101) | $110 |
| Complete hygiene + polish | $250–280 |
| Children's exam (01103) | $71 |
There may be an administrative fee for PPE ($5–10) or a deposit for weekend appointments.
4. Budget and free options
- Alberta Child Health Benefit — covers basic dental care for children with an income ≤ $24,397.
- CDCP (federal plan) — clinics accept patients with an income < $90,000 at no additional cost.
- Dental schools — SAIT Dental Assisting Clinic: 50–60% discount, students under supervision.
- AHS intervention clinics — urgent cases only (pre-assessment through Health Link 811).
5. What to bring to your appointment
- Documents: ID, insurance number/ACHB/CDCP
- Medical questionnaire: medications, allergies, chronic illnesses
- Consent for photo diagnosis (X-ray, photo)
- Deposit/card details: if booking for evening/Saturday
6. Tips for different needs
| Situation | Where to go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Need a dentist after 6:00 p.m. | Inglewood Family Dental | Mon–Thu until 8:00 p.m., online booking |
| Looking for a clinic in NW/SW/NE | Find-a-Dentist (filter “Quadrant”) | List by area |
| No insurance | Calgary Dental Centers (iFinance) | Interest-free installment plans for 6–12 months |
| Emergency appointments | Centre Street, Le Family Dental | Online booking, see all available slots |
| Want reviews | Google, Yelp, “Top Dental Clinics” | Check service, prices, ratings |
7. Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an Alberta Health Card? For private clinics, no; for emergency calls, paramedics may ask.
- How often should I visit the dentist? Usually every 6 months; with ideal hygiene, once every 12 months.
- Are there 24/7 emergency dentists?
Yes, some clinics (Calgary Dental Centers) are open until 11:00 p.m., and there is a 24-hour call center.
8. Phone call template
Hello, I’m looking for a family dentist accepting new patients. Do you currently accept new patients?
What is the fee for a comprehensive exam and cleaning according to the Alberta Fee Guide? Do you direct-bill my insurance or CDCP? What is your earliest appointment after 5 pm or on Saturday?
Follow this guide to quickly find a dentist in Calgary with transparent prices, convenient hours, and support for the financing programs you need.